Introduction to the Philosophy of a Human Person- Lesson 3 - Determining the Truth.pptx

This serves as references for teachers who are teaching philosophy in senior high school.

1. LESSON 3 Determining the Truth

2. Learning Objectives: Define the role of philosophy in determining truth and knowledge Discuss the philosophical basis of determining the truth Identify and discuss the theory of knowledge and relate them to the problem of determining the truth Describe the theories on how knowledge is acquired and how it can be applied in actual situations Discuss how knowledge of fallacies and bias can help determine the truth Determine false and untrue statements using the theories on knowledge

3. Let’s Play!!! The sun is the center of the solar system. Asia is the largest continent in the world. God made the world in seven days. Man has the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. China’s continued presence in the Spratlys is a violation of international law.

4. Let’s Play!!! A person must always consider the interest of his family before his own happiness. Citizens have the right to take up arms and overthrow an oppressive government The president has done very little to uphold democracy and look after the interest of the Filipino people.

5. How do we use Philosophy to figure out what is true? 1. The first concept of truth is rooted in an ancient Greek philosophy’s concept of knowledge as “justified, true belief.” It rests in three conditions: True things can be known Something is true because you believe it to be true Justification for such belief Note: In order to know that something is true, there should be justification for such beliefs.

6. How do we use Philosophy to figure out what is true? 2. Correspondence Theory States that something is true if it corresponds to reality or actual state of affairs This theory assumes a direct relationship between an idea and reality to be able to take a statement as “fact”

7. How do we use Philosophy to figure out what is true? 3. Coherence Theory Proposes that something is true if it makes sense when placed in a certain situation or context In this theory, there is a possibility that there will be varied “truths’ from different perspectives. An idea or statement is true because it makes sense in the in its own context, and that it has a certain degree of consistency which renders it truthful.

8. How do we use Philosophy to figure out what is true? 4. Relativism Is philosophical concept which contends that there are no absolute truth. An idea or principle is only true within a particular context, it differs with every knowing individual and thus, it is possible for alternative truths to exist in various context or situations.

9. How do we use Philosophy to figure out what is true? 5. Constructivist Theory Holds that knowledge is shaped by social forces and influenced by culture and history. Also believes that knowledge is gained as part of social experience and requires interaction and collaboration.

10. How do we use Philosophy to figure out what is true? 6. Consensus Theory Knowledge is based on agreement, and that something is true if almost everyone agrees that it is true. It is also used to determine the truth of scientific claims, where experts must agree on a certain phenomenon before it can be established as tru e

11. How do we use Philosophy to figure out what is true? 7. Pragmatic Theory Holds the view that something is true if we can put it into practice or is useful in real life. It also believes that ideas should be continually tested to confirm their validity

12. What other things should we consider in determining the truth? Through a form of arguments - are sets of statements (called premises) that work together to support another statement (the conclusion) The arguments that are based on faulty argumentation are called fallacies

13. Fallacy Characteristics Example ad hominem attacking the person making the argument instead of the argument itself “Of course, he believes that the government is flawed. He is a rebel and a Communist!” appeal to force Using the threat of force or an undesirable event to advance an argument “If this peace agreement will not be signed by the government, then we will have no recourse but go to war.” Appeal to emotion Using emotions such as pity or sympathy “All these charges are baseless; this is just plain harassment – can’t you see how this is affecting my family Appeal to the popular The idea is presented as acceptable because a lot of people accept it “Every boy your age already has a girlfriend, you should go and find one!”

14. Fallacy Characteristics Example Appeal to tradition The idea is acceptable because it has been true for a long time “Marriage should be between a man and a woman. It has been so for a long time in this country; it should remain so today and in the future.” Begging the question Assuming the thing or idea to be proven is true; also know as “circular argument” “I have the right to free speech, therefore, you cannot stop me from talking.” Cause-and-effect Assuming a “cause-and-effect” relationship between unrelated events “Ever since you bought that sweater, everything has been going wrong in your life. You get rid of it.” Fallacy of composition Assuming that what is true for the part is true for the whole “These cases of robberies in this district have convinced me that the city has become a den of thieves and criminals.” Fallacy of division Assuming that what is true for the whole is true for its parts “You come from a family of doctors and intellectuals! Surely you can do better in this course!”

15. What other things should we consider in determining the truth? Knowing the difference between fact and opinion. Facts are generally established truths that are verifiable and do not easily change from one situation to another. Opinions are more subjective and may express certain views of the person presenting it Biases are not necessarily errors in reasoning, but refer to tendencies or influences which affect the views of people.

16. Bias Characteristics Example Correspondence bias or attribution bias Tendency to judge a person’s personality by his or her actions, without regard for external factors or influences “These soldiers who fought for the war are all bloodthirsty murderers!” Confirmation bias Tendency to look for and readily accept information to fit with one’s own beliefs or views and to reject ideas or views that go against it “How can I accept his view that there is no God. I am a Christian!” framing Focusing on a certain aspect of a problem while ignoring other aspects “Preliminary evidences have still not pointed out the actual cause of the plane crash, but investigation are currently focusing on the possibility of pilot error.”

17. Bias Characteristics Example hindsight The tendency to see past events as predictable, or to ascribe a pattern to historical events “Magellan’s assault on Mactan Island was a foolhardy venture, made by an overconfident, careless man who underestimated the valor of the native Filipino.” Conflict of interest A person or group is connected to or has a vested interest in the issue being discussed “As the daughter of accused, I believe I have the right to express my opinion on the issue of his alleged corrupt practices.” Cultural bias Analyzing an event or issue based on one’s cultural standards “I do not agree with this Western practice of placing aged parents in retirement homes. We Filipinos take care of our family members.”

18. THANK YOU!!!