The Chosen One

A Synthesis Paper on Philosophy, Critical Thinking, Logic and Language

Niel Frank S. Borromeo
BSGE-1B
Is wisdom a quest? Or a gift bestowed from the heaven above?
People in different generations have paced back and forth searching for the
unreachable and perceiving the unperceivable. The quest for attaining profound knowledge
has been a mere quest for some and a victory for others. Some claimed they have reached the
highest form of wisdom, may it be through studies and research, or vast discovery. Yet,
whatever the situation may be, the uses of philosophy have been evident in the life of man. Its
commandments, branches, and the use of critical thinking skills have continuously influenced
people to think what is beyond their mental abilities. Most importantly, it provided no
boundaries no breaking points.
Philosophy is the science of all that exist in their ultimate cause through the aid of
human intellect alone. (Meer, 2004, p.1) The nature of man is to always search for profound
knowledge. He satisfies himself with the use of knowledge his intellect demands and needs.
Such philosophers, who claimed to discover the fundamental stuffs of the universe, are
Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, Heraclitus, Pythagoras, Parmenides, Empedocles,
Anaxagoras, Leucippus, and Democritus. They all have different beliefs regarding the true
fundamental stuff of the universe, but it was Leucippus and Democritus who discovered it
which are atoms. From then on, philosophical search has advanced and flourished through
time fulfilling the needs of man for the search of meaning.
Philosophy started with deep wonder about all. Everything started from the curiosity
of man as stated in the commandments of philosophy. These commandments have been the
guide of people when doing philosophical studies and research. It provided steps and
knowledge especially in doubting, collecting and constructing coherent arguments, and
applying these thoughts and ideas to ponder in real life.
Philosophy is further divided into ten branches logic, ethics, epistemology,
metaphysics, cosmology, aesthetics, theodicy, rational psychology, social philosophy, and
philosophy of man. Each of these branches deals with vital topics and has a significant role in
the lives of people. Studies that are related to these branches have been continuously
implemented to gather new found knowledge that can improve the lives of many. It sets also
a learning guide for individuals who studies and tries to understand philosophy further.
To fully understand philosophy and its uses, one must know how to apply critical
thinking skills. A person must think beyond his own perception regarding the situation around
him. A person must think critically, grappling with issues, examining their parts, and seeing
them from one or more perspectives. He must not settle on what is needed, but rather exerting
his best to give answer to a given question. He sets standards when showing critical thinking
skills. These standards are clarity, precision, accuracy, relevance, consistency, fairness,
completeness, and logical correctness. A critical thinker must bear these standards in his mind
1

and tries his best to apply it in his daily life. His actions must reflect these qualities, not
wanting wrong conclusions and judgments but exact and good arguments.
Using critical thinking skills in real life is essential when knowing that some claim is
true or some argument is good, as well as formulating good arguments. An issue is always set
to serve as the focus of a discussion. It is stated in interrogative statement and sometimes
associated with the word whether. From the issue, critical thinking skills should be applied
in order to know what actions that should be done and in claiming what side he should be.
After identifying the issue and knowing his side in a certain discussion, one must set his
arguments. These arguments must convince that his claim is true. This is in declarative form
and contains a premise and a conclusion. Arguments are not used as a form of persuasion nor
as explanations, but only to prove that a claim is true.
From one of the branches of philosophy, logic is the science and art of correct
thinking. Logic enables us to think orderly and consistent in dealing with our daily lives. It
empowers a person to create right and factual decisions in order to arrive at the truth most of
the time. Through the use of logic, false statements and conclusions can be sidestepped and
only accuracy will flourish afterwards. Day-to-day use of logic trains a persons mind to think
with clarity and correctness.
One way to express wisdom is through the form of language. Language is used as a
form of communication in sharing ideas and thoughts to one another. The features of
language are sound pattern and visual pattern. Sound pattern is about the spoken language
while visual pattern is about the written language. Language has its different functions in the
lives of man. These are informative, expressive, practical, performative, ceremonial, logical,
and complex functions. These functions show why language is essential and needed in the
daily communication and interaction of man. Through the use of language, expression of
oneself and exchanging of ideas is made easier.
Philosophy is a continuous search for meaning. It is a never-ending pursuit of
wisdom. Different philosophers have spent their whole life trying to broaden the knowledge
we have today. Yet, wisdom is never consistent. It takes its form depending on how people
interpret and use it. Wisdom is and always will be a powerful tool, and not everybody can
have it only the chosen ones.
Wisdom is a quest. But, are you the chosen one?

References:
3

Meer, Thelma Q., Hualda, Lou, & Bamba, Lamberto. (2004). Basics of Logic.
Meycauayan, Bulacan: Trinitas Publishing, Inc.
Landauer, Jeff, & Rowlands, Joseph.(2001). Introduction to the Five Branches of Philosophy.
Retrieved from http://www.importanceofphilosophy.com/FiveBranchesMain.html
Kemerling, Garth. (2011). Philosophy Pages. Retrieved from
http://www.philosophypages.com/