SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Introduction to the
Philosophy of the
Human Person
Quarter 1- Module 2
Method of Philosophizing

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1- Module 2: Method of Philosophizing
First Edition, 2020

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Author: Lovella D. Tompong

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i
 SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Introduction to the
Philosophy of the
Human Person
Quarter 1- Module 2
Method of Philosophizing

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

ii
iii
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No.
Cover page ii
Table of Contents iv
Overview 1
General Instructions 2
Lesson 2: Method of Philosophizing 3
What I Need to Know 3
What I Know 4
What’s In 5
What’s New 5
What Is It? 6
Lesson 2.1 7
What I Know 8
What’s In 9
Lesson 2.2 11
What I Know 11
What’s In 12
Lesson 2.3 13
What’s New 13
What Is It? 14
What’s More 15
What I Have Learned 16
What Can I Do 17
Assessment 18
Answer Key 19
References 20
 OVERVIEW
Hello dear learners! Welcome to this module on Introduction to the Philosophy of the
Human Person. This module will help you demonstrates various ways of doing philosophy
and evaluate opinions. To understand the meaning and process of doing philosophy of the
human person as an embodied being in the world and the environment as a means towards
a holistic understanding of life. It contains activities that will help you reflects on a concrete
experience in a philosophical way and demonstrates various ways of doing philosophy and
evaluate opinion. The module is self – instructional and allows you to learn in your own
space, at your own pace. So, relax and enjoy learning.

To the teacher:

This lesson assume that the teacher has already introduced to his/ her learners’
knowledge about philosophy and its importance as discipline and a means of understanding
life.
The primary goal of this module is to help learners engaged in some simple activities
in order to have necessary skills and understanding and reflects on a concrete experience in
a philosophical way.

To the Learners:

At the end of this module, you will be able to reflect on your daily experiences from a
holistic point of view and acquires critical and analytical thinking skills so that you can apply
this critical and analytical thinking skills to the affairs of your daily life and should be able to
demonstrate a capacity for a critical and analytical reflection from the perspective of a
holistic and profound vision of life.

In order to achieve the objectives of this module, it is necessary to have completed

all the module for you to fully understand the activities and discussions.

Specifically, this module consists of the following lessons:

 Lesson 2.1- Distinguish opinion from truth

 Lesson 2.2 – Realize that the methods of philosophy lead to wisdom and
truth
 Lesson 2.3 –Evaluate truth from opinions in different situations using the
methods of philosophizing

1
 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

For the learners: For the teacher:

To be guided in achieving the To facilitate and ensure the students’
objectives of this module, do the learning from this module, you are
following: encouraged to do the following (you
may edit this part):
1. Read and follow instructions
carefully. 1. Clearly communicate learning
2. Write all your ANSWERS in competencies and objectives
your PHILOSOPHY ACTIVITY 2. Motivate through applications
NOTEBOOK. and connections to real life.
3. Answer the pretest before 3. Give applications of the theory
going through the lessons. 4. Discuss worked-out examples
4. Take note and record points 5. Give time for hands-on
for clarification. unguided classroom work and
5. Compare your answers discovery
against the key to answers 6. Use formative assessment to
found at the end of the give feedback
module. 7. Introduce extensions or
6. Do the activities and fully generalizations of concepts
understand each lesson. 8. Engage in reflection questions
7. Answer the self-check to 9. Encourage analysis through
monitor what you learned in higher order thinking prompts
each lesson. 10. Provide alternative formats for
8. Answer the posttest after you student work
have gone over all the lessons. 11. Remind learners to write their
answers in their Philosophy
Activity Notebook

2
 Lesson
Method of
2 Philosophizing

The study of this subject is an initiation to the activity and process of philosophical
reflection as a search for a synoptic vision of life. At the end of the course, you should be
able to reflect on their daily experiences from a holistic point of view, acquire critical and
analytical thinking skills and should be able to apply this critical and analytical thinking skills
to the affairs of daily life and become truthful, environment-friendly and service-oriented.
Actively committed to the development of a more humane society and articulate their own
philosophy of life.

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW?

Objectives: After going through this module, you will be able to demonstrate various ways
of doing philosophy and evaluate opinions:

1. Distinguish opinion from truth PPT11/12-Ic-2.1

2. Realize that the methods of philosophy lead to wisdom and truth PPT11/12-Id-2.2
3. Evaluate truth from opinions in different situations using the methods of
philosophizing PPT11/12-Id-2.3

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 WHAT I KNOW

Before heading on to our lesson, let us first check what you have learned from
our previous lesson.

