TO THE LEARNERS

Here are some reminders as you use this module:

 Use the module with care especially in turning each page.
 Be reminded to answer the Pre-Test before moving on to the
Learning Module.
 Read and comprehend the directions in every exercises.
 Observe honesty in answering the tests and exercises.
 Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of this material.
 Try to finish a given activity before proceeding to the next.
 Introduction to
Philosophy of the
Human Person

Choice and Consequence

ENRICO B. CAGANDA

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 WHAT IS THIS MODULE ALL ABOUT?

This module serves as a learning resource material in understanding the target competency
expected in the curriculum.

TOPIC
Freedom of the Human Person: Choices and Consequences

CONTENT STANDARD

The learner understands the human person’s freedom.

LEARNING COMPETENCY

PPT11/12-IIb-5.3

Realize that: a.) choices have consequences, and b.) some things are given up
while others are obtained in making choices

The presented activities or exercises and texts are developed in order to meet the
following objectives:

1. Identify the philosophical and scientific foundations of making choices.

2. Predict the possible consequence of one’s action.

3. Evaluate one’s act of choice using the fourfold classification of law.

a ho

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 PRE-TEST

Read the following items carefully. Write the letter of your

answer.

1. The knowledge on fourfold classification of law is very important because it can be used
to evaluate one’s action. Who is the famous philosopher who puts forward the idea of
fourfold classification of law?

A. Jean-Jacques Rousseau
B. Plato
C. St. Thomas Aquinas
D. William Du Bois

2. One’s thought will remain an idea and will never realize unless it is converted into
action. What aspect of the intellect enables a person’s ideas be translated into action?

A. will
B. behavior
C. consciousness
D. ego

3. Natural law states that good should be sought after and evil should be avoided.
Which of the following statements tells about such law?

A. To see is to believe.
B. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
C. The voice of the people is the voice of God.
D. Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others do unto you.

4. People behave the way they do because they believe that their chosen action has more
benefits than costs. What theory is implied in this statement?

A. Theory of Existentialism
B. Evolution Theory
C. Rational Choice Theory
D. The Theory of Maximization

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 5. A consequence is a result of an action whether it is good or bad. Which of the following
tells about the relationship between one’s choice and its consequence?

A. Consequence only happens when we allow it to happen.

B. Every choice we make has an eventual consequence either good or bad.
C. One’s action is influenced by his way of reasoning out.
D. Action is realized only if a person wills it.

6. The fourfold classification of law is an interrelated but separable categories of law.

Which of the following is the combination of fourfold classification of law?

A. Human law, Natural Law, Eternal Law and Divine Law

B. Human law, Natural Law, Eternal Law and Environmental Law
C. Social law, Natural Law, Eternal Law and Divine Law
D. Human law, Natural Law, Universal Law and Divine Law

7. One’s choice is a form of action. Action is a realization of one’s thought or idea. How is
one’s will related to reasoning?

A. One’s will guides his/her reasoning.

B. One’s will is guided by his/her reasoning.
C. The will is volitional.
D. The will is independent from reasoning because they work separately.
8. One among the fourfold classification of law is Human Law. Which of the following
best describes Human Law?
A. Human Law has been here even before the existence of human beings.
B. Human Law is the same as Natural Law because we live in this planet.
C. Directed towards common good, Human Law serves as instrument in the
promotion of virtue.
D. Human Law is above other components of the fourfold classification because the
rest of the laws are products of human imagination.

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9. Every moment of our lives is a choice. In fact, “life is what we make it”. Which of the
following reminds us of something important about the process of choosing?

A. Remember that whenever we choose, we also give up something.

B. Remember that whenever we choose, we get what we want.
C. Making a choice is an expression of freedom.
D. Making a choice is philosophical.
10. Wisdom in everything is drawn out from the wisdom of God since all things were
created by Him. Seeking for the truth behind everything then is seeking for God’s wisdom
thus recognizing and understanding what kind of law?

A. Natural Law
B. Human Law
C. Eternal Law
D. Divine Law

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 LET’S SEE WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW

Based on your previous lessons in Philosophy, try to answer the following questions.
Write your answer on the space provided.

1. What does Aristotle mean by the word “volition”?

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2. Can you list down some reasons why a person needs to make choices?

a.) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
b.) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
c.) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
d.) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ --------

3. Do you believe that every time you make a choice you are giving up something? Explain
your answer briefly.

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4. Do you agree that there is a consequence for every choice that you make? Explain your
answer briefly.

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 LET’S LEARN

“We are our choices.” This is a famous quote from the well-known Philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre.

