Discussion for today:
Philosophical reflection- Reflecting on moral, ethical, and aesthetic values to understand what is
considered good, right, or beautiful.
Examples:
Question: What makes a persovb’n truly happy?
Reflection: Happiness might come from external achievements like success and wealth, or it
might come from internal states like contentment and peace. Reflecting on this involves thinking
about personal experiences and observing what genuinely brings lasting joy versus temporary
pleasure.
Gratitude
Reflection: What are three things I'm grateful for today? Reflecting on gratitude helps
shift focus from what's lacking to what's abundant in life. It might be as simple as
appreciating a sunny day, a kind gesture from a friend, or a delicious meal.
Goals and Aspirations
Reflection: What are my goals for the next year, and why are they important to me?
Reflecting on this helps clarify my priorities and motivates me to take concrete steps
towards achieving them. It might include professional ambitions, personal development,
or relationship goals.
What is philosophy?
- Philosophy is the study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason,
mind, and language.
- Philosophy is about asking big questions like "What is real?", "What is right and wrong?", "How
do we know things?", and trying to find thoughtful answers.
Simple Examples of Philosophy:
1. Ethics (What is right and wrong?)
Moral Decisions:
Question: Is it ever okay to steal if you're hungry and can't afford food?
Reflection: This question involves thinking about ethics and what makes an action right
or wrong.
Existential Questions:
Question: What is the purpose of life?
Reflection: This involves thinking about the meaning and purpose of our existence
Beauty and Art:
Question: Why do people enjoy art and music?
Reflection: This involves thinking about what makes something aesthetically pleasing
and why art affects us.
BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy is traditionally divided into several branches, each focusing on different
aspects of our understanding of the world. Here are the main branches of
philosophy along with simple examples:
1. Metaphysics- The study of the nature of reality, existence, and the fundamental nature
of things.
Simple Example: Wondering whether the world we see is real or if it's just an illusion,
like in the movie "The Matrix."
Metaphysics
Scenario: A child asks their parent, "Where did the universe come from?"
Philosophical Question: What is the origin of the universe?
Reflection: Metaphysicians might explore various theories such as the Big Bang Theory,
creationism, or the idea that the universe has always existed. They might also delve into
questions about the nature of time, space, and existence itself.
2. Epistemology- The study of knowledge, its nature, sources, and limits.
Simple Example: Asking how we know that the Earth is round and not flat, and what
evidence supports this belief.
3. Logic- Definition: The study of correct reasoning and
argumentation.
Simple Example: Determining if the statement "All humans are
mortal; Socrates is a human; therefore, Socrates is mortal" is a valid
argument.
4. . Aesthetics
Definition: The study of beauty, art, and taste. Simple Example: Discussing why people find
sunsets beautiful and whether beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
6. Political Philosophy
Definition: The study of government, justice, rights, and the role of political institutions. Simple
Example: Considering whether democracy is the best form of government and why.
7. Philosophy of Mind
Definition: The study of the nature of the mind, consciousness, and mental states. Simple
Example: Wondering how our thoughts and feelings are related to our brain activity.
8. Philosophy of Science
Definition: The study of the assumptions, foundations, and implications of science. Simple
Example: Exploring what makes a scientific theory like evolution or gravity credible and
reliable.
9. Existentialism
Definition: The study of human existence, freedom, and the meaning of life. Simple Example:
Reflecting on what it means to live an authentic life and make genuine choices.
Simple Examples in Everyday Life:
1. Metaphysics: "Do we have souls, or are we just physical bodies?"
2. Epistemology: "Can we ever be certain of anything?"
3. Ethics: "Is it okay to cheat on a test if it helps you get a better job?"
4. Logic: "If all birds can fly and penguins are birds, can penguins fly?" (This tests
understanding of logical fallacies, as the premise is false for penguins).
5. Aesthetics: "Why do people have different tastes in music?"
6. Political Philosophy: "What makes a law just or unjust?"
7. Philosophy of Mind: "Are robots capable of thinking and feeling?"
8. Philosophy of Science: "How do scientific discoveries change our understanding of the
world?"
9. Existentialism: "What is the purpose of my life?"
These examples illustrate how philosophical questions and reflections can arise from everyday
experiences and curiosity about the world
Balijuagan National High School
Balijuagan, Roxas City
S.Y. 2022-2023
PRETEST
Introduction to Philosophy of the Human Person
Multiple Choice Questions:
1. What is philosophy? 4. Which branch of philosophy is concerned
A) The study of the physical world and its with moral principles and what is right or
properties wrong?
B) The study of fundamental questions about A) Metaphysics
existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and B) Epistemology
language C) Ethics
C) The study of ancient texts and historical D) Logic
events
D) The study of art and literature
2. Which branch of philosophy deals with
questions about reality and existence?
A) Epistemology
B) Ethics 5. What is logic?
C) Metaphysics A) The study of beauty and taste
D) Aesthetics B) The study of correct reasoning and
argumentation
3. What does epistemology study? C) The study of government systems
A) The nature of beauty D) The study of human existence and freedom
B) The nature of knowledge and belief
C) The nature of government and justice 6. Aesthetics is the branch of philosophy that
D) The nature of existence and reality studies:
A) Knowledge and belief
B) Reality and existence
C) Morality and ethics
D) Beauty and art D) The nature of reasoning
7. Which branch of philosophy explores the 9. Philosophy of science is concerned with:
nature of government and political A) The study of art and taste
institutions? B) The study of scientific assumptions,
A) Ethics foundations, and implications
B) Political Philosophy C) The study of morality
C) Logic D) The study of political systems
D) Epistemology
10. Existentialism focuses on:
8. What does the philosophy of mind study? A) The study of beauty and art
A) The nature of art B) The study of human existence and the
B) The nature of mental states and meaning of life
consciousness C) The study of correct reasoning
C) The nature of knowledge D) The study of government and justice
Answer Key:
1. B) The study of fundamental questions about existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind,
and language
2. C) Metaphysics
3. B) The nature of knowledge and belief
4. C) Ethics
5. B) The study of correct reasoning and argumentation
6. D) Beauty and art
7. B) Political Philosophy
8. B) The nature of mental states and consciousness
9. B) The study of scientific assumptions, foundations, and implications
10. B) The study of human existence and the meaning of life