Direction. Identify each statement. Choose your answer from the box and write them
on the space provided.

Plato Wisdom Doubt Philosophy Holistic Thinking

Love of wisdom Karl Jaspers Partial Thinking Reflection Love

________________1. It is the study or discipline that uses human reason to investigate the
ultimate causes, reasons, and principles which govern all things.
_______________ 2. The Greek term, philosophia, means ______.
_______________ 3. The Greek word, philos, means _________.
_______________ 4. The Greek word, sophia, means _________.
_______________ 5. The Greek philosopher who believes that Philosophy is brought about
by man’s sense of wonder.
_______________ 6. He believes that persons engage in philosophy in order to make sense
of difficult life experiences.
_______________ 7. It is an activity that requires a person to examine his or her thoughts,
feelings, and actions and learn from experience.
_______________ 8. Rene Descartes consider this as a reason why people philosophize.
_______________ 9. It is a perspective that considers the “bigger picture” when looking at
problems and situations.
_______________ 10. It is a perspective that focuses on specific aspects of a situation.

Great job! Later we will see if your answers are correct by reading the rest of
this module.

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 WHAT’S IN

Philosophical method (or philosophical methodology) is the study of how to

do philosophy. A common view among philosophers is that philosophy is distinguished by
the ways that philosophers follow in addressing philosophical questions. There is not just
one method that philosophers use to answer philosophical questions.

Philosophy is concerned with determining the concept of truth. Truth lies at the heart
of any inquiry.

WHAT’S NEW?

Direction. Choose five words you found inside the box. Write down other related
words or ideas that can you think of in relation to the words you choose. Write you answer
on the space provided.
Box No. 1

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

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 WHAT IS IT?

Truth in metaphysics and the philosophy of language is the property of sentences,

assertions, beliefs, thoughts, or propositions that are said, in ordinary discourse, to agree
with the facts or to state what the case is. It is most often used to mean being in accord
with fact or reality, or fidelity to an original or standard. Truth is also sometimes defined
in modern contexts as an idea of "truth to self", or authenticity.

Propositions is a statement about the world or reality. Propositions may or may not
carry truth.

Knowledge is the clear awareness and understanding of something. It is the product

of questions that allow for clear answers provided by facts.

Facts are propositions or statement which are observe to be real or truthful.

Claim is a statement that is not evidently or immediately known to be true. This

means that any claim can be proven by verification and experimentation.

Therefore, truthful statements can be considered as based on facts.

There are several views regarding truth. Philosophers emphasize the importance of
belief as a basis for determining truth. But as a philosopher, we do not assume that every
statement is true. Remember the famous French philosopher, Rene Descartes traced the
need to philosophize to doubt.

In philosophy, systematic doubt is employed to help determine the truth. This means
that every statement, claim, evidence, and experience is scrutinized and analyzed.

Philosophers always engaged with the concept of truth. Philosophers consider truth
as a kind of quality or value. Knowledge is the clear awareness and understanding of
something, since it is true knowing that we are able to determine what is true.

Doubt has a very important purpose in philosophy as it drives our desire to discover
the truth. In philosophy, systematic doubt is employed to help determine the truth.

A belief is true if it can be justified or proven through the use of one’s senses.
Another basis for determining truth is a belief or statement is true if it is based on facts.

Getting consensus or having people agree on a common belief is another way of

determining what is true. Although this approach has certain limitations. Getting everyone to
agree on something may not take that belief true.

Philosophers also believe that claims and belief should also be subjected to test to
determine truth. In determining truth requires also that a person can prove a statement
through an action.

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 Lesson Distinguish Opinion

2.1 from Truth

Let us take a look at the following statements and determine which one states fact or
opinion.

 1. It takes me 30 minutes to walk from my home to school.

 2. Living near the school is better because we do not have to spend much for
transportation.
 3. My sister ate the last piece of pizza pie.
 4. My sister is a selfish person because she ate the last piece of pizza pie and did
not share it with me.
 5. The policeman firmly pushed the suspect to his knees and placed him in
handcuffs.
 6. The aggressive manner by which the policeman arrested the suspect is an
example of the brutality that characterizes our police force.
Statements 1, 3, and 5 are more factual than statements 2, 4, and 6. Using the
philosophical tools we learned, they fit into the category of facts since they contain ideas or
information that are easily verifiable.

