Immersion Activity
1. What is the Definition of Philosophy for you?
I would interpret the concept and field of philosophy as a method of
thinking about the surroundings,existence,phenomena in the world,and itself.I
have come to understand that it’s serves as a toolbox full of different concepts,
theories,that would uncaged the things that we have known,exists,and accepted
as true inorder to justify and analyze more why those things appear,exist,occur the
way they are,or to understand fully their nature.The field teaches its student to
think critically and find different ways on how to approach and analyze a specific
problem.
While immersing myself with some philosophy contents in the web,I understood
that this discipline involves continuous asking of questions on different aspects of
life,challenging perceptions on a certain knowledge,reality,and existence.Like,if
a human being lives his full 30 years of life believing and has fixed understanding
on the phenomenom of floating giant ships in large waters,while a philosopher
would re-examine,contemplate,and logically analyze,why it happens.It teaches
to not just accept the things that we perceive as true,but rather to continuously
seek knowledge .Another aspect of philosophy that I’ve picked up along the
process was the concept of ethics,and the questions that asks what is moral
or immoral?,and how to act in different scenarios.In a way,it gave me an idea
that philosophy also seeks to understand or tackle parts of human experiences
and life such as decision making,concept of evil,and overall the nature of human.
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Learning a little bit about philosophy on the internet made me realize that everyday
or at some aspects of my life,I didn’t know that theres philosophy involved.Like,me
asking self questions,”is what I experience and see real?”,”am I doing the right
thing?”,”is what I’m saying true?”,arguing with someone.Point being,is that by
asking questions,and eager to search and look for true answers is considered
doing philosophy I think.But,in order to solve,conclude,know the true answers to
these questions,there are areas of philosophy,the theories,and concepts that
would help me narrow down these Inquiries.
To end things off this question,philosophy is a not a field to be underestimated
For all things came from it,before all disciplines there is came to exists.I have
concluded that being in the field would teach me how to comtemplate,reason
systematically,inorder to understand the fundumental truth abouth all areas of
this reality or itself.In the same way,it would also broaden my understanding
on how to live a good life or make better decisions.I know that the field itself would
challenge me to express,communicate,question my own stand in diffferent aspects
of my life,and it would allow me to view others people aswell,without being
objectionable.
Immersion Activity
2. What is Truth for you?
I would say that,for me,it’s something perceive as real through the senses,and it
corresponds to reality. Its existence is proven by thorough and various
experiments,theories,analysis of evidences,hypothesis, testimonies back by
experienced people that would be reliable to support claim of truth and such. If I
would make an analogy of it,it would be a piece of puzzle that’s like hidden inside
a treasure burried down deep,and and that piece is a key to understanding the
bigger puzzle of truth.
Understanding the truth in some of things I think can be pretty hard,because not
every thing is easy to dissect and figure out by just mere
testing,testimonies,expert talks,since Some would have a different well
established understanding through experience,and their interpretations,
and stories.We make use of our human ability of logic and reason to assess the
supporting informations that our senses have transmited and perceive as true and
the way they are.I have also realize that we do these things to get an atleast
accurate display of reality in things.I know that the truth also plays a role in the
daily living of a human life,like I’ve said how each people have different takes on
the truth in things,then the same goes in daily situations,stories of human life.
Like,when a man is accused of drunking a girl in attempt of raping her in a party,
When in his perspective,he’s trully innocent,but even so,in the eyes of the
accusers,a process of finding the truth must be done,witnesses,stories,vouching,
Alibi,despite the accuse having a prepositional attitude of belief.
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I have come to a conclusion that the concept of truth is important,because
It bridges the human being to making good decisions in different areas of
life.truth is necessary aswell in in terms of human relationships,forming bonds
as,failing to be truthful leads in losing trust.I have know that pursuing the truth in
things would help us make sense of the world we live in.Thus,learning the truth
serves us humans in a way that will give us good knowledge,wisdom,good ethics
and help navigate life.
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3. Does the human body possess a soul or spirit?
To personally answer the question,I would base on my christian denomination
religion’s take on this which is the “Seventh-day Adventist”.As a follower of
its church we believe that humans were created with both spiritual and
physical aspect.What I’ve understood from my pastor is that body possesses both
soul and spirit,the soul is accountable for the humans emotions,
consciousness,and thoughts,while the spirit is what gives life to the soul
and its vessel or the body.We believe that both are closely related,
and that the spirit is the breath of life or “bugtong hininga”of god,which was given
to adam and eve,therefore making both of them a living soul and flesh.
