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DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
DIVISION OF CITY OF BOGO

Buac, Cayang, Bogo City, Cebu

Senior High School

Introduction to the Philosophy
of the Human Person
Quarter I – Week 3:

This Self-Learning Kit belongs to:

Name: ________________________________________________________
School: ________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
Cellphone Number: ___________________________________

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 NOTE:

THIS IS A DRAFT LEARNING MATERIAL SUBJECT

FOR FURTHER QUALITY ASSURANCE AND

APPROVAL.

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 FOREWORD

This self-learning kit will serve as a guide on how to

distinguish truth from opinion through systematic
philosophical processes. The learners will also be mindful on
the needs of assessing information, whether it carries with it a
truth value or just a mere opinion that is not universally
applicable.

In this learning kit the students will learn new concepts,

on how to assess information as they appear to them.
Screening each in a more philosophical way, by then, critical
thinking would be enhanced, thus addressing the challenges
of the present situation.

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 INTRODUCTION TO THE

PHILOSOPHY
OF THE HUMAN PERSON

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OBJECTIVES:
 Define the role of philosophy in determining truth and
knowledge;
 Distinguish opinion from truth;

MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY:

 Distinguish opinion from truth

I. WHAT WILL HAPPEN?

So what are
we waiting
for? Let’s get it
on!

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 PRE-ASSESSMENT

Read the following statements carefully and write the letter that
corresponds your answer. Write the answers in your notebook.

WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING STATEMENTS ARE TRUE?

______ 1. The sun is the center of the solar system.

______ 2. Asia is the largest continent in the world.
______ 3. God made the world in seven days.
______ 4. Man has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

______ 5. China’s continued presence in the Spratlys is a violation of

international law
______ 6. A person must always consider the interests of his or her family
before his or her own happiness.
______ 7. The World Health Organization is addressing the pandemic crisis
bluntly.
______ 8. All imported products come from outside the country.
______ 9. Barriers for motorcycle’s is 100% effective in reducing the risk of
transmission of COVID-19 virus.
______ 10. The traditional medicine practice, “tu-ob,” is a promising cure
for this pandemic.

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Points to ponder ???

1. Were you able to easily judge the truthfulness of the statements?

2. Which of the statements are obviously true? Which ones required more
thought to determine truthfulness?
3. Which of these statements may be true for others but not true in your
judgement?
4. Which of these statements do you personally believe to be true but
may be disputed by other people?

II. WHAT TO KNOW?

Narrowing down the Concept

In this activity, your prior knowledge about truth and opinion will be
assessed. Using a concept map, write words below each concept associated
with “truth” and “opinion” inside the circles. Do this in your activity notebook.

TRUTH OPINION

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Question:
 What events in your daily life do you usually caught yourself deciding
whether to accept or deny the information you’ve been thrown in to? Do
you find any difficulties in these instances?

Brain-teaser…

A brain-teaser is a form of puzzle that requires thought to solve. It often

requires thinking in unconventional ways with given constraints in mind;
sometimes, it also involves lateral thinking, logical puzzles, and riddles.

Examples:
 Eskimos are very good hunters, but they never hunt penguins. Why not?
 You are in a cabin and it is pitch black. You have one match on you.
Which do you light first, the newspaper, the lamp, the candle, or the
fireplace?

Answers for these brain-teasers would require one to think outside the box
and not to settle for the obvious. (Ramos, 2016)

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READINGS:
Philosophers often grapple with the concept of truth. Truth lies at the
heart of any inquiry. Knowledge must be truthful to gain validity and
acceptance. However, the concept of truth remains a highly debated
and much discussed topic among philosophers, dating from the ancient
period, up to this moment. Philosophers consider truth as a kind of quality
or value; this means that statements may or may not have truth value in
them. Statements about the world or reality are called propositions and
these propositions may or may not carry truth.
WHAT IS TRUTH and WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
Knowledge is the clear awareness and understanding of
something. It is the product of questions that allow for clear answers
provided by facts. Our knowledge is comprised of ideas and beliefs that
we know to be true.
Statements as I know that… I know why… I know how… simply
means that what we know is what is observable or evident in the real
world. For example, we say that “I know that fish live in water: because
fish do live in water. Propositions or statements which are observed to be
real or truthful are considered facts.
However, there are statements that are not evidently or
immediately known to be true. For example, we can say that “I know that
my school is the best school in the city.” This statement, however, cannot
be taken as true since it is simply not immediately evident. This statement
is a claim, and further examination is required to establish whether it is true
or false.

Truthful statements, therefore, can be considered s based on facts,

while any claim can be proven by verification and experimentation.
HOW DO WE KNOW IF SOMETHING IS TRUE?

Here are several views regarding truth. Philosophers emphasize the

importance of belief as a basis for determining truth. But what kind of
belief is truthful? How do we know that what we believe is true?

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Ancient Greek philosophers approached the problem of truth by looking
at the nature of knowledge and ho we know what we know. Philosophers
who pondered upon the origins of knowledge doubted that there is to
know about themselves and the world.

Let’s embark on our own investigation in the nature of knowledge.