While statements 2, 4, and 6 could be considered as opinions. These statements go

beyond providing facts. It also provide conclusions or perspectives regarding certain
situations. Opinions are also the bases for making arguments and convincing people that a
certain claim is a fact.

Fact is something concrete that can be

proven. You can find facts in legal records,
scientific findings, encyclopaedias, atlases,
etc. In other words, facts are the truth and
are accepted as such.

Opinion is less concrete. It's a view

formed in the mind of a person about a
particular issue. In other words it is what
someone believes or thinks, and is not
necessarily the truth. Also, note in the
examples below how facts are the same for

https://study.com/academy/
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 everybody, but opinions can differ quite widely.

 Examples of an opinion:

 Ann can have the opinion that Italian food tastes best, while Joe has the
opinion that French food is ideal.
 Sue can have the opinion that reading is boring, while Mike can have the
opinion that reading is fun.
 Penny can have the opinion that cold weather is better, while Tim can prefer
hot weather.


FACT OPINION

https://www.teachstarter.com https://hickslibrary.weebly.com

WHAT I KNOW

Direction: Give a brief answer to the following question. Write your answer in the space
provided.
1. Give 5 examples of a factual statements and 5 examples of an opinion.
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________

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 WHAT’S IN?

 Opinions are statement that go beyond providing facts.

 A conclusion is a judgment based on certain facts.
 Beliefs are statements that expresses convictions that are not easily and clearly
explained by facts.
 Explanations are statements that assume the claim to be true and provide
reasons why the statement is true.
 Arguments are series of statements that provide reasons to convince the
reader or listener that a claim or opinion is truthful.
 Fallacies are arguments based on faulty reasoning.
 Bias is disproportionate weight in favor of or against an idea or thing, usually in
a way that is closed-minded, prejudicial, or unfair.

The facts that form the bases of a conclusion may not be disputed but the conclusion
itself could still be contested or questioned. To judge the truthfulness of belief, we must also
consider things such a person’s experiences and views.

Facts are statements that are observed to be real or truthful. Claims are statements
that require further examination to determine their truthfulness. Some arguments may
contain fallacies. We must be aware of the various kinds of fallacies as these affect the
validity of arguments. Opinions are often influenced by bias. We must be aware of bias so
that we can objectively and critically examine points of view.

Opinion is something intermediary between knowledge and ignorance. While Public

opinion is the intermediate faculty which seizes the things that float between the two
extremes (Plato)

Opinion applies to what, being true or false, may be other than it is: in fact, opinion is
the apprehension of an immediate and unnecessary premise (Aristotle)

Opinion, founded in the probable, perhaps also the name of knowledge (Leibniz)

Opinion is a belief that is conscious of being insufficient both subjectively and

objectively (Kant)

An opinion gives for truth something that has been said, although sometimes they
are absurd words, which mean nothing, impossible to understand (Hobbes)

Public opinion is the convergence of the opinions of the greatest number of people in
a community, so that they form a common and dominant feeling, exerting diffuse pressure
(Freund)

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The following are the examples of fallacies.

Fallacy Characteristics
Ad hominem attacking the person presenting the argument instead of the
argument itself.
Appeal to force using the threat of force or an undesirable event to advance an
argument.
Appeal to emotion using emotions such as pity or sympathy.
Appeal to the popular the idea is presented as acceptable because a lot of people
accept it.
Appeal to tradition the idea is acceptable because it has been true for a long time.
Begging the question assuming the thing or idea to be proven is true; also known as
circular argument.
Cause-and-effect assuming “cause-and-effect” relationship between unrelated
events
Fallacy of composition assuming that what is true of a part is true for the whole
Fallacy of division assuming that what is true for the whole is true for its parts.

The following are the examples of biases.

Bias Characteristics
Correspondence bias tendency to judge a person’s personality by his or her actions,
or attribution effect without regard for the external factors or influence.
Confirmation bias tendency to look for and readily accept information which fits
one’s own beliefs or views and to reject ideas or views that go
against it.
Framing focusing on a certain aspect of a problem while ignoring other
aspects.
Hindsight - the tendency to see past events as predictable, or to ascribe a
pattern to historical events.
Conflict of interest a person or group is connected to or has a vested interest in the
issue being discussed.
Cultural bias analyzing an event or issue based on one’s cultural standards.

