Philosophy of Rizal

Reflection Activity:

1. In your own understanding, what is education for Dr. Jose Rizal?
2. Is Rizal a religious man? Why do you think so?

Education is the only mechanism that elevates the country to the highest level of glory. It is only education that liberates the mind from the bondage of ignorance, and it is the free mind that liberates the country from the dominion of others. Rizal wanted the Filipinos to be educated because he found education as the only answer to subjugation.

3. Rizal believed that education is the only way for a country to regain freedom. He died more than 100 years ago. Do you think his belief was correct?

4. We have corrupt government officials who are also products of the known universities of the country. Do you think our schools fail to do their mission of producing good men and women? What do you think?

Religion is taken from the Latin word, "religare" meaning connection. Our common understanding is, it is community of believers which members are bound by dogmas.

5. What is your own philosophy of religion?

6. Mahatma Gandhi said, "I like Christianism but I don't like the Christian." Comment on this.

The Philippines during the time of Rizal was a political domain of Spain. Unfortunately, the Philippines had no representative to the Spanish Cortes. The distance of both countries allowed the Spaniards to inflict into the Filipinos whatever they wanted. Rizal only wanted reforms particularly from Spanish leaders and uneducated Filipinos to be more responsible by way of education. So Rizal was a reformist rather than a revolutionist.


7. In your own words, describe the plight or unfortunate situation of the Filipinos under the abusive Spaniards.

8.What is your political philosophy?

Ethics is a branch of philosophy that studies human behavior. It determines human actions whether correct or incorrect, or right or wrong. It also includes morality of human actions.

9. What do you think would Rizal say to the Filipino women who married to foreigners for financial reasons?

10. What do you think Rizal's advice to parents who are experiencing problems in disciplining their children?

11. Rizal would like to preserve familial bonding as ethical pattern of the Filipinos. Is he right in advocating this? Why?

12. Do you think familial bonding during Rizal's time is still the same today?



Reference:
Tabotabo, Claudio V. and Roman D. Leano Jr. 2009. Jose Rizal: A Hero's Life. Philippines, Mindshapers.