Let’s start by stating the very obvious things we know about ourselves.

I am alive. I have a body. I can breathe.

Do you believe that these statements apply to you? Of course,
you’ll say yes.
But remember, as philosophers, we do not assume every statement
is true. Doubt has a very important purpose in philosophy as it drives desire
to discover truth. In philosophy, systematic doubt is employed to help
determine truth. This means that every statement, claim evidence, and
experience is scrutinized and analyzed.

Using doubt as our starting point, let’s revise the statements to make
them easier to scrutinize and analyze. Let’s rewrite the statements as
questions so we can review and examine them further.

Am I alive? Do I have a body? Can I breathe?

Now, how will you figure out the answers to these questions? The
obvious answer would be to examine yourself to determine of indeed you
are alive that you have a body, and you can breathe. Do you have a
pulse? Can you feel your heartbeat? Do you have hands, arms, legs, feet,
and a head? Try to take a deep breath, then exhale. Were you able to
do it> if you answered “yes” to all these questions, then you can conclude
with certainty that the previous statemtns about yourself are true. You can
now say;
I am alive! I have a body! I can breath!

This is one perspective on truth – that a belief is true if it can be

justified or proven through the use of one’s senses.

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 Now let’s tackle another statement and see how philosophy can
help us determine if it is true.

I am a Filipino.
Now let’s apply doubt and revise the statement for further
examination.

Am I a Filipino?
We can use facts to guide us in our search for truth. If you look up
the word “Filipino” in a dictionary, you will come across the following
definitions:
Filipino (noun)
1. A native of the Philippine Islands
2. A citizen of the Republic of the Philippines
3. The Tagalog-based official language of the Republic of the
Philippines
Definitions 1 and 2 are the ones that best apply to you, since they
refer to Filipinos as persons. Definition 3 cannot be used in this case since
it refers to the Filipino language and not to Filipinos as persons.
This is another basis for determining truth: a belief or statement is true
if it is based on facts.
if your mind is still clouded with doubts of you being a Filipino, you
can try doing the following:
1. Ask your parents and other relatives
2. Look for official documents that prove you are a Filipino

When you survey your family regarding your question, all of them
may answer with a resounding “Yes!” Getting a consensus or having
people agree on a common belief is another way of determining what is
true. But this approach has certain limitations. Therefore, you have to use
other means to really answer the question. Looking at official
documents, particularly a PSA issued birth certificate, is one
recommended way of proving that you are a Filipino.

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Finally, let us explore the following statements about what you can do:
I can play basketball

Let’s revise the statement so we can analyze further.

Can I play basketball?
To prove that you know how to play basketball, you will have to go
to the court and play the game. Some would argue that the proof is not
only in the act but also in the product. This means that you should not only
show how to dribble, and to shoot the ball but that you can really play in
a game setting. Determining truth in this case requires a person to prove
a statement through an action. The statements, therefore, are only true if
they can be applied in real life.
The final statement also requires proof through action. The best
means to determine whether you have understood the lesson is to take a
test and get a good score. Philosophers also believe that claims and
beliefs should also be subjected to tests to determine truth. Any claim,
therefore, should be subjected to test to prove their validity.
All these approaches can help you determine whether the
statements are true or applicable in your case. The inquiry would result in
any of the following realizations.
I am alive. – I am not alive.

I am a Filipino. – I am not a Filipino.

I can play basketball. – I cannot play basketball.

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HOW CAN PHILOSOPHY GUIDE US IN DISTINGUISHING TRUTH FROM
OPINION?

Now that you have an idea of how philosophizing recognizes truth,

let us try and apply it in various situations in your life. The ideas that we
encounter in everyday life can be considered as truth or opinion. But what
distinguishes one from the other? 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 don’t 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.
Analyzing these statements, you will be able to identify statements
that are similar. Let’s arrange them again.

(1) It takes me 30 minutes to walk (2) Living near the school is better
from my home to school because we don’t have to spend
much for transportation.

(3) My sister ate the last piece of a (4) My sister is a selfish person because
pizza pie. she ate the last piece of pizza pie and
did not share it with me.

Which column has statements that are more factual? The First
column it is. Analyzing closely the statements in that column using the
philosophical tools we learned, we can confidently say that they fit into
the category of facts since they contain ideas or information that are
easily verifiable.

The second column, on the other hand, has statements that could
be considered opinions. These statements go beyond the facts. They 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.

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 A conclusion is a judgement based on certain facts. The facts that
form the bases of a conclusion may not be disputed but the conclusion
itself could still be contested or questioned. Meanwhile, beliefs are
statements that express convictions that are not easily and clearly
explained by facts. If a person states “I believe that God put me on this
earth to spread His message of love”, we will find it difficult to prove his or
her statement as truthful of we rely merely on facts. To judge the
truthfulness of belief, we must also consider things such as a person’s
experiences and views.
We should also be aware when statements go beyond the facts
and provide additional ideas and information. For instance, statement 4
provides details or explanation in order to support the idea “my sister is
selfish”. Explanations are statements that assumes the claim to be true and
provide reasons why the statement is true. Arguments, meanwhile, are a
series of statements that provide reasons to convince the reader or listener
that a claim or opinion is truthful. You often encounter arguments in a
formal debate, where participants explain two sides of a proposition, and
judgement regarding the truthfulness of the proposition is made after
hearing the arguments of both sides.