In relation to this,we also believe in the concept of resurrection of the dead.
When jesus returns,both spiritual aspect which is the soul and spirit,will
be reunited with the dead body for the judgement day.For that reason,we
don’t believe in ghost of the deceased,for we firmly believe that those
are demons mimicking the dead.When the body dies,it sleeps in the dust
of the earth,and it’s soul and spirit shall return to god who gave it.If i
were to reflect on how these beliefs has shaped my life experiences,I
would say its affected how I see the world,like,in watching movies,when
dead people are portrayed in horror movies,the spirit becomes bad and
haunts people,and ghost of love ones making a presence.These things hit me with
both confusion and fear sometimes.Because in my religious view,it’s the enemy
tricking the people that the soul or spirit stays in the physical world.
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Regardless of my church’s perspective on this,I still respect other christian
denominations and other religions view on person having a soul,and spirit
or where they go after the body is deceased.In Conclusion,I personally
adhere to my church’s view on human possessing both soul and spirit,
as these are important aspects of a person’s existence.The soul
is what gives a sense of individuality,and personality.While the spirit
is an essential component from god inorder to give life to his creations.
Immersion Activity
4. In what way can you alleviate the problems of pollution using Philosophy?
After watching few of philosophy contents on the internet,I’ve learned some little
concepts,ideas in this field, that I think would help solve pollution.two,are theories
from the branch of ethics,namely, “Consequentialism”“utilitarianism”.The first
theory basically states that knowing the outcome of something is what determines
the code of right or wrong.in the same to this,the second one states that inorder
for us to maximise pleasures,happiness,well-being of a person,then suffering,and
pain must be removed.By drawing these two ideas as the basis and promotion of
our environmental ethics,we can evaluate the actions that we do in relation to our
surroundings and,we would make a sound judgement in those actions whether
they’re morally right or wrong,only then would start caring for our natures,and
waters,in different part of our planet.
Deriving an another branch of philosophy,would be aesthetics.As this part
Of philosophy cultivates a deep appreciation for the environment, we can foster a
sense of environmental management and encourage responsible behavior.An
analogy I could think of is like those famous filipino artists who creates a
masterpiece by appreciating the harmony of colors and forms,in this same way,we
can protect and preserve the beauty of our planet by embracing our sustainable
practices in minimizing pollution,and striving to protect the aesthetic feautures of
our planet which is the greenery plants,trees and species.
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Another part of philosophy that I would like to derived is “Epistemology”.This
branch is concerned with study of knowledge.Two reasons why it would help
alleviate pollution is by applying the principle of gaining knowledge in the medium
of observation and experience,and good scientific inquiries.With these,we can
Comprehend the processes,phenomenon of pollution.Using Scientists to
analogize,they operate experiments and muster up evideces,proofs to gain
Good knowledge.These can then be used in making technological solutions,
using of evidence to make policies,in order to battle pollution.
Lastly,philosophical approach that I think could be used to alleviate pollution is
by practicing and promoting stoicism.As an admirer of some stoic philosophers like
marcus aurelious,and seneca,and etc.,one principle these stoics live by,is
to focus on what’s within our control,and take accountable for our self actions.
In the same way,by making choices to find ways in reducing pollution,such as
lessening energy consumptions inside the home,recycling,and such.For,one
person can’t own everybodys bad decision making in worsening the pollution,and
just fix it all in one go.Being the change that we want to be in the world is the first
step to do,and all we can do to promote it more,and encourage everyone to
do good action,by showing how it’s done.
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In conclusion,by integrating these toolbox of unique philosophical
concepts,ideas,theories,I think that it’s is possible for us to mitigate pollution,and
strive for a better Environment.
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5.Does free will exist?
To personally answer the question,I would say that it does exist,and that
make it’s presence when if the determination comes within,and not hindered by
external influences.What I know is that we live in a cause and affect world,where
in anything that we see now,was pre-determined by past events,and if I’m asked if
we humans follow this physical worlds law,I would say somewhat neutral or in the
middle,because there will be always scenarios in our lives where in we’ll be having
these internal,external factors that may or may not hinder our sense of free will.In
relation to this,I would believe in the ideas of compatibilism,where in humans can
still act in relation to their internal factors,and be a free agent,despite this
deterministic world we reside in.
