Thursdays with Philosophy - the Final Paper

Wherever I go, there is an attractive silvery object floating in midair. It illuminates my path and my eyes are transfixed to it. I tried with all enthusiasm and interest to capture it but it slipped. I had a chance of holding it briefly three times. I felt overwhelmed for the illumination it brought but it burnt my hands if I hold on to it for so long. Now, I just appreciate the light it gives for me to see my way clearly. Though, it is tempting to catch it again, I just let it float by my side wherever I go. I think I am not yet capable of holding it for I might be blinded by its intense glow. I think it would be better left illuminating my path for someday I will be worthy to place it my heart.

That attractive silvery object is philosophy. I had three brief encounters with it. First, it happened in college where Dr. Andora assisted me nearly to the threshold. Next, in master’s degree Dr. Bautista helped me out in nearly achieving enlightenment. Just recently with Dr. Templora, I have another encounter with the blinding light of philosophy.

My Philosophy in Teaching
On my previous paper, I have indicated some of my philosophical beliefs in teaching and learning. Let me substantiate my philosophy in teaching after I have encountered Rizzi's Science Before Science. There are ideas presented by Rizzi, which I am not convinced to accept. Nevertheless, it is overshadowed by some of the good philosophical principles that I would like to adapt.

Learning Through our Senses
Our senses give us our primary knowledge and it is important to start with the physica in teaching (especially with subjects that involve abstraction). Thus, in teaching mathematics we should let students “experience” the essence of mathematics by giving them first the opportunity to do math in a “sensible” way, that is abstracting math in the immediate environment.

As teachers, we should not limit ourselves with the interpretation of math textbooks. Rather, we must first recognize that the classroom, the school and the community as a whole are rich sources of knowledge. It is, therefore, necessary for us to maximize the potential of the students to use their senses in obtaining truth.
Example, in teaching parallel lines, start with sensible examples that students could immediately relate to. Let us not present them with non-intersecting train tracks if they have not seen them. It would be better to cite the railings of stairs found right outside the classroom. After which,we could proceed to the geometric principles that 'define” parallel lines.

The Development of Critical Thinking
We do have a provision in the Philippine Constitution that educational institutions should promote critical thinking. This kind of thinking among students could be developed by developing the students' skill in abstraction. Rizzi presents important key points in abstraction. That is, we should remember that images could hinder us from abstracting ideas. Above, I have pointed out the importance of the physical environment and the senses;however, for us to fully abstract ideas we should transcend beyond physical. That is, for the student to truly understand the essence of parallel lines, they have to “free” their mind from the images of parallel lines in real life.

The Recognition of the Students’ Potentiality
To make teaching effective, let us recognize the potentiality of the students to bring out their best in every situation and let us not forget our role as the mover of such change.

Teaching Science to Prove God's Existence
Our teachings in school should not be in conflict with the moral teachings. That is, we should teach mathematics and science for “glory of God”. Though, we adhere to the mathematical teachings of known idealists, we should be careful to use their teachings so as not to undermine the existence of God. In comparison, we should eliminate bad tomatoes and eat the good ones for one rotten tomato does not spoil the whole bunch.

Importance of Ontological
As a math teacher, sometimes, we make mistake by assuming that the essence of a certain being is on its mathematical aspect. This could be a big hindrance for students if we apply this in the classroom. It is important to note the empiriological (empirioschematic or empiriometric) approach is essential in learning, but we should not fully focus on this. Let us also take into consideration the importance of the ontological method in acquiring knowledge. That is, let us not jut mumble useless mathematical equations and formulas. We should be able to relate its meaning.

Stumbling Blocks
I have encountered some stumbling blocks in studying Science Before Science.

Some Errors
I believe Rizzi should have have written “The apple changed from green to red” instead of “... from red to green”. (page 43). Furthermore, on page 143 he spelled “discrete” as “descrete” and “rhetoric” as “rehtoric”. With these few errors that I have seen, it is but natural for me to doubt the correctness of other sentence structures I find confusing. If Rizzi made mistakes in spelling, what else are his other errors? Is it possible that he wrote some erroneous sentences that are critical in the development of his philosophy? There are also some usage of pronouns, in which the antecedents are not clearly presented.