Indeed, we always make choices every moment of our lives. From the time we wake in the morning

until we go to bed again, we consciously and sometimes unconsciously, make choices. We choose

whether we wake late or wake up early. We choose what clothes to wear. We choose whether we go

outside or stay home. We choose which food to it. We choose our friends. We also choose what

personality we show to other people. We always make choices. We cannot avoid it. Even abstaining

to choose is an act of choosing --- to abstain. So, whatever we become is a result of how we make our

choosing. Jean-Paul Sartre is telling the truth.

But how can we be so sure that what we choose is the best one?

Let us recall the ideas of Aristotle to give light to the question raised above. According to Aristotle,

thinking is volitional (Ramos, 2016). Volition or will is the cognitive process by which an individual

decides on and commits to a particular course of action. This means that our will is at work whenever

we make a choice. How is this will connected to thinking or reasoning? Aristotle further elaborates the

relationship between will and the intellect (reasoning) by saying that the will is meaningless if it is apart

from the intellect (Ramos, 2016). This is true. For how could ideas be translated into action when a

person does not will it? Therefore, the intellect guides the will in making choices. It goes to show that

the absence of the intellect or reasoning means absence of the will, too. For example, your intellect or

thought has an idea of not going to class. That idea will remain an idea unless the will converts it into

action. If your will finally decide not to go to class, then your action will be that you are absent in class.

However, if your will finally decide to go to class, then your action will be that you are present in class.

An action is done because of human reason (intellect) through his will.

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 Can you now see clearly the interconnection among reason, will and action?

Reasoning therefore is an important element in determining the nature and quality of one’s actions.

Since choices are products of one’s action, we can say that choices are result of one’s reasoning. The

nature and quality of our choices is the end product of how we reason out.

How then is reasoning being evaluated in making judgements with regards to our behavior when

making a choice?

Another great philosopher St. Thomas Aquinas talks about the fourfold classification of law: eternal

law, natural law, human law and divine law (Ramos, 2016). These laws guide the way we think. The

knowledge or ignorance of these laws determine our actions thus our choices.

Natural law states that good should be sought after and evil should be avoided (Ramos, 2016).

Following this principle, it can be meant that human beings have inherent inclination for preservation

of life. Any actions then that violates this principle is a choice that is not good and is evil. Hurting

anybody physically is tantamount to an attempt to violation of natural law.

Human law is based upon the concept of natural law stating that it is directed towards the

common good and it serves as instrument in the promotion of virtue

(https://people.wku.edu/jan.garrett/302/aquinlaw.htm). As you can recall in the lesson about ethical

philosophy, virtues refer to morally good behavior or character (Ramos, 2016). Human laws are

therefore created to uphold common good through maintenance of desirable virtues. For example,

the implementation of anti-bullying law is designed to curtail behavior that is not morally good. The

same is true for laws like: anti-harassment law and ban of smoking in public places. Obedience to

such laws promotes common good, benefits everybody and consequently prevents chaos.

Eternal law can be understood as “the mind of God”. God stands as ruler to the universe which

He created. And when God’s wisdom is understood as God Himself which is unchanging and eternal,

eternal law exists (https://people.wku.edu/jan.garrett/302/aquinlaw.htm). Accordingly, Saint Thomas

says that “eternal law is nothing else than the type of Divine Wisdom, as directing all actions and

movements” (https://www.tfp.org/eternal-and-natural-law-the-foundation-of-morals-and-law/). It is only

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through Him whom we can find wise answers as the Principle of Sufficient Reason suggests. Recall

that the Principle of Sufficient Reason states that nothing exists without any reason at all (Ramos,

2016). Therefore, the wisdom in everything is drawn out from the wisdom of God since all things were

created by Him. Seeking for the truth behind everything then is seeking for God’s wisdom thus

recognizing and understanding eternal law. Laziness to know (ignorance) is tantamount to violation of

eternal law.

Furthermore, for Aquinas human and natural laws are both dealing with purposes limited by

humanity’s nature (Ramos, 2016). But since human beings are destined to go beyond his nature,

they need a law to guide them towards that destiny (Ramos, 2016). This law which guides this act of

going beyond (transcendence) is called divine law.

The above discussion gives us an awareness that the nature and quality of one’s action can be

evaluated through one’s knowledge on fourfold classification of law set forth by St. Thomas Aquinas.

We can therefore say that the choices we make is also evaluated or gauged by the same laws by

Aquinas since choices are product of action.