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 Lesson Methods of Philosophy

2.2 Lead to Wisdom and

Truth
The methods of philosophy will help to learn the process of doing philosophy in a
systematic way. On the other hand, philosophizing is to think or express oneself in a
philosophical manner.

Although philosophy is an organized body of knowledge, the subject matter of

philosophy is questions, which have three major characteristics;

1. Philosophical questions have answers but the answers remain in dispute.

2. Philosophical questions cannot be settled by science, common sense, or faith.
3. Philosophical questions are of perennial intellectual interest to human beings.

The methodology or method that philosophers use to address philosophical question

is critical thinking.

Critical Thinking is the careful, reflective, rational and systematic approach to

questions of very general interest.

Critical thinking means understanding if philosophy and refraining from merely giving
claims but through careful thought, one reasons through to argumentation.

The scientific method also leads to wisdom and truth because it uses an evidence-
based approach to come up with its conclusion. In this method, all truths are supported by
facts that can easily be tested or proven again through experiments, logical reasoning, or
observation

WHAT I KNOW?

Direction: Give a brief answer to the following question. Write your answer on the
space provided.
1. How will you determine the truth from an opinion?
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

11
 WHAT’S IN?

An understanding of opinions and facts and the mean to distinguish one from the
other can further improve our understanding and appreciation of varied views and ideas.

The ability to determine truth goes hand in hand with the holistic perspective and
enables us to make wiser decisions, especially in choosing then ideas and views which we
find acceptable.

A critical mind aided by philosophy can help us from our own personal point of view
that can guide us in making decisions and actions when we faced with a problem.

Philosophy can help us determine ideas that are truthful and acceptable, which we
can use to form our own views regarding certain matters

For Maboloc and Pascua (2008) critical thinking is a lifelong process of self-
assessment that further consists of:

Defining, analyzing and devising solutions,

Arriving at reasonable and informed conclusions
Applying understanding and knowledge to new and different problems.
Willingness to say “I don’t know.”

The attributes of a critical thinker include;

Looks for evidence to support assumption and beliefs

Adjusts opinion
Looks for proof
Examines the problem
Rejects irrelevant and innocent information

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 Lesson Evaluate Truth from Opinions

2.3
in Different Situations Using
the Methods of Philosophizing
A method of philosophizing is a process of determining the truth or drawing
conclusions from a statement using various philosophical methods, such as: Socratic,
dialectic, scientific, and historical.

When you evaluate information, it is very important to distinguish between fact and
opinion. How do we know if something is true?

Philosophers emphasize the importance of belief as a basis for determining truth. It is

said that there are instances when we have to unlearn something so that we may learn anew.
Philosophers questioned what they knew and even analyzed their methods of knowing in
order to understand themselves and the world much better.

The discussion on truth is part of philosophical studies on knowledge where

philosophers explore the nature of knowledge and the ways of knowing.

WHAT’S NEW

Direction: Complete the table below. Apply systematic doubt in analyzing the
statement. Write your answer on the box provided.

I am alive
I have a body
I can breathe

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 WHAT IS IT

Both the Socratic and dialectic method are based on a discussion between two or
more people who may carry differing views but wish to pursue the truth by seeking an
agreement with one another. Meanwhile, the scientific method is a process of determining
truth or knowledge through experimentation, inductive and deductive reasoning, and
hypothesis or theory testing.

The scientific method, also called empirical method, is a process of determining truth
or knowledge through experimentation, inductive and deductive reasoning, and hypothesis
or theory testing

Logic is the truth based on reasoning and critical thinking. It includes analysis and
construction of arguments. It serves as path to freedom from half-truths and deception.

TYPES OF REASONING
DEDUCTIVE REASONING INDUCTIVE REASONING

http://images.slideplayer.com/28/9351128/slides/slide_2.jpg

Deductive Reasoning
In this type of reasoning, conclusion comes first, followed by main points, and the last
will be the supporting data, facts, examples, and evidences. General idea comes first before
the specific or particular idea.

Inductive Reasoning
In this type of reasoning, supporting data, facts, examples, and evidences come first
followed by the main points and conclusion will be the last part. This is the vice versa of the
deductive reasoning because particular idea comes first before the general idea.

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 WHAT’S MORE

Direction: Read the conversation below and answer the following question. Write
your answer on the space provided.

