GENERAL MAMERTO NATIVIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

Overview of the Subject

Core Subject Description: An initiation to the activity and process of philosophical reflection as a search for a
synoptic vision of life. Topics to be discussed include the human experiences of embodiment, being in the
world with others and the environment, freedom, intersubjectivity, sociality, being unto death.

Course objectives: At the end of the course, the student should be able to:
1. Reflect on their daily experiences from a holistic point of view
2. Acquire Critical and Analytical Thinking skills
3. Apply their critical and analytical thinking skills to the affairs of daily life
4. Become truthful, environment-friendly and service-oriented
5. Actively committed to the development of a more humane society
6. Articulate their own philosophy of life

Over-all Standard for Grade 12: The learner should be able to demonstrate a capacity for a critical and
analytical reflection from the perspective of a holistic and profound vision of life.

COURSE TEXTBOOKS and MATERIALS

Primary Reference
 Roberto D. Abella, Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
 Maboloc, Christopher Ryan, The Inteligente Publishing Inc., Quezon City, Philippines, 2016
 Philonotes, http://www.philonotes.com
 International Encyclopedia of Philosophy, http://www.iep.utm.edu
 Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, https://plato.stanford.edu

Secondary Reference
 Warner, Rex, The Greek Philosophers, A Mentor Book, 1958
 R.C. Sproul, The Consequences of Ideas, Understanding the Concepts that Shape our World, Crossway
Books, Illinois, USA, 2000
 Julian Maria, History of Philosophy, Dover Publishing, USA, 1967
 Poythress, Vern S., Redeeming Philosophy, A God-centered Approach to the Big Questions, Crossway
Books, USA, 2014

Prepared by: Elexis L. Castillo

 GENERAL MAMERTO NATIVIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
 Malitao, Arnel, Essential Logic, National Bookstore Publishing, Quezon Publishing, 2009

COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1. Students are expected to attend all classes. Roll will be taken regularly at the beginning of the class.
Excessive absences and/or tardiness will result to lower final grade. In case that you have skip the class and
claim that you have a valid reason for your absence/s, I would require you to write an excuse letter with the
signature of your parent/s and your adviser.
2. Students are required to comply on given subject requirements on the scheduled date of submission. Failure
to submit any requirements will automatically have a grade of zero on the said requirements (e.g. assignment,
research paper, etc.). Quizzes will be given over the readings and handouts.
3. Students will take major exams at the middle and end of the course to demonstrate their knowledge of the
material. Exam questions will be substantive and integrative and will emerge clearly from the readings and
lectures. The dates for the exams are given on the school calendar.
4. For fairness in checking your submitted papers, you are required to put your name below or in the footer of
the document, this will allow me to grade your works according to your performance and not on your
class/academic status.
5. In case that your teacher required you to write a research, write and present to the class a paper on a selected
philosopher, philosophy and philosophical issue related to the subject. Paper topics will be raffled off by the
instructor.
6. The research will be 5-7 pages long, typed, double-spaced. You may use any twelve-point font but preferably
the Times New Roman or Calibri. The paper will include the following elements: (1) title page (2) paper body
of 3-4 pages and (3) bibliography of sources used in research. Primary sources are referenced by books.
Students are required to consult at least five secondary sources (books, periodicals, etc.); no more than three
can be Internet sources. Students will make use of footnotes (not endnotes) to reference secondary sources.
Papers must be stapled and not placed in a folder.
7. For classroom paper presentations, students are encouraged to be creative as these will be graded. Handouts
are required. Presentations will run 20 minutes of teaching time and 10 minutes of teacher questions and
general class discussion. The dates of the presentations still TBA. This term paper will be graded according to
the following criteria: (1) awareness of key issues, (2) organization and development of ideas, (3) originality
and integration, (4) correct grammar and spelling, and neatness and form. (Since we are now applying the
blended learning system, you will present your assigned paper through our online class)

Prepared by: Elexis L. Castillo

 GENERAL MAMERTO NATIVIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

COURSE GRADING
Quarterly Computation of Grades
25% Written Works (Assignments, Weekly quizzes)
50% Performance Task (Attendance and Class Participation, Reflection Paper, Term papers and class
presentation, video presentation)
25% Quarterly Exam
Final Grade = mid-term grade plus final term grade, all divided by two

Teacher’s motto for this subject: “Think is the new sexy”- Sherlock Holmes

COURSE OUTLINE
First Grading Period:The meaning and method of doing philosophy in relation to the human person as an
embodied being in the world and the environment.