Rational Choice Theory can also give us an idea how one makes choices. The theory states that

“a person relies on rational calculations to achieve outcomes…which provide him/her with the

greatest benefit or satisfaction…given available choices”

(https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/rational-choice-theory.asp). The term rational refers to

reasoning or understanding (https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rational). Or simply put,

rational means reasonable or plausible. Choosing rationally therefore means the act of choosing

among choices with the aid of good reasoning given several options. Furthermore, the theory

explains that the doer of a chosen action believes that such action has more benefits than costs

(https://www.thoughtco.com/rational-choice-theory-3026628). Thus considers such action as rational.

Rational Choice gives us an idea that one’s action passes through and is a result of choosing

process between several options. Note that since one’s action is a result of a choosing process

among options, it could mean that there are options that are not chosen. There are options which are

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given up. For example, if you are thinking of whether you are attending class or not, the two options

are: a.) you will attend class and b.) you will not attend class. If you opt not attending class, then you

chose option b.) of not attending class thus giving up or forgoing option a.) which is attending class.

Choosing a choice always has consequences. As defined by Cambridge Dictionary, consequence

means a result of an action (https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/consequence).

Usually, the choices or options we are choosing from are interrelated in some way or another. For

whether the option is chosen or forgone (given up), it has a consequence that might affect us. Let’s

go back to our example on whether to attend or not to attend class. What are the possible

consequences of either options a.) or b.)?

Consequences could be good, bad or neutral (https://www.quora.com/Is-the-word-consequence-

used-to-describe-good-result-or-bad-result). The possible consequences of not attending class are:

you will miss the lessons, additional work and time of catching up missed lessons, possible

apprehension from your teacher, and not seeing your crush could be another consequence. The

opposite is true if you opt to attend class: no missed lessons, no catching up, no apprehension and

you could see the apple of your eye! But one thing is for sure: the action of choosing always has

consequences.

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 LET’S TRY THIS AND SELF-CHECK

Below are situations that need to be evaluated applying the philosophical ideas and concepts

you have learned from the preceding discussions. Fill in the boxes provided for your answers.

Teenage Pregnancy

options

to engage not to engage

consequences

1. _________________________ 1. ________________________

2. _________________________ 2. ________________________

3. _________________________ 3. ________________________

4. _________________________ 4. ________________________

5. _________________________ 5. ________________________

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 Bullying

options

to engage not to engage

consequences

1. _________________________ 1. ________________________

2. _________________________ 2. ________________________

3. _________________________ 3. ________________________

4. _________________________ 4. ________________________

5. _________________________ 5. ________________________

Sports

options

to engage not to engage

consequences

1. _________________________ 1. ________________________

2. _________________________ 2. ________________________

3. _________________________ 3. ________________________

4. _________________________ 4. ________________________

5. _________________________ 5. ________________________

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 LET’S STUDY AND ANALYZE THESE

General Instruction: Before answering the questions below, be sure that the boxes for
consequences in the above activities were filled up.

1. Based on your responses in the first situation (teenage pregnancy), which of the two options is
worth choosing? Explain your answer briefly using the spaces below.

I choose option ________________ because _________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

2. Based on your responses in the second situation (bullying), which of the two options is worth
choosing? Explain your answer briefly using the spaces below.

I choose option ________________ because _________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

3. Based on your responses in the third situation (sports), which of the two options is worth choosing?
Explain your answer briefly using the spaces below.

I choose option ________________ because _________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

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 LET’S LEARN

It is exciting to know that we can greatly influence the possible consequences of our choices.

Bear in mind that human actions are only realized when there is the will of doing it. Since human

will is only triggered by the intellect, it is his/her reasoning (intellect) which determines the action.

Choosing is a form of action. Therefore, it is actually our reasoning that is at work whenever we make

choices. Furthermore, we can say that the choices we make is the product of our way of reasoning

out.

You learned in this module that choices always have consequences. Do you now agree that the

consequences of one’s action is the result of how he/she thinks? Hasty thinking results to bad

consequence. Analytical thinking results to beneficial consequence.

Everything that you have learned in Philosophy, especially on the fourfold classification of law,

will enhance your ability to decide among options. Always remember: human, natural, eternal and

divine laws will give you an advantage in influencing the possible consequences of your choice.

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 LET’S SEE WHAT YOU HAVE LEARNED

We have to note that most social phenomena (and even socially-induced natural phenomena)

are of course consequences of our actions. They are the product of our choices whether personally

or socially. Such social phenomena can be evaluated by using the fourfold classification of law:

Human Law, Natural Law, Eternal Law and Divine Law.

Test your learning on those laws by writing your critical opinion on social phenomena below. You

have to choose among the laws (a combination is of course allowed) which can explain such

phenomenon.