For the First Time
Even if I have encountered philosophy before, I consider myself as a freshman in this realm. I believe Rizzi's book is not recommended for those who have just met philosophy for the first time. Rizzi usually cites some existing philosophies and it is necessary for the reader to verify that these philosophies are cited properly. He might be giving us sweeping generalizations just to emphasize his point about other philosophies, especially idealism.

Praises
Nevertheless, let me overshadow my previous reactions with my praises for Rizzi. His contemporary view gives timely examples that the mathematical and scientific world can relate to. Furthermore, his phenomenal book serves as a mediator of modern and classical philosophies. It is also a brave attempt to bring forth the issue of religion and God to the scientific world. Knowing that the traditional scientific community seems to have an aversion to anything that pertains to God, Rizzi has indeed done something remarkable for having united the seemingly contrasting ideas of God and science.

Realizations
After “grueling” Thursdays with Philosophy, I have here some of tidbits of realizations.

Nothing beats reading in acquiring knowledge.
Rizzi emphasized that our senses are important in acquiring primary knowledge. However, I believe my environment is limited and I could not depend solely on my sense perception to acquire knowledge. In our philosophy class, I have learned an important lesson about reading. Indeed, a page a day keeps ignorance away.

Philosophy is a strong foundation especially for an educational institution.
When I started teaching at University of San Agustin, Father President Marchan acquainted us about the school. He pointed out that the Augustinian philosophy is the foundation of the school’s mission and vision and eventually the basis of the school activities and classroom instruction. It is heartwarming to embrace the knowledge he has shared. I feel like my restless soul has found refuge in the realms of the university. As a teacher, I sometimes ask, “Why am I doing this”? Philosophy, as Father Marchan has shown, brings forth to light our reason and our purpose. Indeed, teaching in an institution with clearly stated values and goals makes us, the new teachers, more goal-oriented and less confused. Thus, it is vital for school administrators to anchor the school’s mission and vision on a certain philosophy.


Enormous Ocean of Knowledge
It’s an enormous ocean of knowledge out there that I could only swim at the beach to experience some of the sea water's saltiness lest I will drown.


Importance of Christian Teachings
When I was young, parents restricted us, their children, from reading The Bible. But they do believe in the existence of God. My father believed in prayer and my mom devoted a part of her day praying the novena. However, they just didn't want us to be distracted fro our studies ad they don't want us to be mentally deranged.

Actually only two of my siblings were quite interested in studying religious materials – my brother Ric and my sister Rosevelle ( who, because of her creative mind, was told to seek psychological help by her high school teacher). They were always reprimanded because they used to ask about and quote certain Biblical verses during family discussions. My father would emphasize that some Biblical verses are confusing and inconsistent for they depend on the apostle who wrote them.

My brother was particularly interested in searching for the right religion and he is a bookworm. He reads the Book of Mormons, The Holy Bible, Awake magazine, Time and Reader's Digest. When he was in high school, my parents were particularly concerned with academic achievement. When my father caught my brother reading Archie comics and Reader's Digest Condensed Book (and other materials not required in school) right before exam, he was in rage. He literally split the Reader's Digest Book using his axe. After which, he burned the precious pages. Good thing, some pages were saved from turning to ashes. I could still show you the half-burnt book preserved at home. However, the Archie comics and Time magazine did not survive. They were returned back to ashes. Sigh! What if my brother was caught reading The Bible? Will my father do the same?

Now, I have mixed feelings when I see The Holy Bible. I feel a little bit of fear that it might be misleading the Christian world after all this time. I also feel guilty for not having read it and for holding such doubt regarding its validity.

As a child, I was not also well acquainted with the Catholic teachings for I have not attended Catholic catechism when I was young. The truth is even if my parents would want us to attend, we did not have money for the fare going to the church. So we settled attending mass and other religious classes in Aglipay and Protestant churches for they are nearer.

After taking up Philosophy, I have realized that the Bible after all is important in the formation of sound Christian teachings. I am happy to have known Dr. Templora for she (despite her scientific orientation) talks with eloquence the Biblical truths.

Nevertheless, I still respect my parents. I am also thankful for what they have done. There is always a time for everything, and studying The Holy Bible and the Catholic teachings when I was young might not be right time. Our inquisitive mind be blinded at such a tender young age.

That “silvery thing” is indeed enticing and it is human nature to want it. However, one needs the proper attitude and the readiness to learn and unlearn.