SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Introduction to the
Philosophy of the
Human Person
Quarter 1- Module 2
Holistic Thinking, Partial Thinking, and
Doing Reflections

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

 OVERVIEW
Hello dear learners! Welcome to this module on Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human
Person. This module will help you 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.
 Lesson The Difference Between
1.1 Holistic Perspective from
a Partial Point of View
We have already discussed the meaning of Philosophy from our previous lesson. Now,
let us proceed to the continuation of the topic.

 Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that considers large-scale patterns in

systems. A holistic perspective requires an individual to have an open mindset and
ability to get the general sense or impression regarding a situation.

 Partial thinking focuses on specific aspects of a situation. The partial view is an

important component of analytical thinking, as an individual focuses on certain
areas or aspects of a problem in order to understand it.

Pretest
WHAT I KNOW?

Direction: Give a brief answer to the following question. Write your answer on
the space provided below.

1. Cite a situation where you adopted a holistic view in looking at a problem or

situation. How did adopting a holistic view help you make sense of the situation?

2. How can having a holistic view help us become better individuals?

 WHAT’S IN

The term "holistic thinking" refers to a big picture mentality in which a person
recognizes the interconnectedness of various elements that form larger systems, patterns and
objects. Thinking holistically is the opposite of analyzing something, which involves breaking
down a larger system into its details.

Holistic medicine is a prominent example of holistic thinking. A medical professional

who believes in holistic care considers the relationship between the mind, body and spirit. For
example, holistic doctors don't just provide patients with medications. Instead, they look at
ways to improve life balance and eradicate health problems from their root source, such as
high stress or bad nutrition.

In philosophy, point of view describes the perception of an event or phenomenon and

how exactly it is viewed. Point of view often is shaped by an individual's beliefs or experiences.
Though partial thinking is useful, philosophy utilizes holistic thinking in making sense of
problems and issues related to the human experience.

People tend to apply an analytical perspective when looking at problems or situations.

A holistic view gives rise to a more appreciative perspective about life, as we are able to look
at life in its totality.

TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF THINKING

Study.com
Lesson The Value of Doing

1.2 Philosophy in Obtaining a

Broad Perspective on Life
Why do we philosophize? We all have the potential to philosophize since we have the
tendency to wonder and doubt.

A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and adequately present his or
her ideas.

Doing philosophy can be applied in day-to-day activities and life perspectives. Because
it involves an evaluative process, doing philosophy allows a person to make better decisions
and act accordingly to situations with the help of various philosophical skills. On life
perspectives, philosophy enables reflective thinking which greatly influences a person’s view
of life, challenges, and relationships

In doing philosophy, a holistic perspective on the subject is always required. Failure to

do so or only using a partial point of view may lead to illogical or incorrect conclusions.

WHAT I KNOW

Direction: Give a brief answer to the following question. Write your answer in space
provided below.

1. How can a person benefit from philosophizing?

2. What are the reasons that compel a person to engage in philosophical thinking?
 WHAT’S IN

Plato traced man’s need to philosophize to his sense of wonder. Whenever we are
confronted with an experience, we always wonder how it came about.

French philosopher Rene Descartes traced the need to philosophize to doubt. In life,
we will be faced with several ideas and arguments which present themselves as “truths”. A
critical and questioning perspective is necessary to determine if indeed these ideas or views
are correct or true.

Swiss-German philosopher Karl Jaspers saw the need to philosophize because of

experience. These experiences limit situation, philosophy provides us a means to understand
adverse or challenging conditions, and to rise above them and gain new knowledge and
perspective.

The need to philosophize is

driven by the love for wisdom. To love
wisdom is to have an insatiable desire
for truth.

Philosophy itself is a distinct

area of knowledge with its own goals,
concerns, and ways of doing things.

https://thefearlesshustle.com/
 WHAT IS IT?

The following are the branches of philosophy that deals with a particular aspect of life
or phenomena.

Aesthetics is the branch of Philosophy which deals with beauty and what makes things
“beautiful”.

Logic is branch of philosophy which deals with correct reasoning.

Epistemology discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing.