1. corruption

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2. environmental pollution

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3. special seats in the bus for PWDs, senior citizens and pregnant women

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4. drug addiction

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5. free education in public schools

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 POST TEST

Read the following items carefully. Write the letter of your answer.

1. Every moment of our lives is a choice. In fact, “life is what we make it”. Which of the
following reminds us of something important about the process of choosing?

A. Making a choice is philosophical.

B. Making a choice is an expression of freedom.
C. Remember that whenever we choose, we get what we want.
D. Remember that whenever we choose, we also give up something.

2. An idea remains an idea and will never realize unless it is translated into action. What
aspect of the intellect or reasoning enables a person’s ideas be translated into action?

A. ego
B. will
C. behavior
D. consciousness

3. Good should be sought after and evil should be avoided. This is natural law. Which
of the following statements tells about such law?

A. To see is to believe.
B. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.
C. The voice of the people is the voice of God.
D. Don’t do unto others what you don’t want others do unto you.

4. We always make choices. We behave the way we do because we believe that our chosen
action has more benefits than costs. What theory governs this behavior?

A. Evolution Theory
B. Theory of Existentialism
C. Rational Choice Theory
D. The Theory of Maximization

17
5. Consequence either good or bad is defined as a result of an action. Which of the
following tells about the relationship between one’s choice and its consequence?

A. Consequence only happens when we allow it to happen.

B. Action is realized only if a person wills it.
C. One’s action is influenced by his way of reasoning out.
D. Every choice we make has an eventual consequence either good or bad.

6. Learned ideas is useful. The fourfold classification of law is very important because it
can be used to evaluate one’s action. Who is the famous philosopher who gave light on
the idea of fourfold classification of law?

A. St. Thomas Aquinas

B. Plato
C. William Du Bois
D. Jean-Jacques Rousseau

7. Action is a realization of one’s thought or idea. One’s choice is a form of action. How is
reasoning related to one’s will?

A. The will is volitional.

B. One’s will is guided by his/her reasoning.
C. One’s will guides his/her reasoning.
D. The will is independent from reasoning because they work separately.

8. Human Law is one among the fourfold classification of law. Which of the following
best describes Human Law?

A. Human Law is the same as Natural Law because we live in this planet.
B. Human Law has been here even before the existence of human beings.
C. Directed towards common good, Human Law serves as instrument in the
promotion of virtue.
D. Human Law is above other components of the fourfold classification because the
rest of the laws are products of human imagination.

18
9. Since all things were created by Him we can say that wisdom in everything is drawn
out from the wisdom of God. Therefore, seeking for the truth behind everything is
seeking for God’s wisdom thus recognizing and understanding what kind of law?

A. Natural Law
B. Human Law
C. Eternal Law
D. Divine Law
10. The fourfold classification of law is an interrelated but separable categories of law.
Which of the following is the combination of fourfold classification of law?

A. Human law, Natural Law, Eternal Law and Divine Law

B. Social law, Natural Law, Eternal Law and Divine Law
C. Social law, Natural Law, Eternal Law and Divine Law
D. Divine Law Human law, Natural Law, Eternal Law and Environmental Law

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 LET’S REMEMBER

Below is a graphic representation of the topic discussed above for easier understanding and recall.

Philosophical
Knowledge
*fourfold
classification
of
law

Reasoning/Intellect
*will

Actions
*choices

Consequences
*bad or good consequence

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Answer Key

Pre-Test Post-Test
1. C 1. D
2. A 2. B

3. D 3. D
4. C 4. C
5. B 5. D

6. A 6. A
7. B 7. B

8. C 8. C
9. A 9. C
10. C 10. A

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 Below is an example on how to answer the activity in the Let’s Try and Self-Check and Let’s
Study and Analyze These parts.

Smoking

options

to engage not to engage

consequences

1. we can get sickness of the lungs 1. Healthy lungs

2. additional exapense 2. Buy more important hings

3. can cause bad breath 3. Fresh breath

4. lessens stress 4. There are other good stress-relievers

5. less beauty-points 5. Additional beauty-points

Based on your responses in the situation above, which of the two options is worth choosing?
Explain your answer briefly using the spaces below.

I choose option not to engage because there are more harmful consequences than beneficial
consequences if we engage ourselves into smoking.__________________________

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 This module maybe adopted, modified and
reproduced for educational purposes with appropriate
credit to the author.
For inquiries, feedback and suggestions, please
contact the author through the Division Learning
resource Supervisor at Tel. No. _________________ and/or
email address ________________ @deped.gov.ph

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