Methods of Philosophy

Write 5 statements(or ideas) out from the words in the box.

What is philosophizing?

Philosophizing is to think or express oneself in a

philosophical manner. It considers or discusses a
(matter) from a philosophical standpoint.

Do you believe that everyone has the capacity to

philosophize?

The first philosophers engaged in philosophy because of

their curiosity and desire to understand the world.
Thus, if you have ever asked or wondered about your
surroundings, it will not be difficult for you to engaged
in the activity of philosophizing.
 What is a belief?

The Nature of Belief

Belief, as defined by the Oxford Dictionary, refers to the

acceptance that the statement is true or that something
exists. It is considered as a firmly held opinion or
conviction.
What is truth? How would you determine if your beliefs
are true?
The Nature of Truth

The following theories will help you understand the

nature of truth and how each theory is used to
determine the truth of beliefs or propositions.
 The Nature of Truth

The Correspondence Theory of Truth

-states that the key to truth is the relation (or
correspondence) between propositions and the world. This
means that “a belief is true if there exists an appropriate
entity – a fact – to which it corresponds. If there is no such
entity, the belief is false.
For example, There is a water fountain in front of the
Cultural Center of the Philippines.

For the above proposition to be true, there must be a fact in the world where:
• there is such a thing as a water fountain;
•there is a place called Cultural Center of the Philippines; and
•the water fountain is in front of the Cultural Center of the Philippines
 Coherence Theory of Truth

It insists that a belief is true if and only if it is part of a

coherent system of beliefs.

For example:
The sum of half of six and ten is thirteen.
½ (6) + 10 = 13
3 + 10 = 13
13 = 13

The given mathematical equation is true by virtue of the coherence theory of

truth because the system of belief is coherent in connection with it; that is,
the answer 13 is arrived at and recognized as coherent in connection with
other several contents of arithmetic where the rules of addition and
multiplication of fractions are acceptable operations.
 Pragmatic Theory of Truth
This theory holds that a proposition is true if it is useful to
believe it. Thus, utility is the essential mark of truth.
Truth is arrived at based on beliefs that lead to the best
“payoff,” that give the ultimate benefit or advantage
that promote success. Philosophers who subscribe to the
pragmatic criterion consider truth as what is expedient.

A dream board is necessary for dreams to come true.

The given proposition is true if it leads to success – that is, if it
is expedient for the person to believe that his or her dreams
will come for achieving. If, on the other hand, people believe
that visualization is unnecessary for achieving a dream or goal,
then it will not be expedient to create a dream board;
therefore, the given proposition will be considered false.
Expedient - (of an action) convenient and practical, although possibly improper or immoral.
 Opinion’s Purpose
Rene Descartes, a rationalist philosopher, claimed that “we
have the obligation to withhold assent from all propositions
whose truth we do not clearly and distinctly perceive.” In
other contexts, it may be both permissible and prudent to
form a mere “opinion” whose truth we do not clearly and
distinctly perceive. Though we cannot have certain
demonstrations of everything, we must still take sides, and
in matters of custom, embrace the opinions that seem the
most probable, so that we may never be irresolute when we
need to act.
The degree of your belief without a clear and distinct
basis of evidence obliges you to still believe in the form of
opinion.
Irresolute - showing or feeling hesitancy; uncertain
Prudent - acting with or showing care and thought for the future.
Classify the following as either truth or opinion.

1. There is beer in the refrigerator.

2. The earth revolves around the sun. Answer
3. Wine tastes better than beer.
4. Cable is expensive.
5. Christianity is the best religion. 1. T
2. T
3. O
4. O
5. O
“An opinion expresses someone’s belief, feeling, view, idea,
or judgment about something or someone.”

Facts are statements that can be shown to be true or can

be proved, or something that really happened.
Although philosophy is an organized body of knowledge,
the subject matter of philosophy is questions
________,, which have
three major characteristics:

1. Philosophical questions have answers, but the

answers remain in dispute.
2. Philosophical questions cannot be settled by
science, common sense, or faith.
3. Philosophical questions are of perennial intellectual
interest to human beings.
The methodology or method that philosophers use to
address philosophical questions, is _____________
critical thinking.
 What is critical thinking?

Critical thinking is the careful, reflective, rational, and

systematic approach to questions of very general interest.

Critical thinking means understanding of philosophy and

refraining from merely giving claims but through careful
argumentations.
thought, one reasons through __________________

What are the attributes of a critical thinker?

Looks for evidence to support assumption and beliefs

Adjusts opinions
Looks for proof
Examines problem
Rejects irrelevant and incorrect information
 EMPTYING
(What is it?)
In attaining wisdom, there is a need for emptying. Emptying
can be intellectual. For instance, the Taoist considers an
empty cup more useful than a full one. This means
simplicity and humility. Emptying can also be spiritual. For
Christian philosophy, poverty in spirit means compassion.
Without the virtue of emptying, students will only learn
partial philosophy that is knowledge-based, without
becoming holistic. (Explain)

Virtue - moral excellence; goodness; righteousness.

An opinion can be a belief or judgment that rests on grounds
insufficient to produce complete certainty. It is a personal
view, attitude, or appraisal or personal feelings.

______________and
Critical thinking ______are
logic important tools to
distinguish facts from opinions.

How do you evaluate opinions?

Asking relevant questions, assessing arguments and

statements, looking for evidence to support assumption
and beliefs, and deciding rationally what to believe or
evaluate opinions.
not are important to ______________