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Name: Perlito Castillon		             Rev. Fr. Juluis Rodulfa, DCD AB Philosophy						Professor St. Mark October 7, 2009 Book Critique:Philosophy an Introduction Introduction

“An unexamined life is not worth living.” This is the words of Socrates which tells us that we must examine or strive to arrive the truth about this life. We must know the profound explanations of our life and this world, where we are living to. But before we could be able to arrive at this profound truth, we must be able to know first the basic knowledge of things around us. And it is like to study Philosophy, you should know first its basic concepts, for through it we would be able to gain better knowledge and understanding when we come to its complex concepts. Most books that serve as an introductory tool in studying philosophy aims to make beginners understand and learn philosophy in a simple manner. In a way that beginners would not think philosophy as another burden at their backs. In this books, it is primarily basic concepts were taught and just an introduction to its complex branches. Through this basic concepts we would be able to build a strong foundation in our study. When we go through, we would not easily fall. Like in the Gospel, that the house being built with a strong foundation would not be easily destroyed when the rain comes; unlike the house being built without enough foundation. We need to build the fundamentals in our self so that we may not fall. But we humans fail to give importance to these concepts, we disregard studying the basics for we think that it is just a part when we study the whole. We tend that we know it but the truth is ,sad to say, we don't have any idea about it. And that's the reason why we fail to understand those things which is higher to it. We fail to arrive on our goal which is to know the truth. A truth that will set our hearts free. And this mistake are very common to us, as what Saint Thomas Aquinas had said that the little errors in the beginning lead to serious consequences in the end, if such things will not be corrected. CRITIQUE PROPER Books that are used for instruction usually present the topics in a systematic and coherent manner. Such as books in mathematics, the first that has been presented is the fundamental operations before going to much confusing topics. The author sees that his work would be acceptable by students who uses it, for it was presented systemically. The topics that has been first presented is the topics that would be used in the next chapter. And Mariano Artigas presented his book entitled “Philosophy an introduction” that way. The book were divided into three parts so I make my critique by part not as a whole so that I may make myself clear. The Part I is the Nature of Philosophy and its subtopics which are the following; 'What is Philosophy', 'Philosophy as Wisdom', 'Philosophy as Science' and 'The Method of Philosophy'. Part II is the Division of Philosophy and its subtopics are; 'Metaphysics', 'Philosophy of Nature', 'Philosophy of Living Beings', 'Ethics', and lastly 'History of Philosophy'. The third Part is the Philosophy and Christianity the subtopics are: 'Theology as Science', 'Philosophy and Theology', 'Philosophy in Christianity' and 'The Christian before Philosophy'. As an introduction to Philosophy, students will encounter basic principles discussed in a simple manner which is a good thing for beginners. Another thing which I liked most in this book is that it had footnotes for a deeper understanding and could also be used as your reference for further reading. Part I: Nature of Philosophy M. Artigas defined the word Philosophy in a simple manner; Philosophy comes from the Greek word which means “love of wisdom”. He defined Philosophy in that way; but if he had given the words etymology “love of wisdom”, it would be understood in a better way. He just cited or discussed the words historical background not its true meaning and it is not enough for a reader to understand it. It would somehow lead to misinterpretations and misunderstandings. He should not define only the word Philosophy, he should also let the readers understand the terms that has been used in defining the word Philosophy for a greater understanding. He should let us understand what that 'love of wisdom' means. Philosophy has been defined as a science in this part but M. Artigas failed to give the etymology of the word 'science' for if he had given it there is a great possibility that the reader would understand that Philosophy is a science. Science comes from the Latin word 'scire' which means 'to know'. To know the truth which is the aim of philosophy, to answer the whys about this life and this world. If Mariano Artigas had discussed this, there is a greater possibility that students may understand well that Philosophy is a science, for both of them are seeking to know the truth. But they differ in some instances; Philosophy is the queen of all sciences. It rises above science. Part II: Division of Philosophy M. Artigas presented the divisions of philosophy in a systematic manner, but I wonder why he presented the metaphysics first before the philosophy of nature. Philosophy of Nature studies about human as a corporeal being, so it should be studied first for its concern is our own self. Before we strive to know something we should know our self first because through that there is a greater proximity that we would not err. If I were given a chance to make my own divisions of philosophy I would opt to adapt the 'Systematic Philosophy of Saint Thomas Aquinas', for it was presented in a very systematic manner. It is systematic in the sense that the basic concepts were studied first before going down to its basic concepts. Also in this part, M. Artigas discussed the importance of the History of Philosophy in studying Philosophy. Studying the history of philosophy is significant as what Artigas have said 'mainly because it facilitates our access to truth', a truth which means the agreement of the mind with the reality; but, not the agreement of reality with the mind. Studying the philosophies of the past philosophers is important mainly because through it, we would learn more from