Standard Content: The student should be able to show an understanding of the activity of doing philosophy of
the human person as an embodied being in the world and the environment

Foundational Concept: Understanding 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.

I. Doing Philosophy
1.1. Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view
1.3. Realize the value of doing philosophy in obtaining a broad perspective on life
1.4. Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic perspective

Lesson Output: Philosophical Reflection

II. Methods of Philosophizing

2.1. Distinguish opinion from truth
2.2. Realize that the methods of philosophy lead to wisdom and truth
2.3. Evaluate truth from opinions in different situations using the methods of philosophizing.
Prepared by: Elexis L. Castillo
 GENERAL MAMERTO NATIVIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

Lesson Output: Choose a method of philosophy and draw a cartoon depicting this view, its main idea, and how
to apply it in life.

III. The Human Person As An Embodied Spirit

3.1. Recognize own limitations and possibilities
3.2. Evaluate own limitations and the possibilities for their transcendence

Lesson Output: A 2-minute video presentation showcasing your talent.

IV. The Human Person In Their Environment

4.1. Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in an aesthetic way
4.2. Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being and sustainable development
4.3. Demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards environments

Lesson Output: A short video applying the lessons in preservation of our environment.

Quarterly Performance Output:

Deadline: 1 week before the scheduled examination
Interview
Interview a priest, a nun, and monk and ask them regarding their philosophy of religion. Submit the
interview in class. Document the interview. Take pictures with the interviewee. If you are a non-Catholic,
interview a spiritual adviser.
Guide Questions:
 What is Faith?
 Who is God in one’s life?
 Cite the things necessary for the salvation of humanity.

Second Grading Period: Human Living

Standard Content: The learner is able to show an understanding of philosophy within the context of the human
person as free, intersubjective, immersed in society and oriented towards death.

Prepared by: Elexis L. Castillo

 GENERAL MAMERTO NATIVIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

Fundamental Concept: The learner is able to understand that doing philosophy within the context of the human
person as free, intersubjective, immersed in society, and oriented towards their impending death will lead to a
deeper understanding of the human person.

V. Freedom Of The Human Person

5.1. Evaluate and exercise prudence in choices
5.2. Realize that:
a. Choices have consequences
b. Some things are given up while others are obtained in making choices
5.3. Show situations that demonstrate freedom of choice and the consequences of their choices

Lesson Output:
Film/Video viewing/Screening: Watch a video presentation of the EDSA Revolution. Base on the film, answer
the following questions:
A. How can reason be translated into action?
B. If there were no intellect, there would be no will. Explain
C. What is a social contract and how is it reflected in the EDSA Revolution

VI. Intersubjectivity
6.1. Realize that intersubjectivity requires accepting differences and not to imposing on others
6.2. Explain that authentic dialogue means accepting others even if they are different from themselves
6.3. Perform activities that demonstrate the talents of persons with disabilities and those from the
underprivileged sectors of society

Lesson Output:
Video interview of a person with disability:

VII. The Human Person in Society

7.1. Recognize how individuals form societies and how individuals are transformed by societies
7.2. Compare different forms of societies and individualities (eg. Agrarian, industrial and virtual)
7.3. Explain how human relations are transformed by social systems
Prepared by: Elexis L. Castillo
 GENERAL MAMERTO NATIVIDAD NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

VIII. Human Persons As Oriented Towards Their Impending Death

8.1. Enumerate the objectives he/she really wants to achieve and to define the projects he/she really wants to do
in his/her life
8.2. Reflect on the meaning of his/her own life.

Lesson Output:
Writing a personal eulogy.

Quarterly Output:
Deadline: 1 week before the scheduled quarterly exam.
A video of yourself giving your philosophy in life.

Assignment:
In a 1/2 sheet of paper:
What is Philosophy? What are the branches of Philosophy?
3 Famous Philosophers

Prepared by: Elexis L. Castillo