WHY STUDY
PHILOSOPHY?
THE MEANING,
CHARACTERISTICS, &
BRANCHES OF
PHILOSOPHY
JOVANIE V. MENDOZA
Subject Teacher
LESSON OBJECTIVES
A. Discuss the meaning of philosophy;
B. Identify the branches of philosophy;
C. Appreciate the significance of the
characteristics of philosophy.
THE MEANING OF
PHILOSOPHY
Etymological
Definition
• Two Greeks words:
“philia” (love or
friendship) & “sophia”
(wisdom)
• Love (?) of wisdom (?)
THE MEANING OF
PHILOSOPHY
Conceptual Definition
• The discipline that uses
human reason to
investigate the
ultimate causes,
reasons, and principles
which govern all things
THE MEANING OF
PHILOSOPHY
Conceptual
Definition
• People engaged in
philosophy are called
philosophers or “lovers
of wisdom”
THE MEANING OF
PHILOSOPHY
• What does it mean to
be a lover of wisdom?
• What characteristics
should a philosopher
possess?
THE MEANING OF
PHILOSOPHY
What does it mean to be a lover
of wisdom?
• To have an insatiable
desire for truth
THE MEANING OF
PHILOSOPHY
What does it mean to be a lover
of wisdom?
• Socrates
• I know that I know nothing.
• The unexamined life is not
worth living.
THE CAUSE OF
PHILOSOPHY
Why is there a need to
philosophize?
THE CAUSE OF
PHILOSOPHY
Plato traced man’s need to
philosophize to his sense of wonder.
French philosopher Rene Descartes
traced the need to philosophize to
doubt.
Swiss-German philosopher Karl
Jaspers saw the need to philosophize
because of experience > “limit
situations”
THE MEANING OF
PHILOSOPHY
THE CAUSE OF PHILOSOPHY
• PLATO
• “PHILOSOPHY
BEGINS IN WONDER”
THE MEANING OF
PHILOSOPHY
THE CAUSE OF
PHILOSOPHY
• René Descartes
• “Cogito, ergo sum.” (“I
think, therefore I am.”)
• A Limit Situation is a life event that
disrupts a persons assumptions of control
and certainty, causing them to
experience things differently than in
ordinary situations
• Karl Jaspers believed that limit situations
can include guilt, fright, suffering and
finality
Processing Questions:
• What did you discover about philosophy today?
Why do you think wisdom is important in life?
• Why do you think people who ask deep
questions are called “lovers of wisdom”? Can
anyone be a philosopher? Do you consider
yourself a lover of wisdom? Why or why not?
Why or why not?
• How can you start becoming a “lover of
wisdom” in your own life? In what way can you
become a ‘lover of wisdom’ in my everyday
life?”
CHARACTERISTICS OF
PHILOSOPHY
Framework
• A way of thinking about the world and is
composed of views and beliefs of a person.
Examination of knowledge
• The principles of philosophy can be used as an
examination of other disciplines or areas of
knowledge.
Discipline
• It has its own goals, concerns and ways of
doing things.
CHARACTERISTICS OF
PHILOSOPHY
Reflective and meditative
activity
• Encourages individuals to scrutinize
their own beliefs and biases, as well
as those of others.
A method of mental exercise
• Philosophers employ logic, analysis,
and argumentation to explore
philosophical problems
BRANCHES OF
PHILOSOPHY
Activity
What are the branches
of Philosophy?
BRANCHES OF
PHILOSOPHY
Metaphysi
cs
PHILOSOPH Epistemolo
gy
Logic
Y
Ethics or
Moral
Philosophy
Aesthetic
s
BRANCHES OF
PHILOSOPHY
Metaphysics
• The study of Being or
existence
Epistemology
• The study of knowledge
• Explores questions about what
knowledge is, how we acquire it, and
how we can justify our beliefs.
BRANCHES OF
PHILOSOPHY
Logic
• The study of correct
reasoning
Ethics or Moral Philosophy
• The study of the righteous and
virtuous way of living
BRANCHES OF
PHILOSOPHY
Aesthetics
• The study of beauty, taste,
and art.
LESSON OBJECTIVES
A. Distinguish holistic perspective from
partial point of view;
B. Identify the ways of looking at
things;
C. Appreciate the ways of Science and
Philosophy in looking at things.
Holistic vs Partial
Thinking
Activity.
The Blind Men and
the Elephant
Holistic vs Partial
Thinking
Holistic Thinking
• Looking at the “big
picture”.
Partial thinking
• Focuses on specific
aspects of a situation.
• Why Do
We Reflect?
How does one engage
in reflection?
• Why Do We Reflect?
We reflect because it
helps us understand
ourselves and the world
around us.
How does one engage
in reflection?
Reflection
Reflection means thinking
deeply about our experiences,
thoughts, and actions. In
philosophy, reflection is
important because it allows us
to search for truth, meaning,
and wisdom—which are at the
heart of what it means to be a
How does one engage
in reflection?
Reflection
Think more deeply about
our action, motivations, and
consequences.
How does one engage
in reflection?
When we reflect, we:
Learn from our experiences
—both successes and
mistakes.
Discover our beliefs, values,
and goals.
How does one engage
in reflection?
Reflection
Ensures that our actions and
decisions are well thought out
and are done with due regard
for their implications and
consequences on ourselves,
others, and our surroundings.
How does one engage
in reflection?
Reflection is not just about
looking back—it's about growing
forward. It helps us live more
thoughtfully, responsibly, and
meaningfully. That’s why in
philosophy—and in life—reflection
is a key part of becoming a wise
and thoughtful person.
Parts of Reflection
• Introduction
• Purpose: Introduce the philosophical
topic, question, or experience you're
reflecting on.
• Present the issue or dilemma briefly.
• State the main idea or position you will
explore or reflect on.
Parts of Reflection
•Introduction
•Body
•Conclusion
Parts of Reflection
• Body
• Break this into key philosophical parts:
• a. Description of Experience or Problem
• Describe the situation, belief, or philosophical issue
you are engaging with.
• Could involve a personal experience or a conceptual
issue.
• b. Philosophical Questioning
• Pose deep questions that emerge from the situation
Parts of Reflection
• c. Analysis and Evaluation
• Analyze different philosophical positions or
theories related to your topic (e.g., Kantian ethics
vs. utilitarianism).
• Compare them critically and relate them to your
experience or belief.
• Use reasoning to examine assumptions or
implications.
Parts of Reflection
• d. Personal Synthesis or Insight
• Reflect on what you believe or have come to
understand.
• This is your philosophical position or insight,
informed by analysis.
Parts of Reflection
• 3. Conclusion
• Summarize your main insight or position.
• Reflect on how this exploration has deepened
your understanding.
• Optionally, mention how this might affect your
future thinking or actions.
What are the practical
uses of philosophy in
our lives?
1. Engage in critical analysis and
interpretation of concepts,
definitions, arguments, and
problems.
2. Improves problem-solving and
decision making.
3. Clearly and adequately
present ideas.
What are the practical
uses of philosophy in
our lives?
4. Wisdom – ability to apply
knowledge to daily life
particularly in making sound
choices and judgment.
5. Contribute to self-development
– one can be better if they have
the capacity for inquiry, critical
thinking, and reflection.
Assignment
Problem/issue important to
my family
Mother’s View Father’s View
Sibling’s View Personal View
Other important views or things
to consider
Solution