them and we would keep ourselves from the common mistakes they have committed. PART III: PHILOSOPHY AND CHRISTIANITY M. Artigas explained well and clearly the importance and the relationship between Philosophy and Christianity. As I go through my reading, I somehow noticed that when M. Artigas discussed a topic he often cited a Christian philosopher. There are no non-Christian philosopher that has been used as a reference in the discussion. He should cite some issues regarding Christianity and Philosophy that had been thrown by some non-Christian philosophers so that when we encounter such issues we had a little background about it. In this part, I learned the importance of faith and reason, and vice versa. These presentation coincides with the Encyclical letter of Pope John Paul II which was entitled 'Fides et Ratio'. That discusses the relevance of faith and reason. Most people think that when you study philosophy that is the time that you will loose your faith ;but it should not be, it should be the time that your faith must grow. They must not contradict with one another; they must go together. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION Upon reading the book I realized that this book is very suitable for beginners for it presented philosophy in a simple manner. It uses simple words and explained the topics briefly. Upon reading this, I remember a phrase in the dissertation entitled 'Of Philosophy and Life' which tells that “the task of philosophy is to assist one find and live a meaningful and truthful existence” and this book is somehow introducing philosophy to us basing on that phrase. I recommend this book to all those persons who are struggling to know the truth in their lives and I also recommend this to students who want to study philosophy; for this book introduces philosophy in a manner that starters would easily grope the ideas that has been presented. Most of all, it was very systematic in terms of the presentations of the topics; it started from the obvious.

Richard Joshua B. Erediano								    October 7, 2009 II yr. - St. John									 Fr. Juluis Rodulfa Philo I

Book Critique (Hooked On Philosophy)

In the book entitled “Hooked On Philosophy”, it stated that being hooked on philosophy is the most natural of all addictions. In the present, people speaks of getting or being hooked on gadgets and mostly on drugs. They are doing it for them to be “in”, to know the truth into it, to gain happiness, and for them to be looked up in the society. If that is so, why not hooked ourselves in philosophy? It is the desire to know and seek the truth. If we seek the truth, it will lead us to our happiness. Thus, philosophy will help us to find truth which will lead us to our goal, our happiness. Many years ago, some people tried to satisfy their natural addiction. Some of them have succeeded and some have failed, but we still call them philosophers. A philosopher tries to find the truth. However, he doesn't always succeed. In the book, it has said that the history of philosophy “is a zigzag course which leads away from and back to the straight line of truth which runs through it.” This happens because many questions have appeared that tends to distract us from what we are searching. In tracing that straight line of truth, without zigzagging, is very difficult. Few persevere in the effort of doing it. Thus, this book is what it attempts to do. Robert A. O'Donnell, PhD made a wonderful book that presents and makes the works and contibutions to the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas be easy to understand and to learn. The title of the book is Hooked On Philosophy. It is divided into six chapters and has special notes and references about the ideas of St. Thomas. In the first chapter of the book, it gives us basic principles in regarding with common experiences in association to philosophical thoughts. Thus, this leads the author to expound deeper in philosophical thoughts like Metaphysics, Theodicy, Cosmology, Psychology, and Ethics. May this book lead the readers to be hooked on philosophy which is to know the truth. The first chapter, which is Epistemology, started by giving us the three basic principles which is that “all our knowledge originates in sense experiences”, “the real is different from what is non-real”, and “everything has a sufficient reason, or a cause, for being what it is.” These three principles are presented in a manner that the reader could relate to their lives because all of the examples are based in what happens to their day to day living. It is also well explained by the author that the readers can easily understand it. Then, the author discussed another topic: “the two other kinds of ideas.” The author explained that there are two kinds of ideas which the human mind form. The first is “a purely quantitative idea which is used in mathematics.” Lastly, “the being that something which exists.” The idea of reality, or of the real. Thus, a question ended the chapter, “who is the Philosopher?” It have stated that everyone of us can be a philosopher even if we can't give a true or authentic explanation of the real world. The “Aristotelian-Thomistic” philosophy has been introduced which derived from the two great philosophers, Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas. The second chapter, which is Metaphysics, continues what has been discussed in the previous chapter's topic that “every human intellect forms the notion or idea of being at a very young age through sense experiences. It includes also that the mind forms countless universal ideas of particular kinds of being, but our idea of being lies beyond all our universal ideas.” Upon reading this chapter, there is a question that struck me most and made me reflect deeply. Although, I know that I am real I kept on thinking of the question “What does it mean 'to be something real'?” Then, the topic was presented with historical prospect and stated that not all philosophers had been successful in their pursuit of knowing the truth. Afterwards, the other topics of the chapter were introduced such as “Essence and Being”, “the Causes of Being”, “the Order of Intention”, and “the Categories of Being.” Everyone could relate in the said topics