Furtherly stating my reasons on my believe on this, free will exists because I see
evidence of it in my own life. I have experienced moments where I have been able
to make choices based on my own desires and motivations, without feeling forced
or constrained by external influences. These moments of autonomy and agency
makes me really confident in the existence of free will.One attestation I can
share,is this content creater on app called “tiktok” whom I
follow,named,”Rina”,She’s a 2nd year college student, She works part time to
support her studies and help her family financially.and Due to her financial
constraints, she cannot afford to focus solely on her academics or even participate
in extracurricular activities as much as she would like.Despite her,and her family’s
status or financial problem,she remained determined to succeed in her studies.
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She manages her time effectively, also seeking out resources and opportunities
for learning and academic and personal growth. She attends classes, engages in
self study, seeks guidance from professors, and takes advantage of any
scholarship or mentorship programs that align with her aspirations.Through
watching her shared journeys on the platform,I saw the evidence of determinism
in her situation.Like,Her status hinders hers ability to make choices and seek out
opportunities ahead.However,I did observe an evidence of compatibilism in Rinas
videos and saw some of her internal factors that contribute in exercising her free
will,despite those external constrainst. I saw her resilience and perseverance, her
ability to adapt and be resourceful,passion in learning,time management,personal
motivation, her self discipline,and lastly her mindset is only on growth.
Compatibilism allowed me to recognize that Rina’s actions and choices are
influenced by external factors,but yet she remains committed to her education and
personal development. Despite the limitations, she exercises her free will by acting
in according with her internal motivations and desires.
To conclude this question,I do believe that even in a deterministic world,human
Being can still exercise free will.Siding with the compatibilists,I agree with
their argument that free will is not dependent on the absence of causation or
determinism but rather on our ability to act in according with our own desires and
motivations.While I think that external factors may influence our
choices,compatibilism wants to instill to our minds that as long as our decisions
align with our internal factors,like desires,motivations, we are able to exercise our
free will.
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6.Why love is considered as a form of self-giving?
I would that first that it’s because I think that love goes far from just a simple
Feeling of emotion,or attractiveness.It does more than that,it allows the person
to care,have a sense of understanding towards someone,and compassion.
Love surrounds the ability to give one self to someone,because when the
Person loves someone, he or she is willing to give himself or herself to someone
in a form of comfort,companion,friend,and support.In relation to this,giving
one self to others would mean learning how to be kind,patient,which I think
would also require the person to move or set aside oneselfs desires,needs,
so that he or she can cheer up,be a resting rock,uplifter of their spirits,and
happiness,or support for that someone.
To furtherly state my explanation,I would say that I think love is ground or rooted
In empathy,which simply means the we humans are capable of understanding
the feelings of others and share them aswell.When the person learns to give
him or herself to those,I would say that he or she can form a bond with them,
he or she can be emotionally connected with them,and through that he or she
would be able to perceive the person’s sorrows,struggles and even joy.So,
by empathizing,it would mean that it would enable us to develop a sense of
genuine feeling to give help to those people.Then,the connection that we would
gain will allow us to go beyond our self interest,and give a part of ourselves to
those people that would then build trust,and mutual friendship and growth.
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In relation to this,loving would always require commitment and sacrifices.When
a person loves someone truly,he or she is determined to make some self or
personal sacrifice,for the other person’s joy or well-being.One example I can give
by deriving from a piece of my memory,is that when I was a young boy,I had this
close childhood friend of mine,we were in this party event,we both received
a toy for participating.When me and my friend were having a good kiddy talks,
theres this one kid who accidentally ran straight at my friend,therefore breaking
the toy that was in his hand.He cried,and trying to call for his mom,hastely I
comforted him to stop his cryful tantrum,by giving my toy to him.So,I would say
at that moment,I did a self sacrifice kind of action.I did feel bad a little,but I felt
a sense of joy,that moment I felt what people feels when they’re showing a form
of generosity.It made me contemplate at that time that love is not just about my
needs,and desires,but also caring for others and the idea of willing to set aside
something for the sake of others.