Lover’s Quarrel

Shanon: Did you hear about what happened between Angel and her boyfriend?
Vanvan: What happened?
Shanon: They got a huge fight last night. Angel called me up. She was crying and
she said that Mike hit her.
Dean: Wait, what? That’s not right? Mike came by my place last night and he was
pretty shaken up. He had scratch marks on his arms and a bite on his left hand. He
said Angel just attacked her and was accusing him of seeing another girl.
Shanon: No! Angel said it was Mike who started to hit her and she had to defend
herself!

Question 1: As friend of Angel and Mike, how will you react to the statements given?

15
 WHAT I HAVE LEARNED?

Direction. Fill in the blanks. Choose your answer from the box and write your
answer on the space provided

Doubt Truth Senses

Consensus Bias Opinion
.

 Philosophy is concerned with determining the concept of _________________. Truth

lies at the heart of any inquiry.
 In philosophy, systematic __________________ is employed to help determine the
truth. This means that every statement, claim, evidence, and experience is
scrutinized and analyzed.
 There are various philosophical views regarding truth. One perspective is that a belief
is true if it can be justified or proven through the use of
one’s_______________________, a belief or statement is true if it is based on facts.
Another way of determining what is true is getting a _______________________or
having people agree on a common belief. Philosophers also believe that claims and
belief should also be subjected to tests to determine truth.
 Opinions are statements which not only give facts but also provide conclusions or
perspective regarding certain situations.
 Arguments often take the form of statements that are either claims of facts and are
phrased in such a way that they seem reasonable. Hence, some arguments may
contain fallacies which means they are products of faulty reasoning.
 __________________ or the personal views of the person presenting it affect the
way he or she sees reality.

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 WHAT I CAN DO?

Direction. Select one issue from the current issues in our society today. How do you
apply methods of philosophizing in determining the truth. Write your answer on the space
provided.

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 ASSESSMENT

After our lesson, let us now check what you have learned.

Direction. Identify the following statement. Choose your answer form the box. Write
your answer on the space provided.

Facts Cultural of Bias Truth Framing Knowledge

Appeal to Tradition Fallacies Opinion Ad Hominem Conflict of Interest

1. It is the clear awareness and understanding of something.

2. These are statements which are observed to be real or truthful.

3. These are comprised of statements that provide views on a certain

matter.

4. These are arguments based on faulty reasoning.

5. It is most often used to mean being in accord with fact or reality, or

fidelity to an original or standard.

6. A fallacy which is attacking the person presenting the argument

instead of the argument itself.

7. A fallacy which the idea is acceptable because it has been true for
a long time.

8. A kind of biases which is focusing on a certain aspect of a problem

while ignoring other aspects.
. 9. A kind of biases which a person or group is connected to or has a

vested interest in the issue being discussed.

10. Is by analyzing an event or issue based on one’s cultural stand.

Congratulations! You have completed your journey in this module.

You did a great job, it’s now time to go on to the next adventure…Good luck!

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 ANSWER KEY

Rubrics for Short Answer

Correct answer Correct answer Correct answer Correct answer

but not in a written in a written in a sentence written in a sentence
sentence sentence but no with 1 supporting with 2 supporting
supporting detail detail from the text details from the text
1 2 3 4

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 REFERENCES:
Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min. (2016). Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human
Person.
Philosophical_methodology https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophical_methodology
Truth-philosophy-and-logic https://www.britannica.com/topic/truth-philosophy-and-logic
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth
Bias https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bias
Methods-of-philosophy
https://www.powtoon.com/online-presentation/fBoYdDSqWuT/realize-the-methods-of-
philosophy-that-lead-to-wis/?mode=movie
Opinion
https://www.the-philosophy.com/opinion-philosophical-definitions
https://examples.yourdictionary.com/opinion-examples.html
https://study.com/academy/lesson/facts-vs-opinions-examples-games-activities.html
http://www.ufh.ac.za/library/InfoLit/fact.html
https://study.com/academy/lesson/facts-vs-opinions-examples-games-activities.html
https://hickslibrary.weebly.com/librarians-blog/facts-vs-opinions
https://gillemanalo.wordpress.com
http://images.slideplayer.com/28/9351128/slides/slide_2.jpg
https://www.slideshare.net/arielgilbuena7/
https://www.teachstarter.com/au/teaching-resource-collection/fact-and-opinion/
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/prek-12-subject-area/test-preparation/Type-
of-Resource/Rubrics
Short story author: Lovella D. Tompong

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Department of Education – Division of Misamis Oriental Don A.
Velez St., Cagayan de Oro City

Contact number: 0917 899 2245

Email address: [email protected]