because the way it was presented is in terms of relating it to our daily lives. It gives us also philosophical explanations. Another topic was presented the “Other Names of Being (the Transcendentals).” This have three terms: “Unity”, “Truth”, and “Goodness.” The word “Beauty” is being discussed. It means that “is what delights our senses.” It was explained philosophically because it has a philosophical view points. The “Evil” also is being discussed that there are two kinds of evil: “Physical evil” and “Moral evil.” It was said that “good is the final cause of an action”, but people and animals do evil because they thought of it as good. The third chapter, which is Theodicy, started with stating an argument: “The entire human race has always and everywhere believed that a superior being/s exists upon whom the material world and everything in it depends”. This argument is a quest of knowing the truth for man. In the book as it stated that “man acquires knowledge through sense experience.” Thus, he tends also to seek further what or who caused all that he experienced through his senses. In search for truth, we need explanations about the things that exists for us to believe in it. St. Thomas Aquinas agreed to the argument that “there is a supreme being exist before us that the other beings depend on.” He gave the “Five Ways of proving God's existence.” It was presented remarkably through normal things which are common to us. There is a connection in the first topic to the next topic which is “What we know about God.” It gives emphasis and continues to the Five Ways. The fourth chapter, which is Cosmology, talks about knowing only on material things would lead up to “dematerialize.” The beginning of the chapter stated that “the more material a thing is, the less knowable it is”, and stated also that “the more material a thing is, the more imaginable it is.” The idea that was presented stated the danger of the human minds fell into by the use of their false imagination in knowing the truth. For instance, the geocentric theory that the earth is the center of the universe as thought of the church for that man is the highest point of creation. Therefore, he must be placed in the center. But, Galileo Galilei disprove the theory that the earth is the center of the universe. Based on his scientific findings, the earth is not the center of the universe and it revolves around the sun. Thus, the late Pope John Paul II “publicly apologized” to Galileo. Galileo and other scientists mentioned like Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton strived hard to explain the reality and phenomenas based on their scientific findings. The topics were presented with chronological order based as man's development. The works of St. Thomas and Aristotle in their attempt to explain reality was recognized. They tried to explain the physical universe in a philosophical point of view. It is called the “Hylomorphic Theory” which may be stated as “every real, matter being is composed of two elements: (prime)matter is pure potency, and substantial form which is a limited act.” This Hylomorphic Theory, according to the book, is based on the physical things around us like the multiplicity within a species, and substantial change. The chapter ended by a review on the things that has been discussed. Thus, this chapter was well explained by the author. The fifth chapter, which is Psychology, talks about “The Human Person” which is a unique being because of his on will and rationality. It was explained in a way that would make the reader wonder and smile for the special mark or as stated the “Supposits” in the book. Then, “the Human Freedom” was discussed that has a sister faculty of man's rationality, “the Human Will” which its main purpose is to direct man into the ultimate end, the happiness. As what I have learned that man has a freewill to choose from good or bad, but it implies responsibility. Thus, the chapter tries to tell us about man's being. The sixth chapter, which is Ethics, open the with the topic “A Social Animal.” It was continued by the ideas of St. Thomas that man “is a being fashioned in the image and likeness of God.” I was enlightened by the topic “Creationism vs. Evolution” because I realized that it is not important if the theory of evolution is true or not, but what is important is that the spirits of animals and human soul can't evolve for these are immaterial spiritual being. This somewhat help me to not anymore be bothered by the argument between these two and enlightens me about man's origin. In the previous chapter, it stated that man has an intellect and a freedom to choose from. In this topic, man is still bound to the “Natural Law.” As for conclusion, man has a natural addiction to know the truth. Even before and until now, man has tried to understand the realities and truth around him. He is always seeking for the truth. Thus, philosophy is the most natural of all human addictions and is the attempt of knowing the truth as the author stated in the book. Philosophy will help us to seek that truth which is our happiness. In order for it to be attained, we should hooked ourselves to philosophy. After reading this book that ha been critique, it made me understand philosophy in an easy way. This book really brought me in studying philosophy. When I was not studying philosophy, my perception about was difficult. But upon reading the book and studying it. It wasn't difficult after all. There is another way of presenting philosophy in an easy way through this book. I have developed and exercised my capability of thinking critically. This book made the philosophy easy by stating the works of St. Thomas and Aristotle. It made it easy to understand. This book serves as a window to my philosophicallearning in the seminary and made me to study more about philosophy. I would like to recommend this book to all who are interested of the Aristotelian-Thomistic philosophy, for all the people who wants to seek and know the truth, and for the seminarians who study philosophy. This will be a great help for it presented the works of St. Thomas Aquinas in an easy way to understand it. This book will help us in studying philosophy as it helps me understand more deeply into it.

