Expanding Our

Philosophical Frames:
Western and Non-
Western Traditions
Many philosophers hold that there are three great
original centers of philosophy in the world-

1. Greek ( or Western)
2. Indian
3. Chinese
All three arose as critical reflections on their own cultural
traditions. Historically speaking, Asian classics of the
Indians and the Chinese predate the oldest of Western
classics. Indian and Chinese philosophers of note also lived
earlier than their Greek counterparts ( Quito 1991) During
the first centuries, there was more philosophical activity in
the East than in the West. Before the Greek period, there
was hardly an activity in the West. Greek before Thales did
not have philosophy ( Vasquez 1999).
From the time of the Greek triumvirate ( Socrates,
Plato, and Aristotle), there was a reversal. The Western
thinkers started to indulge in feverish philosophical
speculation, whereas the Asian thinkers began
diminishing philosophical activity. In our present
century, almost all the major philosophical ideas
emanate from Western thinkers ( Quito 1991 ).
 Filipino Thinking: From Local to Global
It may sound presumptuous to speak of “
Filipino Thought” for the reason that the
Philippines could not very well speak of a
tradition such as that of China, India, or
Greco-Roman. Yet, for the Filipino, there
has to be “ Filipino Thought” or none at all.
The three dimensions of Filipino
thought are: Loob, Filipino
Philosophy of Time, and Bahala Na.
These attitudes and values
constitute the hidden springs of the
Filipino Mind.
1. Loob: Holistic and Interior Dimensions
Kagandahang loob, kabutihang loob, and kalooban are terms that
show sharing of one’s self to others. Loob puts one touch
with his fellow beings. Great Philippine values, in fact, are
essentially interpersonal. The use of intermediaries or go
betweens, the values of loyalty, hospitality, pakikisama, and
respect to authority are such values that relate to persons. In
short, the Filipino generally believes in the innate goodness
of the human being. Filipino ethics has an internal code and
sanction that flow from within itself.
• In short, the Filipino as individual looks at
himself as holistic from the interior dimension
under the principle of harmony. The Filipino
looks at himself as a self, as total whole- as a
person, conscious of his freedom, proud of his
human dignity, and sensitive to the violation of
these two (Mercado 2000).
2. Filipino Philosophy of Time
- Moreover, the Filipino- whether Ilokano, or Kapampangan ( A
human being is like a bird who flies up and goes down)- proves that
he believes in the gulong ng palad literaly “ wheel of fortune” and
hence, looks at like as a series of ups and downs ( Timbreza 1992).
This philosophy of life makes the Filipino an unmitigated optimist.
When the so called wheel of life is on the downtrend, he looks to
the future with hope because life’s wheel cannot stay down forever.
When one weeps, one will surely smile. The Filipino looks upon
every event, fortunate, as fleeting or transitory.
3. Bahala Na
The pre Spanish Filipino people believed in a supreme being,
Batula or Bathala.
Bathala - is not an impersonal entity but rather being that
keeps the balance in the universe. Unlike the Indian and the
Chinese, a human being can forge some personal relationship
with this deity because Bathala is endowed with personality.
The Filipino puts his entire trust in this Bathala who has
evolved into Christian God ( Mercado 2000).
3. Bahala Na
The Filipino sub-consciously accepts the bahala na
attitude as a part of life. Bahala na literally means to
leave everything to God who is Bathala in the
vernacular.
Bahala na- ( come what may) nonetheless, is one of
the most outstanding Filipino virtues. It is in one
aspect perceived as courage to take a risk.
 It is believed, however, that the Philippine values and
system, in line with Filipino philosophy, are in dire need to
be used as positive motivation. Beyond his family group,
the Filipino sees himself belonging to a small, primary
group in a dyadic, pyramidal fashion. In other words, he
does not identify horizontally with his class that cuts
across the whole community but vertically with its
authority figures distinguished by their wealth, power,
and age.
 He receives protection and other favors from above
and should be ready to do the same toward his ties
below. Reciprocating debts of gratitude between
coordinates and subordinates holds the whole group
together- superordinate and subordinate ( utang na loob).
4. Filipino Thought and Values: Positive and Negative Aspects

 Utang na loob- ( indebtedness to patrons) to help and

to uplift the life not only of one’s own family (micro
perspective) but of others as well ( macro perspective).
The Filipino gives great value to endurance and hard
work as means to economic self-sufficiency. This self-
sufficiency refers not to individual self, but to the
family to which one owes a special debt of gratitude for
having brought him life and nurtured him.
Bayanihan- helping others in times of need. Bayanihan is
another moving spirit of the Filipino people. Deep down in
the Filipino psyche, there exists the belief that whatever
good one has done will redound to one’s benefit because a
Supreme Judge will dispense just compensation whether in
this life or in the next ( Mercado 2000). In short, despite the
Western imposition of dualism, Filipino philosophy should
continue to strive for harmony with nature and the
absolute.
Philosophical Paper:
• If you are entertaining a tourist or balikbayan
relative or friend, how will you introduce the
Philippines?
• How important are “kagandahang loob”
kabutihang loob” to being Pinoy?
C. Philosophy: Transcending and Aiming for a
Life of Abundance

Abundance comes from the Latin term, “abundare”

(Aguilar 2010) meaning, “to overflow nonstop”.
Abundance is out flowing than incoming. It is not about
amassing material things or people but our relationship
with others, ourselves, and with nature.
 C. Philosophy: Transcending and Aiming for a
Life of Abundance

Abundance is not what we gather but what we scatter.

Often, abundance is equated with materialism, but it is when we
raise our empty hands and surrender, when we don not grab,
when we are unattached to anything or anyone, when we offer
oneself – all these are abundance.
 C. Philosophy: Transcending and Aiming for a
Life of Abundance

Abundance is not what we keep but what we give.

To live an abundant life, one must pursue one’s desires and inner
self. One must go after what fulfills, before making more money.
To be able to acquire, we must first control ourselves. There is
karma in our thoughts, words, and actions.
 C. Philosophy: Transcending and Aiming for a
Life of Abundance
Abundance is not what we hold but what we share.
Aguilar (2010) reminds us that money should not matter much,
for every moment is a blessing. Abundance comes to the one who
has money and heart, money and values, money and relationships,
money and deeper happiness. Abundance is more that our
ambitions; there are more precious things such as people that
matter.
 C. Philosophy: Transcending and Aiming for a
Life of Abundance
Abundance is a choice.
Abundance is more of an effort of the heart than mind alone
(Aguilar 2010). For Aguilar, to achieve, one must commit.
Abundance, therefore, is a choice which translates to
commitment, determination, and perseverance.
 C. Philosophy: Transcending and Aiming for a
Life of Abundance
Abundance is to evolve into a higher being.
Abundance covers both external and internal life. we cannot truly
live without material considerations, but externals are not all there
are; values for instance, matter. To live in abundance means
evolving to a higher being in following one’s mission; a deliberate
or conscious desire to act upon what can make us and others
happy.