Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person - Pursuing Wisdom and Filipino Thinking Notes

The Meaning and Etymology of Philosophy

  • The word "philosophy" is derived etymologically from two distinct Greek words: "philo", which means "to love", and "sophia", which means "wisdom".
  • In its original and historical context, philosophy was defined literally as the "love of wisdom".

Philosophy as a Science

  • Philosophy is classified as a science because the investigation it undertakes is inherently systematic.
  • It is not a haphazard collection of ideas; rather, it follows specific steps and employs rigorous procedures.
  • Like any other academic science, it constitutes an organized body of knowledge.

The Natural Light of Reason

  • The philosopher investigates the nature of things using their natural capacity to think, also referred to as human reason alone or "unaided reason".
  • Distinct from the hard sciences, philosophy does not rely on laboratory instruments or specialized investigative tools.
  • Distinct from theology, philosophy does not base its investigations on supernatural revelation. If it were to rely on divine revelation, the discipline would be categorized as theology rather than philosophy.

The Scope of Philosophy: The Study of All Things

  • Philosophy differs from other sciences primarily in the breadth of its subject matter. While other sciences are concerned with a particular object of investigation, philosophy is the study of all things.
  • Examples of specialized sciences include:
    • Anthropologists: Study human beings specifically in relation to society.
    • Sociologists: Study the forms, structures, and functions of society.
    • Theologians: Investigate the nature of God.
  • In contrast, a philosopher explores a wider array of concerns, including but not limited to human beings, society, religion, language, God, and plants.

The First Cause and Highest Principles

  • In philosophy, a principle is defined as that from which something proceeds in any manner whatsoever.
  • There are four fundamental highest principles used in philosophical reasoning:
    • Principle of Identity: This states that whatever is, is; and whatever is not, is not. Everything is what it is. Every being is its own being, and non-being is non-being.
    • Principle of Non-Contradiction: This states that it is impossible for a thing to be and not to be at the same time and in the same respect.
    • Principle of Excluded Middle: This states that a thing either is or is not. Everything must either be or not be; there is no middle ground or third possibility between being and non-being.
    • Principle of Sufficient Reason: This states that nothing exists without a sufficient reason for its being and existence.

Metaphysics: The Study of Reality

  • Metaphysics represents a fundamental human drive to understand the nature of reality.
  • The primary goal of a metaphysician is to explain "unreal" or perceived experiences in terms of what is actually considered real.
  • Metaphysical theories generally fall into two categories concerning unobservable entities:
    • Idealist: Focuses on the mind. While we experience thoughts, ideas, desires, and fantasies, we cannot observe the mind itself.
    • Materialist: Focuses on matter. While we see objects made of matter, the underlying essence of matter itself is not visible.
  • Plato's Metaphysics: A famous student of Socrates, Plato argued that true reality is unchanging, eternal, and immaterial. He believed that reality can only be detected through the intellect, not the senses.

Ethics: The Nature of Moral Virtue

  • Ethics is the branch of philosophy that explores the nature of moral virtue and evaluates human actions. It asks the central question: "How do we tell good from evil or right from wrong?"
  • Philosophical ethics aims to explain fundamental ethical ideas and moral judgments.
  • Distinction from Traditional Ethics: While traditional ethics are often motivated by religious belief, philosophical ethics insists on a rational foundation for moral laws and adopts a critical perspective.
  • Case Study in Ethical Consciousness (White Oppression vs. Black Freedom):
    • Thesis (White Oppression): The creation of a system that treated Black people as less than human.
    • Antithesis (Black Soul): The development of a strong inner identity and culture by Black people in response to that oppression.
    • Synthesis (Black’s Consciousness of Freedom): Through struggle and awareness, Black people realize they are truly free, equal, and human, regardless of how the systemic structure treats them.