Logic is the branch of Philosophy that focuses on the analysis of

arguments. Arguments can lead people to either right or wrong decision
and actions. Thus, we need to be very careful when we listen to
arguments since not all arguments are truthful. On the other side of it, it is
also possible that claims and arguments are given by persons who have
ill intentions and wish to twist or manipulate facts to suit their own purposes.
As we analyze what is presented to us, we must always keep in mind the
standards of critical thinking. (Abella, 2016.)

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 III. WHAT TO ASSESS?

YOUR TURN

To assess your knowledge, kindly give your insights about the important
terminologies in the lecture-discussion. Copy this in your notebook.

Terminologies Insights
Truth
Opinion
Belief
Explanations
Arguments

What could be the benefits, personally, if one can distinguish clearly the
difference between an opinion and truth? The most important answer that
philosophy can offer to you is the ability to think critically. Not accepting each
information as the sole truth because it might be an opinion of another person
which will turn out to be biased. In these times of uncertainty, it is a rightful act that
we must be very critical in all our dealings.

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 To assess your understanding, analyze and arrange each statement
whether it is an opinion or truth. Put only the numbers representing the statement
in the designated area. Copy this in your notebook

1. On a regular day, I usually arrive to school at 7:30 in the morning.

2. I really like to eat spaghetti; it reminds me of my dearest grandmother.
3. The policeman firmly pushed the suspect to his knees and placed him
in handcuffs.
4. The aggressive manner by which the policeman arrested the suspect is
an example of the brutality that characterizes our police force.
5. I had to run 5 kilometers in order to reach the market.
6. The untiring services of the frontliners somehow inspired me to take up
medical course someday.

Truth Opinion

APPLICATION OF LEARNING

Apply systematic doubt in analyzing the following statements. Describe

how you will determine their truthfulness. Write your answers in your notebook.

1. My table is squeaky-clean.
2. I can play violin.
3. We live in a safe community

Note: Refer to the discussion in the previous pages

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THINK

A. Imagine that you are part of the conversation below, how will you react to
the statements given?

Alfred: Did you hear Martin say that Ma’am Gonzales will not give a test today?

Eugene: Really? I heard Martin is pretty close with Ma’am. Maybe he is right.

Dennis: Remember when he said last Monday that classes will be suspended in
the afternoon because it was the principal’s birthday? Well, that didn’t happen.
I don’t think we should believe what he says.

You: _________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Aunt: Did you hear about what happened between Jake and Pauline?

Mother: What happened to them?

Aunt: They tried to enter the border to Cebu City last night but was rejected due
to lack of supporting documents. They called me last night.

Uncle: I beg to disagree, according to what I have heard, they were both have
high temperatures when an officer took their body temp.

Aunt: No! The rejection was due to problems of documents.

You: ______________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

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B. Give a reaction to the article below. Describe how you will determine the
truth of the claims given. Write your article in your notebook.

The newest miracle drug promises to cure a variety of diseases and

provide many health benefits to its users. The Gingko extract is taken from the
Gingko biloba tree which has been in Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
In the United States, Europe, and Asia, many people are taking Gingko
supplements and have enjoyed several benefits such as improved memory and
sharpened thinking.
Many scientific studies prove that Gingko extract has several benefits to
the human body. It has been proven to improve blood flow to the brain. This
unique benefit has led many to use Gingko supplements to treat ailments such as
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Alzheimer’s, dementia, attention-deficiency
hyperactive disorder (ADHD), depression, dyslexia, migraine, and drug addiction.
In several medical studies, it was discovered that using Gingko extract
improves blood circulation. Gingko supplements, therefore, can be used to treat
diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease, and can help in the recovery
from stroke. Gingko also gives significant benefits to people suffering from asthma,
vertigo, kidney disease, glaucoma, diabetes, and cancer. Also, people taking
Gingko supplements were found to have better memory and showed fewer signs
of aging.
The Gingko supplements are safe to take 3 to 5 times daily for maximum
health benefits. The supplements can be taken with other medicine and rarely
cause adverse side effects. Any person, young and old, can take the Gingko
supplement, so share the benefits of health with your family today!

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REFERENCES:
 Abella, Roberto D., Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person,
2016, C&E Publishing Inc. Quezon City.

 Ramos, Christine Carmela R., Introduction to the Philosophy of the

Human Person, First Edition 2016, Rex Bookstore Inc., Sampaloc, Manila.

 https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B41NpxO8pu79MU43dlNNUnFfVWs/view
?usp=drivesdk

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Schools Division of City of Bogo

NATHANIEL F. RAMOS
Author

PHILIP R. BERCERO
Principal

JONATHAN BERCERO
EPS - AP

ROSELLER N. GELIG, CESO VI

OIC- Asst. Schools Division Superintendent

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