Justin Karl L. Paleguin							Rev. Fr. Julius Rodulfa D.C.D II- St. Mark									      Philosophy professor A CRITIQUE ON THE BOOK OF FR. MICHAEL MOGA THE ENDURING QUESTIONS I. INTRODUCTION The toil of asking questions was one of the most basic works of man. As rational beings we ought to be asking questions about life, nature, natural phenomenas, our purpose, about God and many more. Our human minds should constantly be asking questions about things. This is what our ancestors had done, the philosophers of old had presented and asked many questions and tried to draw answers to those enduring questions. Sadly, this is lost in our modern world. Man have already forgotten to ask questions, they have set aside the issues that pervade human life, and have been so busy living life but forgetting its value and beauty. Practicality have taken over man, that the toil of man is already just the toil of earning for a living and not anymore including the labor of asking questions and thinking. The book the Enduring Questions by Fr. Michael Moga, which is the subject of my critique, tries to present the basic questions about life which have been set aside for so long. From the first chapter up to the last it could be noted that Fr. Moga constantly asked questions to the readers inviting them to think and philosophize. Personally, I was struck by the 'basic' questions which I have not even thought of asking myself before and I found myself thinking and looking for the answers for those questions. A realization also came to me in a form of a question: why have I not asked myself these questions before when it is very obvious and basic? Have I lacked the ability to wonder? Am I not sensitive enough to notice the questions that need to be answered? Many questions permeate my mind after reading the book and it is waiting to be satisfied. PURPOSE: The purpose of my critique, first of all, is to show the relevance of the book in our study of philosophy and the help which the book (the Enduring Questions) gives me and to all those who are studying Philosophy to have a deeper understanding of what Philosophy really is, that is, living a good and just life. Secondly, it aims to present my ideas and insights, which would also include comments, about the book and its topics; for I believe that even though the book ingeniously discussed philosophy (though implicitly), it still can not present philosophy completely and so it would always be open to accept ideas and opinions, though my ideas are not really highly philosophical, may contain erroneous opinions and may be biased. Thirdly, the purpose of my critique is for compliments and appreciations. It would also serve as a recommendation for reading for those who want to understand philosophy in a deeper sense. II. CRITIQUE PROPER: In making the critique I have felt a feeling of unworthiness and hesitation. I felt that I am not worthy of giving a comment or critique on the book for I am just a nobody and has only little knowledge about philosophy. I was afraid that I could not give philosophical ideas and that my opinions would be but superficial. But then I realized that I should not be hesitant nor afraid because what I am trying to do is just to give my opinion and not to change the contents of the book. A. How does the book introduce philosophy to you? The book the Enduring Questions, I believe, does not wish to introduce to beginners, like me, a system of philosophy, which was what introduction to philosophy did; instead, it presented philosophical issues which will greatly help the readers understand philosophy in a different context. The issues presented mostly is concerned about the understanding of human life and self. They seem to be teaching the readers about what life is, how to live it, and how it came to be. It does not seem to provide any theories in philosophy nor does it introduce the readers to any of the “-isms,” but it simply teaches philosophy by asking some basic questions and trying to draw answers to them. By way of providing questions and issues and trying to answer them, the book already introduces the readers to philosophy, though unlike the book of Artigas which presents a structure of philosophy, the enduring questions still effectively introduces philosophy to us beginners in an implicit manner. Implicit because it does not directly say that philosophy is like this or that; it does not give any definition of the term. But, if the reader would really read critically and analyze the printed words; then, he/she would really see that philosophy is being introduced and discussed. What I mean is that from the very beginning of the book up to the last page Philosophy have been discussed and taught to the readers through the issues and questions that have been discussed and provided with answers. B. COMMENTS My first comment would be about the structure of the topics being presented. I noticed that the topics present philosophical ideas but does not have a clear structure. I could say that one topic/ chapter is independent from the other and that there is just little interrelation between the topics. If I were to compare the structure of the enduring questions with that of the introduction to philosophy by Mariano Artigas, I could see that there really is a difference, for in the book of Artigas the structure is very clear. It starts from philosophy as a whole then narrowing down to the specifics. Secondly, the book the enduring questions has no bibliography, a