Rizal Course in Three Perspectives: A Framework of Discussion

Rizal Course in Three Perspectives: A Framework of Discussion

Historical Perspectives

·         Rizal’s works bear witness to the tyrannical rule of Spaniards in the Philippines.

·         The struggle of the Filipinos for their freedom and sovereignty, the birth of nationalism, and the awakening and rebuilding of the Filipino’s identity.

·         Complex relationship of Rizal with the Spanish Catholic Church on the one hand, and the Spanish colonial government on the other.

·         Significant events that have shaped the country and the Filipino people during the Spanish period.

Political Perspectives

·         Gives a brief description of the prevailing political system in the Philippines during the Spanish rule.

·         Aside from the Spanish colonial regime, the other prevailing “government” in the country that time was fraillocracy.

·         Fraillocracy, though not considered an official governing body, is the term used to describe the excessive influence of the friars on the Spanish colonial government’s policies.

·         Friars were more powerful than government officials. They used their ties with the King of Spain to advance their interests. The friars, in turn, were pampered by the King since the archipelago was conquered by Spain mainly because of the efforts of the early missionaries in converting the natives to Christianity.

·         The laws and decrees coming from the King of Spain via Mexico were implemented by civil officials, but the bulk of serious decision-making was overseen by the friars.

Philosophical Perspectives

·         Rizal was also a philosopher like his father.

·         His philosophical knowledge helped him understand the plight of the Filipinos during the Spanish colonial period.

·         He was the first to recognize the need for an organized and well-planned revolution to ensure victory over the powerful Spanish troops.

·         The revolutionary ideas he contributed to the reform movement earned him the title “Philosopher of the Philippine Revolution.”

·         He also expressed his philosophical ideas on education, language, independence, agriculture, community development, social welfare, health, family values and religious freedom.

·         Rizal’s philosophical ideas are important because they serve as guiding principles in upholding our identity, fostering the spirit of unity, and preserving the value of freedom and democracy.