Epistemology: The Nature of Knowledge

  • Epistemology deals with the nature, sources, limitations, and validity of knowledge (Soccio 2007).
  • It addresses three primary questions:
    • 1. How do we know what we claim to know?
    • 2. How can we find out what we wish to know?
    • 3. How can we differentiate truth from falsehood?
  • Sources of Knowledge:
    • Empiricism: Advocated by philosophers like John Locke. Empiricists believe knowledge is acquired through induction (examining specific facts). They argue that real knowledge is based on sensory experience rather than mental constructs.
    • Rationalism: Advocated by thinkers like Rene Descartes. Rationalists rely on deduction, which finds general laws to understand facts. They argue that real knowledge is developed through logic, laws, and reason-based methods.

Logic and Aesthetics

  • Logic: This branch is concerned with the rules of reasoning in all areas of life, including science, medicine, ethics, politics, and everyday decision-making. Since humans are rational beings, logic is essential for influencing others and engaging in valid debate. Logicians study how valid thinking works to improve correct reasoning.
  • Aesthetics: This is the science of the beautiful in all its manifestations, including the sublime, comic, tragic, pathetic, and ugly.
    • Hans-Georg Gadamer on Aesthetics: The German philosopher argued that judgments of beauty are shaped by personal experience and culture. Because art reflects the values of a specific time and society, a "dialog" or conversation is necessary to interpret it (White 1991).

Western and Non-Western Philosophical Traditions

  • Western and Eastern philosophies are the two major traditions. Indian and Chinese philosophies developed earlier than Greek philosophy.
  • Historical Context: While the East was active in early philosophical thought, the West later flourished through the works of Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
  • Key Differences:
    • Eastern Philosophy: Views life as a continuous cycle, emphasizes intuition and spiritual understanding, and often integrates religion with philosophy.
    • Western Philosophy: Focuses more heavily on logic, analysis, and theoretical inquiry.

Filipino Thinking and Values

  • Filipino philosophy is characterized by its holistic and interior dimensions:
    • Loob: Refers to the inner self. It includes values like "kagandahang-loob" (noble will), "kabutihang-loob" (kindness), and "kalooban" (inner being). Mercado (1992) notes that Loob is tied to freedom and interpersonal connection. Filipino ethics are often internal rather than legally imposed, emphasizing duties over rights.
    • Philosophy of Time: Filipinos view time as cyclical, embodied in the concept of "gulong ng palad" (wheel of fortune). This leads to an optimistic outlook where bad times are expected to pass (Timbreza 1992, 1996). "Filipino Time" is not necessarily laziness; it encompasses cultural rhythms like early rising and the midday siesta.
    • Bahala Na: This means entrusting outcomes to "Bathala" (the Supreme Being). According to Timbreza (2002) and Mercado (2000), this reflects faith in Divine Providence, courage, and trust. It explains the Filipino willingness to take risks, such as working in dangerous conditions abroad.
    • Social Values: Values are based on personal ties and vertical relationships (elders/leaders). "Utang na loob" (debt of gratitude) helps maintain social harmony. Other core values include endurance, hard work, and "bayanihan" (mutual help).

The Philosophy of Abundance

  • The word "abundance" comes from the Latin "abundare", meaning "to overflow nonstop" (Aguilar 2010).
  • Redefining Abundance (Aguilar): In "The Gift of Abundance", abundance is viewed through a spiritual and Buddhist lens. It is defined by "outflow" (what we give) rather than "inflow" (what we receive).
  • Key Tenets of Abundance:
    • It is not about material possessions but about relationships with others, oneself, and nature.
    • True abundance involves surrendering with empty hands, avoiding attachment, and offering oneself freely.
    • It is captured by the phrase: "Abundance is not what we gather but what we scatter."
    • Self-control over desires is essential to avoid harming others (e.g., through pollution or harsh words). Aguilar teaches that karma exists in thoughts, words, and actions.
    • Value of Money: Money is important, but it must be "money with heart", "money with values", and "money with meaning".
    • Perspective from "The Secret" (Rhonda Byrne): Supports the idea that the universe (or God) helps humans fulfill dreams in His time. Abundance is ultimately a choice.