part of a book commonly found at the end which shows the references that the author cited in writing the book (if there are any). Having a bibliography would make a book appear more reliable especially when the cited references are reliable in themselves; although the reliability of a book does not depend entirely on the bibliography. I still strongly believe that a book would be better if there is a bibliography so that the readers could have a more comprehensive understanding of the subject and so that when a reader would want further readings he/she could easily find books in line or related to the subject being studied. C. APPRECIATIONS AND RECOMMENDATION After all the criticizing that I have done on the book I think it would also be proper to convey my admiration and regard to Fr. Moga who had really spent much time and effort in making the book. I could really see that the book was a fruit of much reflection (which includes philosophizing), numerous consultations (maybe), and most of all prayer. The book the Enduring Questions was indeed a work of someone who knows what philosophy and philosophical living is. Next, to the topics being discussed in the book. It is worth the praise because those topics were some of the many issues which had been the reason of thought of many philosophers in the past and which we seem to have forgotten. It serves as a very good reminder for us that there are still many questions that we should be asking, but have not asked ourselves. I also appreciate much the chapters that have reflection in the end. It is a very advantageous and beneficial way of ending a chapter because it serves as a little summary and it makes the readers reflect more. Lastly, Fr. Moga's choice of words is worth complimenting because as I know he wrote it not for professionals in philosophy but for beginners, and it was just proper that he tried to avoid very technical terms that might bring more confusion to the readers particularly to beginners in the field of philosophy. CONCLUSION: Indeed, one of the most difficult tasks in human life is thinking, that is why it is usually set aside and forgotten. Also, we humans often fail to truly think because of the many hindrances that blocks our attempt to think; thus, there is a great need for us to exert more effort for us to be able to enter into real thought and live as really rational beings. This could be made possible through our inner efforts and also through special assistance from the outside, for it would be very difficult to do it o our own, we will always need assistance especially in the field of philosophy. One of the outer helps that I could suggest is the book the Enduring Questions by Fr. Michael Moga. The topics in the book are, I could say, outside helps that make thinking more possible. As I have mentioned in the preceding paragraph/s, the book, by presenting issues and questions, inspires its readers to enter into thought and to seek for the possible answers to some of the questions. I personally attest to this because I experienced the provocation to think while I was reading the book and even after reading it. The book reminds me that as a seminarian I should have a well-grounded philosophy for two main reasons. First, because as we continue our formation and proceed to theology, our learnings in philosophy will be our foundation for our religious and scriptural studies, for philosophy is the handmaid of theology. Second, the study of philosophy, in which the book the Enduring Questions gives us aid, could be applied to our lives as seminarians. Learning about philosophy and its application in our lives means learning to live justly and honorably.

John Darrrel D. Rillo						Philosophy I- Rev. Fr. Julius Rodulfa, DCD II- St. John							October 7, 2009

FOR THE LOVE OF WISDOM By Chris John Terry (A Book Crittique)

I. Introduction In my part, to critique a book is not an easy job. It seems a bit difficult to give a critique on a book, particularly a philosophical book. In this field, it somewhat obliged me to think and to search. Chris John Terry's “For the Love of Wisdom” has its own manifold information regarding about meaning and purpose of Philosophy. In the first words of his introduction, he introduced in his foreword “to preserve a treasure.” Because of this verb, it planted into my mind how intimate is the role of philosophy in our lives. By the word itself treasure, he stands and represents it as wisdom, which he cared for through the presentation of the book. The main question now, for me is “Why is there a need to search for truth?” How will this book persuade my simple mind to enter into the house of reason, and how will the book impart on my mind the the importance of the “superiority of wisdom” over science. II.An Overview of the Book Chris John Terry's “For the Love of Wisdom,' presents a benevolent and systematic presentation of the book, which I myself, a beginner, needs it that will help me understand the nucleus of philosophy. In chapter 1, which entitled “What is Philosophy?” is a great beginning to learn with, especially for the beginners. It is a good starting point of presenting the origin of philosophy, its relation to science as certa cognitio per causas(the knowledge of things attained by an investigation of their causes)' its collaboration with theology and how the use of reason will attain the philosophy. Chapters' 2 and 3 presents the long swashbuckling of Philosophy, its goals, to guide those who want