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Notes on Social Thinkers and Filipino Psychology

Social Thinkers and Their Impact on Philippine Society

Overview of Social Thinkers

Social thinkers are influential individuals in society dedicated to societal improvement during a specific time. They contribute significantly to political and social thoughts and to the advancement of social science disciplines. In the Philippines, many social thinkers have enriched the landscape of political ideology and social philosophy.

Claro Mayo Recto: Advocate of Nationalism and Economic Independence

  • Birth: February 8, 1890, Tiaong, Tayabas (Quezon)

  • Key Beliefs:

  • Assertion of Nationalism: Recto believed that the salvation of Philippine nationalism required Filipinos to embrace the virtues of their national heroes and implement nationalist industrialization policies.

  • Non-negotiation of National Interests: He argued that the interests of the people should not be sacrificed in negotiations with foreign entities.

  • Economic Control: Claimed that if foreigners control the economy, true development for Filipinos is unattainable.

  • Twin Goals: Saw nationalism and industrialization as interconnected goals crucial for the country's advancement.

Isabelo de los Reyes: Pioneer of Labor Rights

  • Birth: July 7, 1864, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

  • Key Contributions:

  • Founded the first labor union in the Philippines, Union Obrera Democratica, on February 2, 1902.

  • Launched La Redencion del Obrero, the first labor newspaper advocating for labor rights.

  • Celebrated the first Labor Day in the Philippines on May 1, 1902.

  • Drawn inspiration from notable European social thinkers like Karl Marx, Friedrich Engels, among others, to introduce socialism to the Philippines.

Apolinario Mabini: The Conscience of the Revolution

  • Birth: July 23, 1864, Talaga, Tanuan, Batangas

  • Roles:

  • Served as the first prime minister and Secretary of Foreign Affairs of the First Philippine Republic.

  • Acted as chief adviser to President Emilio Aguinaldo during the revolution.

  • Influential Works:

  • Authored "El Verdadero Decalogo,""Ordenanzas de la Revolucion," and "Programa constitucional de la republica Filipina."

  • Advocated for revolutionary government and national independence.

José Rizal: The First Systematic Social Thinker

  • Birth: June 19, 1861, Calamba, Laguna

  • Recognition: Considered the greatest Filipino social thinker of the 19th century; acknowledged as the first systematic social thinker in Southeast Asia by Syed Alatas.

  • Major Ideas:

  • Emphasized the need for a strong propaganda campaign for Filipino identity.

  • Explored Filipino social realities through his novels, Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo, critiquing Spanish colonialism and promoting education and human rights.

  • Advocated for women’s rights in his "Letter to the Young Women of Malolos," emphasizing education, strength, and independence of women.

  • Key Quotes:

  • "Ignorance is tantamount to servitude."

  • "All men are born equal… God did not create man to be a slave."

Sikolohiyang Pilipino: Filipino Psychology

  • Definition: Sikolohiyang Pilipino (Filipino Psychology) is a branch of psychology based on Filipino experiences, thoughts, and orientations, with a focus on indigenous culture.

  • History: Formalized in 1975 by Virgilio Enriquez, who is recognized as the Father of Filipino Psychology.

  • Characteristics:

  • Focused on identity and national consciousness, challenging colonial psychological practices.

  • Merges scientific and humanistic approaches to psychology in the Philippine context.

Pantayong Pananaw: A Novel Perspective in Philippine History

  • Concept: Pioneered by Zeus Salazar, this perspective emphasizes understanding Philippine history from the viewpoint of Filipinos.

  • Traditions:

  1. Academic Scientific Psychology: Follows Western psychological traditions.

  2. Academic Philosophic Psychology: Focuses on rational psychology taught by priests.

  3. Ethnic Psychology: Studied indigenous concepts using native methodologies.

  4. Psycho-medical Religious Psychology: Combines native healing techniques with indigenous beliefs.

Core Values in Sikolohiyang Pilipino

  • Key Values:

  • Hiya (sense of propriety), Utang na Loob (norm of reciprocity), Pakikisama (smooth interpersonal relationships).

  • Confrontational Surface Values: Include Bahala Na (commitment to effort and faith) and Lakas ng Loob (courage).

  • Kapwa Psychology: Central to Filipino personality, emphasizes relationships and community.

Filipino Psychopathology

  • Definition: Studies abnormal psychology in the Filipino context, focusing on culture-bound syndromes.

  • Examples:

  • Amok: A mood disorder where a person suddenly loses control, often leading to violence, with no recollection afterward.

  • Bangungot: Causes sudden death during sleep, often linked to dreams of falling or suffocation.

These notes encapsulate the contributions and philosophies of notable Filipino social thinkers and the evolution of Filipino psychology, showcasing their enduring impact on societal development and national identity.