Ethics is the branch which deals with moral questions and dilemmas.

Political Philosophy studies governments and deals with questions of justice, power and the
rights and obligations of citizens.

Metaphysics is a branch of philosophy which deals with questions regarding reality and
existence.

Philosophy of the Human Person-is an area in philosophy that understand the human
person from a philosophical perspective.

Lesson Doing a Philosophical

1.3 Reflection on a Situation
from Holistic Perspective
 Reflection requires a person to be willing to examine one’s thoughts, feelings, and
action and to learn more about one’s life and experiences.
 Human self-reflection is the capacity of humans to exercise introspection and to
attempt to learn more about their fundamental nature and essence.
 Philosophy has an important place in our daily lives. Engaging in philosophical
reflection leads to the development of beneficial skills that individuals can apply in
everyday situations.
 WHAT I KNOW

Direction: Give a brief answer to the following question. Write your answer on the
space provided below.

1. Have you ever had an experience where reflecting on your actions benefitted you?

2. Has reflection ever helped you avoid making a bad decision?

 WHAT’S IN

Reflection is vital in ensuring 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.

When we reflect, we can judge whether our actions or decisions are reasonable or not.
Doing Philosophy enables a person to engage in critical analysis and interpretation of
concepts, definitions, arguments, and problems.

Doing Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision making. The ability to
analyze a problem or dilemma, identify the significant aspects, and come up with alternative
solutions is an important skill learned through philosophy.

In the process of doing philosophy, it is critical to have a holistic point of view-the

perception of looking at all aspects of a situation first before making a conclusion.

Wisdom as it refers to a person’s ability to apply knowledge to daily life particularly in

making sound choices and judgment is the intended product of philosophizing.

Finally, knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-development.

Examples of activities that emanated

from a deliberate reflection
 Learning from your previous mistakes and not repeating them
again
 Evaluating and knowing the best choice from a set of options
 Gaining a holistic point of view first before making any conclusion
 WHAT’S NEW?

Direction: Complete the table below. Write your answer on the space provided.

ACTIONS WHAT MUST BE DONE BEFORE THE

ACTION?
1. Buying a new gadget
2. Choosing friends
3. Eating food
4. Deciding where to study in College
5. Joining an organization in school
6. Helping a stranger
7. Going out with friends
8. Posting your opinion or feelings in the
social media
9. Going out with the opposite sex
10. Confronting a person who verbally
hurt you

WHAT IS IT?

Based on your answers in the table above, what must before making actions? Do you
consider it helpful if you do this before making actions? Why or why not?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Simple action seems to take a whole new meaning when one engages in reflection.
Like buying a new gadget, think of the questions you asked yourself as you consider buying
the said item.

You may start with simple questions, but since we are in reflective and philosophizing
mood, we try and think of deeper questions and reflect on the situation
 WHAT I CAN DO

Direction: Write your answer on the space provided below.

1. List down instances in your life that you were able to engage in philosophy.

2. How did philosophy help you address your situation?

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! ^_^
 REFERENCES

Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min. (2016). Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person.
Philosophy meaning. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy)
Holistic thinking. https://www.reference.com/world-view/holistic-thinking-71825abaad1c20ca
Partial point of view. https://study.com/academy/answer/what-is-partial-point-of-view.html
Self-reflection. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-reflection
The difference between holistic and partial thinking.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yTVInz1eOg
https://www.slideshare.net/arielgilbuena7/intro-to-the-philosophy-of-the-human-person-
chapter-1-the-process-of-doing-philosophy
https://www.reference.com/world-view/holistic-thinking-71825abaad1c20ca
https://study.com/academy/answer/what-is-partial-point-of-view.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBTnhWEWf38
https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+philosophy&oq=what+is+philo&aqs=chrome.1.6
9i57j0l7.8372j0j8&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Philosophy
https://study.com/academy/lesson/big-picture-vs-detail-oriented-thinking.html
https://thefearlesshustle.com/5-ways-to-stay-positive-through-life/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aristotle
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socrates
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epicurus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plato
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Browse/prek-12-subject-area/test-preparation/Type-
of-Resource/Rubrics