to seek for the truth. The 4th chapter tries to imply the origin of philosophy which begins in wonder, dialectical, clear, perennial and open to the influence of divine revelation; and the last two chapters gives high-mindedness to the “Angelic Doctor” St. Thomas Aquinas and the future of philosophy. III.Critique One of my observations while reading the book was first, the presentation of the word Philosophy was indeed given emphasis, in order for the readers or beginners to grasp what is the basic description for understanding its meaning. Second, there were criticisms and biases that the book also presented its parts. In Chapter 2: “Challenges to Philosophy,” the first criticism arises from the lack of agreement among philosophers(pg. 21). “Why is there lack of agreement among them?” That is the question that was being raised by my mind. If they want to present and make known the “truth” to everyone, who are obscured by these modern pleasures, why are they disunited to each one's idea? Of course, as what had been said that the study of philosophy undoubtedly requires effort and understandably entails  difficulties(Mariano Artigas pg.11). Though the masters had given much effort, but then there will be more  hard times on accepting each one's philosophical views and concepts. For me, Philosophy will triumph over humanity if there will be an agreement among them. Why? In my own side, the more they will accept of what is truth, the much Philosophy will rule and be imparted into the minds of people. In the biased part of the book, I observed, primarily from Terry's foreword that he is biased. Again, why? The author is somewhat commenced that without the contributions of Christianity and divinely provisions, philosophy would seem to be abnormal or paralyze. If this is so, how will the book or principally Philosophy be known to other individuals, particularly to those who are non-Christians? Honestly, Terry's view about it is also precise, not because I am a seminarian, and one of our obliged study is the Philosophy that further based on Christian aspects that originated from St. Thomas' notions, which for example of it is that the absolute truth is God. I know that I may be biased also, but to look on the other side of the coin, there should be no delimitation of philosophy. As what been said “Philosophy is clear, not esoteric”(pg. 51) which means not private. Philosophy is for everyone, it builds bridges of understanding and peace. As of my understanding, our church is “universal,” which for me, it highly denotes that it is interstice its hands to all, but preserving and protecting its own. IV.Appreciations First, I appreciated the book for it has a manifold knowledge about the world of Philosophy; wherein, it delineates the basics of studying, which is very efficient for me and to all beginners who wants to seek for happiness in life through the aid of wisdom. Second, I thanked God for allowing his instrument, St. Thomas Aquinas share to all faithful his great knowledge about the role and importance of Philosophy in our life, particularly to Catholics, whose knowledge originated from the teachings of the Church through the help of Philosophy. Third, the book has a logical structure of mounting its provisions, concepts and truths. Starting from its roots of knowing what is Philosophy until how will philosophy leads for the future. Fourth, its contents and topics are systematized well, for it is concise and compacted altogether, its principles and views that will help beginners to grasp fully the needed information about studying philosophy. There are also citations provided, so that the beginners may search for more informations related to the topic being presented. Lastly, I would like to recommend this book to everyone who wants to search for the happiness and truth, to those who want to know the meaning and purpose of life, especially to seminarians because the book has a plenary knowledge of the truths about God and to our Mother Church. V.Conclusion To conclude my critique, I want to answer the basic guide question given: How this particular book(For the Love of Wisdom) introduce me to the study of Philosophy? First and foremost, there were five philosophical books that was introduced to us. I chose the book of Chris John Terry not because it has the least number of pages among other books but it has the much treasured informations that a beginner should impart it to his or herself. “The first requirement that learners should be humble, for where humility is, there also is wisdom(Proverbs 11:2).” Through this passage, I obliged myself to impart humbleness, not because the book told to do so, but as a beginner, seeker of truth, in a long process and journey, wisdom will be catch if one acquires a humbleness of heart. The book introduced me to Philosophy in a way that it awakens my whole body and mind to intuit for the truth. It presented me a profound information that will help me to understand more the apex of the meaning and purpose of Philosophy. Finally, the finest thing that I learned and perceived is philosophy is not for acuteness and swiftness of mind, not to grasp intentionally all the necessary knowledge about the terms of philosophical etymologies, but of how to stand and endure for life; and to protect a precious treasure, which for me is the knowledge about God, for it really helps me a lot to what I should be, not with my own will but through the will of my Creator, the most absolute of all.

