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This paper highlights John Paul II’s (JPII) Philosophy of Labor and points out the need to have a Visayan philosophy of labor. Moreover, this proposes to view and analyze the Visayan philosophy of labor within the context of the Visayan notion of kahimtang. The researchers believe that the word kahimtang can be viewed as a combination of three words ka, himu and butang, in which himu connotes a concept of work. Furthermore, within the compatibilist minds of the Visayan, himu (labor) plays a significant role to redirect one’s kahimtang. Work (labor), for the Visayan, is an essential expression of freedom which has a similar expression to JPII’s Philosophy of Labor.

The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle is widely known as a realist in believing that the real exists in the sensible world and can be known through sense of perception or observation. But, there are others who would claim that he is a moderate realist in believing that the essences are one with physical objects but are known universally and immaterially. Contrary to these popular beliefs, this paper discussed that Aristotle is neither a realist nor a moderate realist but an idealist. The study utilized descriptive critical analysis as its method. The author explained the basic principles and teachings of Aristotle on metaphysics, epistemology and dwelt on these basic principles and teachings as bases of criticism. This article presented Aristotle's belief that the true essences of things which he referred to as forms, essences or substance are metaphysical or universal which is beyond the physical and therefore beyond the grasp of sensation and observation. In other words, reality for him is only logical or mental in nature for it is not tangible. This also explained that Aristotle's theory of knowledge (epistemology) which employed the senses to grasp the essences of things is not possible.

This study aims to draw insights and implications on conflict management strategies from selected philosophers. It utilizes textual or content analysis to present and explain what they have to say and offer about conflict management strategies. The study shows that different philosophers have varied approaches and strategies to conflict management among them are yielding, compromising, collaborating, competing, and avoiding. However, they share commonalities such as the discernment and defense of the greater good/common good over individual interests and desires; the discernment and defense of truth, rectitude, and justice over beliefs, feelings, opinions, prejudices, injustice and stereotypes; the principle of not harming others; a preventive approach to conflict management rather than curative. Therefore, philosophy is not something abstract but offers practical strategies to manage conflict. The study is relevant because it is an additional literature on conflict management particularly from the perspective of philosophy considering that there is dearth in the literature. This study recommends that another study be made using different set of philosophers. Also, one may look into leadership or management styles reflected in the philosophy of selected philosophers.

This study seeks to explain and analyze the behavior of the Philippines and The United States in forging the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Treaty (EDCA). It employs International Relations theories namely Realism, Liberalism and Constructivism as frameworks of analysis and interpretation. In the perspective of realism, EDCA is a joint interest of the Philippines and US. EDCA is an act or move of the US as it balances China’s rise to power in order to avoid war and anarchy and protect US interest in the Asia Pacific region. EDCA serves as deterrence to China or to any would-be aggressor to the Philippines in the midst of territorial and maritime disputes. In the point of view of liberalism, the EDCA is a reaffirmation and the strengthening of the alliance of two democratic states promoting military, economic, civic, and humanitarian cooperation and interdependence. In the spirit of constructivism, EDCA is also a product of democratic ideas and norms that the US and Philippines share as democratic states. The United States serves as a norm entrepreneur to the Philippines and other states in the Pacific Rim. Therefore, EDCA is necessary, practical, and beneficial to the Philippines and the United States.

There is no known study made about the Anglo-American ideas found in Jose Rizal’s poems. Hence, this study looks into Rizal’s poem Education gives luster to the motherland and identify the Anglo-American ideas that are found in it. The study assumed that since England and the United States are politically and economically powerful, they have great influence to states that are less powerful like the Philippines. The study found out through descriptive textual analysis that Rizal’s poem is romanticist in character. Since romanticism originated in England, his poem contains English ideas and he is influenced by English thought. Rizal is a proponent of education as shown by the poem. His advocacy for education as a means by which the nation can develop is shared by the Americans because education is one of the major contributions and legacy of America to Philippine history. Rizal’s desire to liberate his countrymen from ignorance which in turn will liberate the people from oppression is parallel to America’s advocacy for liberation, freedom and democracy. Therefore, Rizal’s poem contains American ideas and he is influenced by American thought. This study recommends that another analysis must be made to see if Rizal’s other poems contain Anglo-American ideas.

The study explained and interpreted Philippine history using the main themes of Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophy such as, Will to Power, the Uebermensch/superman, the Transvaluation of values, Master and Slave morality, Eternal recurrence, and tragedy. Further, this study employed qualitative interpretive analysis as method. Nietzsche’s philosophy emphasizes the role of the Will over reason as the most fundamental principle of human existence. The Will which he refers to as Will to Power is the impetus behind the struggle for power, conquest, war, revolt, revolution and freedom. Similarly, the will to power gives the Filipinos the hope and courage to go through pain, suffering and despair. The assertion of Will to Power has produced the great men and women behind events of Philippine history. These supermen are responsible for the creation or the introduction of new values system, of reform and even of revolution (trans-valuation of values). The event of Philippine history follows a pattern of recurrence, the recurrence of colonization, war, independence, pain, and corruption. The study also found out that Philippine history in general is a tragedy; it is a struggle against suffering and despair.