Lesson IV: The Reasons That Compel A Person To Engage in Philosophical Thinking

Lesson IV :
The Reasons that compel a

Person to Engage in
Philosophical Thinking
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.
Socrates stated that the start of wisdom is
docta ignoratia (to know that you do not
know), as they say to know what you know
and know what you do not know is the
characteristics of the one who knows. It is
in our state of ignorance that we begin to
learn and understand.
“Wonder is the feeling of
philosopher, and Philosophy
begins in Wonder.”
-Socrates
Socrates stated that the start of wisdom is
docta ignoratia (to know that you do not
know), as they say to know what you know
and know what you do not know is the
characteristics of the one who knows. It is
in our state of ignorance that we begin to
learn and understand.
Aristotle said that all men desire to
know and that is the reason why
there is a need to philosophize
because of our love for wisdom, you
continue to probe, to question
things until we seek the truth
How can a person benefit from
philosophizing?
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.
LESSON IV.I
DOING A PHILOSOPHICAL REFLECTION
ON A SITUATION FROM HOLISTIC
PERSPECTIVE
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. The knowledge of Philosophy can
contribute to self-development.
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.
Philosophical reflection is a trajectory
is to see the bigger picture about
everything. According to Gabriel
Marcel, philosophical reflection is the
act of giving time to think about the
meaning and purpose of life.
Two Types of Philosophical Reflection
according to Gabriel Marcel
 Primary Reflection
 Secondary reflection
 Primary Reflection
It is the ability to think logically. The ability of the mind
to construct and evaluate arguments. It examines its
object by abstraction, by analytically breaking it down
into its constituent parts. It is concerned with
definitions, essences and technical solutions to problems.
Secondary Reflection
According to Marcel this type of reflection enables
us to look deeper into our experiences and see the
bigger picture of reality. It integrates the fragmented
and compartmentalized experience into a whole. It is
the idea that various systems should be viewed as
wholes, not merely as a collection of parts. In effect
we see the broader perspective of life.
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

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Lesson IV :

The Reasons that compel a

 Learning from your previous mistakes and not

 Evaluating and knowing the best choice from a set of

 Gaining a holistic point of view first before making

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