FERNANDO R. MAPALAD JR.,SDV FR. JULIUS RODULFA, DCD AB PHILO. 2nd YEAR PHILO. 1 PROFESSOR BOOK CRITIQUE( INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY )Mariano Artigas Human beings are capable of asking questions about the things that surround them. They are seeking for the reasons why they exist.They want to know the reality of their existence because the more that they will know their uniqueness. Men and women have at their disposal, an array of resources for generating greater knowledge of truth so that their lives which is directly concerned of asking questions of life's meaning and sketching an answer to it (Fides et Ratio, # 3). There are always questions in the life of human beings that will come into their minds because of something to be discovered. Philosophy begins with questioning about the reasons for things and their purpose- the love of wisdom. An introduction to philosophy written by Mariano Artigas may possess diadactic usefulness as an introductoy material and at the same time its own merit as a philosophical work as it was stated in the book. This book discussed the introductory principles in the study of philosophy in the basic manner. He focused on philosophy and his considerable attention was given in this work to relationship between philosophy and theology. It is necessary to study their relationship inorder to acquire an adequate understanding of different philosophical perspectives in the past and in the present. It is not enough for a persons who are striving to go deeply; instead, it needs to deliberate effort to seek the truth. The following definitions of philosophy and theology and their relationship are quoted from the book Introduction To Philosophy by Mariano Artigas, and some understanding. PHILOSOPHY The term philosophy comes from Greek which means love of wisdom. The Greek thinkers called themselves as wise men that out of humility Pythagoras wanted to call himself simply a lover of wisdom or a philosopher. It is the origin of philosophy. This is very significant for one who seeks wisdom for its sake and not for any ather motive loves wisdom. The human possesses a keen desire to know that leads him to seek the causes of events. Philosophy is the knowledge of all things through their ultimate causes acquired through the use of reason. It is not an easy task because it studies all realities. All the aspects of reality can be the object of philosophical study because one can seek their ultimate causes. It is stated that it is one of the noblest task of humans. Through this definituon, it only mean that philosophy possesses metaphysical character that is a kind of knowledge that leads one to explantions based on causes beyond sensible reality. Philosophy is a knowledge that is connatural to man. Each person has his or her own meaning about God, human being, and even of the world. It is recommendable to study philosophy inorder to have a well-founded view of reality. It is not easy because one needs effort and encounters many difficulties. If speak of phlosophy it is not only focusing in the present or future life, it is also significant to know the history of philosophy because it facilitates us on our access to truth. We can't arrive to truth if we don't know its history. Even in studying any aspects of studies it is always started with its history. According to Thomas, philosophy is carried out inorder to know not the opinions of men but the truth regarding reality. It is of great importance to know the study of great pholosophers who have revised particularly profound issues. It is not simply a search for erudite learning or merely a historical knowledge; rather, it should be a help to attain knowledge of truth. If we will know them, we know  how to confront the problems that we are going to encounter, but this study must be accompanied with critical evaluation. Philosophy is a science in an eminent way. It is more sublime than in any other sciences, as we ourselves can conlude after considering the two principal meaning of science. It is consider as science because science is a certain knowledge through causes. Science is knowledge attained by way of demonstration, starting from some principles, philosophy is really a science since it attains knowledge in the same manner. It is really a science which is composed of different sciences. Metaphysics is the nucleus of philosophy that studies the basic aspects of reality and ultimate causes. If we speak of the term philosophy, it denotes several disciplines having the same basic perspective which is metaphysical ( study of reality in the light of ultimate causes ). The differences between philosophy and particular sciences are due mainly to a particular point: philosophy studies reality in its deepest and most radical aspect, and seeks its ultimate causes, while particular sciences study specific aspects of reality, and seek more immediate and proximate causes. They use perspective methods and perspective which are not philosophical in studying reality. But they are founded in metaphysics, in varrying degrees. Hence, it is possible for a particular science to build upon an erroneous metaphysical foundation. The more sublime the object of particular science is, the closer its link to philosophy will be. They carry out strictly metaphysical study. Their relations with philosophy don't prevent them from having their own methods from obtaining and judging their own coclusions. With respect to them, philosophy has a guiding role of a higher order which doesn't interfere with their own autonomy. Philosophy carries out its endeavor in continuity with ordinary human knowledge. It begins from sense experience through which it obtains abstract universal knowledge with the use of intellect. It doesn't mean that philosophy should uncritically accept all opinions usually attributed to common sense. Every human knowledge is attained through our senses and our intellect. Philosophy makes use in a systematic way of all the means available to human knowledge: sense experience, induction, reasoning, the value of its statements is based on evidence as on any type of knowledge. These statements make us see about the relationship affecting ordinary knowledge. As philosophy seeks the deepest causes of reality, it frequently touches upon realities that are beyond the reach of the senses. It makes use of experience and can't afford to do away with it. The study of philosophy requires a certain familiarity with philosophical terms. There's a need to group their precision and wealth of meaning they contain. To understad philosophy one should ask before tackling a particular topic: what's the real issue involves