By Emmanuel G Sumayang

Xavier University – Philosophy Department, in cooperation with the Ateneo Philosophy Club (APC), successfully organized a Philosophical Talk on September 24 at the AVR 8, SBM building.

The event was participated in by all junior and senior Philosophy major students.

The Philo Talk was frontlined by no less than an awardee of the Most Outstanding Teacher in Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU), Michael Ner E Mariano.

His topic “Makahiya: A Reflection on Aristotle’s Philosophy of Virtue” mainly revolved on Aristotle’s work entitled Nicomachean Ethics. Ideas about virtues or arête were exemplified through his discussion on shame, parts of the soul and morality as taught by the philosopher.

When asked if why he chose the topic in the talk, he answered, “The topic is very important especially for young people precisely because Aristotle showed us that oftentimes it’s not enough to simply know what you ought to do. The problem is not having a sufficient strength of character to follow through.”

“Few of us have to have this sufficient strength of character to actually do what is right … and we develop this strength of character by way of habituation, practice and exercise,” he continued.

Another idea that he conveyed was all about his personal message to all Philosophy major students. He said, “Being a Philosophy major student is not all about taking up concepts. In the end, Philosophy doesn’t mean a lot of data or information.”

“The ideal Philosophy graduate of Xavier University might simply be more on learning to shape, hone and cultivate his/her own character under the guidance of the philosophers.”

He also gave a helpful piece of advice to the students. “Take the opportunity of your four years of Philosophy training to hone and shape what you are, not just what you know so that you will become a better person.”

The activity was spearheaded by Dr Jane Gallamaso, chairman of the Philo Dept, together with Tyron Keith Maru Sabal, APC moderator and Nikki Laurio, APC president.

The Philosophical Talk was a new achievement of the XU – Philosophy family this semester, through empowering and enriching the students to become better Filipinos.