In conclusion,I would say that love would be considered a form of self-giving
because it involves putting the needs and well-being of others before our own. It
requires empathy, sacrifice, and commitment, leading to deep connections,and
Growth experiences.I also thought that,maybe by practicing being selflessness
and embracing the power of love, we can someday maybe create a more
compassionate and interconnected world where everyone can thrive.
Immersion Activity
7. Why Aristotle considered that every human person needs to be part of
society?
Aristotle did state that we humans are social creatures,we possesses unique
abilities and qualities such as to empathize,we communicate with either body
and mostly verbal language,use our reasoning,logic.We humans are able to
communicate our thoughts,feelings,experiences physically and verbally,and share
knowledge.Through that we humans engage in socializations,interactions,and those
may develop into forming a bond,trust,group.Thus,it slowly turns unti a community,
until it becomes larger and forms into a society.I think that it’s really impossible
for a human being live alone,let alone for long periods of time,I do agree in
aristotle that it’s in our nature to engage with other human beings ourselves.
We exchange ideas,experiences,and we humans collaborate,therefore,fostering
self growth,and intellectual development.These are some of the reasons why I think
aristotle states that we’re inclined to connect with other beings.I do partly
adhere to his argument that no person can achieve their full potential in solitude.
Where in yes,every individual posssesses personal skills,talent and properties and
resources,but in a society,where people come together and cooperate with
each other can enable them achieve their collective,common or personal goals.
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I think one of the reason of aristotles considerations,is that society plays an important
role in humans moral development and virtuous living.Where in daily interactions,
people in the community would be exposed on the standard,norms,and values
within,and would learn to gain virtues like kindness,generosity,self-control,integrity
fairness and such.In the flow of time,in the daily activities within the society,some
would learn to cultivate moral virtues and practice ethical decision making,which leads
to personal growth and betterment of society as a whole.I think another reason for
aristotles consideration would be because society would also play a role in happiness
and life fullfillment.where in he states that in a prospering society,humans within,would
have room for personal growth,good and meaningful relationships,and a sense of
purpose.
In formulating the conclusion,aristotle’s belief on the importance of society in an
individuals life,is to serve as a platform for social interactions, cooperation, cultivation
of virtues,giving a sense of purpose, mutual dependenc,ethical development,personal
growth,meaningful relationships,self potentioal,happiness through bonds thats
beyond within.
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8. How can we prepare ourselves to death?
In my own personal thoughts,I would first strive to have a consistent relationship
With God,and have absorb all of the lessons,ideas in the scriptures which guides to
living a good life,and adapting jesus christs’ character,and being consistent in battleing
tempations.I would fullfill all of these things first,because one of the principles that I’ve
formed within my set of mind during my middleschool days is that theres no sense in all
of these things,accomplishments,personal goals,a luxury and happy life, without a good
relationship with the lord.Personally,Death may be inevitable in every human being,but
a death without knowing,forming a relationsip with the lord would be worse than death
itself.
Another one I can think of would be realising that the idea of what will we leave before
We depart?.having a sense of meaningful purpose,and contribution within the society
and to other peoples life can be considered aswell,By living a virtuous life,showing
kindness,being generous,positive attitude,courage,and serving other people whether
using ones passion,skill, would live a positive imprint to those people who you’ve known
or pass by.I think,in living a good life,is to not just all about having a great bond with
friends,families and the memories,but I would say it’s about savouring every moment of
ones life,despite any circumstance.Appreciating the simple things in life,would be
enough,lowering our expectations,not instilling anger to someone,having a sense of inner
piece are one of the keys that I think in living a good life. Embracing a sense of purpose
and making a difference can bring a deep sense of fulfillment and peace as we approach
the end of our lives.
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By cultivating innerpiece and accepting that death Is a part of every living
organisms,would help alleviate our fear of it.Before an individual reaches a point
of his or her life wher he or she will expect his last days,things like forgiving past
mistakes,settling family issues,having a good laugh and memories with the loved
ones at those days would be enough fullfillment of a good
death.By,enjoying,endulging in every journey taken,may it be around the world,or
progress in achieving the goals,skills,and with those bonds with people that has
been with us.The meaningful conversations,moments and journey with those
people,those Are worth keeping,and would mean a good life lived.
In conclusion, by striving to lead a good life, we will not only enhance our own well
being but also contribute to the feeling of a well lived life before death.