here? THEOLOGY Theology is the science of the faith a science which deals with and creatures in so far as they refer to God in the light of the Divine Revelation. It is referred to supernatural theology whose starting point is faith in the Divine Revelation. The subject matter of theology includes God in Himself and His works. It studies all reality in the light of Divine Revelation, from the profound perspective man can have that is the supernatural light of the faith. It is a science that represents the concept of wisdom. As supreme wisdom, it has the right to judge and guide the other branches of knowledge, w/o making them lose their own autonomy. All these topics are studied in theology enlightened by revelation. The source of theological knowledge is revelation transmittted through Sacred Scripture and Tradition and safeguarded and interpreted in an authentic way by the Magisterium of the Church. Therefore faith is the starting point, the foundation and norm of Theology. The essential link between Theology and faith, used and focused in Christ illumines with great clarity. The Lord is existing between Theology and the Church with its magisterium. We can't believe in Christ w/o believing the Church which is the body of Christ. The correct use of reason allows us to go deeper into the content of the revealed truths. However, the natural power of reason alone we can't attain the supernatural mysteriesand accept them. Neither can we proceed to demostrate them once they have been known. Thus, theology is the form of knowledge dissociated from christian living. Its mission is to illumine the most varried practical problems through the light provided by an in-depth view of the truths of the faith. In Theology we make use of reason enlightened by faith for reason and faith are two distinct sources of knowledge. They are not mutually opposed; rather, complement one another. The role of reason in Theology isn't to demonstrate the supernatural truths of faith, but to attain greater understanding of them. Through the use of correct reason by faith, Theology carries many tasks. PHILOSOPHY AND THEOLOGY Philosophy is simply the systematic actualization of the capacity to know reality through natural reason. Therefore it plays an important role in Theology and that that role is only an instrumental one, since the source and norm of Theology is faith and not reason. St. Thomas makes clearly that Theology doesn't need philosophy, since its principles are above any other science. Theology makes use of philosophy not because it can't stand by itself, but because of the limits of human reason. By means of what an individual come to know through the use of natural reason, he can easily more deepen his understanding of supernatural truths. Indeed, the Church doesn't adhere to particular philosophical systems, it makes use of philosophical notions coherent with faith. Hence, just like reason, Philosophy is an instrument to Theology, for philosophy systematically actualizes the possibilities of supernatural reason. One may say that philosophy is a necessary instrument of Theology, since the scientific exposition of faith isn't possible w/o relying on the scientific use of natural reason. In fact, one can easily observe that theological explanations make use of philosophical thought. Historically, the study of theology has been carried out by starting from faith and making use of philosophy as an instrument, since faith is always the norm standard of theology if this truth isn't taken into account, faith may be neglected to the level of knowledge that man can acquire through the use of supernatural reason alone. We are not rejecting the autonomy of philosophy within its proper order nor are we starting that it's really nothing outside being a mere instrument of theology. Thus, there are two ways in studying philosophy. It can be studied for its own sake, and in view of its role as an instrument of theology. They are not two opposing perspectives and they can be coincided. Nevertheles, when one studies philosophy mainly because of its significance in theological doctrine, he will have no need to tackle many issues which would in contrast be useful, and even indispensable for someone who pursues philosophy as an autonomous science on itself, as his professional expertise. They doesn't any way mean that a superficial dabbling in philosophy already qualifies as a theological instrument. It simply mean that whoever is primarily interested in the doctrinal angle can skip matters that have little or no relation whatsoever with it. CONCLUSION As I finish reading the book that I have critiqued, I was able to find out that what Artigas is focusing is the study of philosophy as an introductory in the study, and of the relationship between philosophy and theology. Though it is somewhat difficult to connect everything because the continuation of the specific topic is not next to it, I was able still to come out with this. The most important thing that I have to remember is that, it is hard to proceed to Theology if we cannot understand philosophy. Studying philosophy is very vital. For me philosophy is the starting point of everything.

acclaimed by a large number of people. For instance Sharon Cuneta, she is cheered with so many people because of her star quality. In connection to this values is the honor in which we either give or receive. These two values that are aspects of human life are not fully real in the sense that these things are “Existential Themes” of our human life. We have still questions of our life that need to be answered by us, yet we have difficulty to find an absolute answer to these questions. From the very beginning of our existence, the mystery of our existence is there and because of our ignorance to this mystery we ask the basic questions. Yet, it doesn't stop there because every now and then we are confronted with so many questions. But, these questions help us to realize that our life is full of profound problems and the world is full of mystery. As “philosopher in the making” challenge me to dare to live in the state of “not-knowing” which is ushered me into the awareness of the basic questions, and allow myself to be guided into a continual searching into the mysteries of life. I give thanks to Fr. Micheal D. Moga for writing this book “The Enduring Questions” that introduces me to know and understand that our life is full of mystery, and thus challenge me to go on through searching the truth. Furthermore, his book introduces me to study philosophy as a basis of knowing and understanding reality by the use of reason and enlighten by my faith, so that I may live as wise and authentic life.