Juan Rafael Macaranas | De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde (original) (raw)

Papers by Juan Rafael Macaranas

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2020

Religions, 2021

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2021

One’s consciousness is expected to be more open to new ways and learnings during travel. As each ... more One’s consciousness is expected to be more open to new ways and learnings during travel. As each traveler is unique, each one can grow in wisdom. This article will argue on the value of doing philosophy in travelling as it gives meaning, identity, and enrichment to one’s life. The traveler’s intention and worldview have impact on how each travel enriches and reveals the self. Mindful travelling sets the right attitude for philosophizing. Applying phenom‑ enology, following Gabriel Marcel’s primary reflection and secondary reflection, the author shares his travelogue, highlighting Aha moments. He underscores the need to learn to love oneself, one’s family, one’s community, and one’s humanity. He then proceeds to discuss the need to participate in cultivating ethical travel practices, starting with a personal traveler’s code of ethics. The author concludes with an invitation to continue to explore by travelling while philosophizing. Philosophizing on travelogues can be a way to living...

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2022

This essay documents the Philippine National Philosophical Research Society's (PNPRS) efforts to ... more This essay documents the Philippine National Philosophical Research Society's (PNPRS) efforts to participate and contribute to improving public engagements as the Philippines prepared for its May 2022 elections. It highlights the key messages and lessons gathered from conversing with and listening to resource persons and my view on what remains of the continuing PNPRS project.

Philosophia International Journal of Philosophy, 2022

To lecture or not to lecture can be a professional dilemma nowadays. In this piece, I argue that ... more To lecture or not to lecture can be a professional dilemma nowadays. In this piece, I argue that the lecture method remains an essential element in any pedagogical practice. The lecture method is valuable and practical in any teaching approach. It works best if supported or accompanied by more interactive techniques. To develop good lectures, one must know the philosophy, mission, and vision of the educational institution that the educator or teacher belongs to, one's educational or pedagogical philosophy, and care for the learners. Lectures could be made progressively dynamic through reflective teaching or practicing the teach-think-grow habit.

Religions, 2021

This paper argues for the appreciation of Filipino folk religiosity as part of cultivating authen... more This paper argues for the appreciation of Filipino folk religiosity as part of cultivating authentic faith expressions among Filipinos. It presents historical, anthropological, sociocultural, and theological views on significant folk religious groups, traditions, and practices in the Philippines, including but not limited to the millenarian movements and popular Catholic feasts. Despite the varied influences and variegated Philippine culture, folk religiosity among Filipinos can be generalized as a syncretic blending of pre-colonial beliefs with the Catholic faith. As an academic and practicing Catholic, the researcher explores the folk religious elements present in the development of the millenarian movements, the unique faith expressions and influences behind folk Catholic feasts and celebrations, and probes deeper into the meaning of ordinary faith expressions. Coming from his own experiences and insights, he refers to previous scholarly works in discussing how spirituality or reverence to the sacred is inherently embedded in the folk religious ways, how the cultural Filipino traits manifest in the religious practices and vice versa, and how folk spirituality enables the expression of deep cultural and personal Christian faith experience. In conclusion, he maintains that millenarian movements are valid faith expressions that also celebrate independence and Filipino identity; traditional festivals and religious rites are the locals’ unique way of authentically expressing their faith, and; preserving folk religions and folk religiosity among Catholics is beneficial for engendering the growth of the faithful and the development of religion. A clear sense of folk religiosity is elemental in reappropriating religious dogmas and doctrines as the church and the faithful continuously study, dialogue, and fully experience life in the pursuit of approaching authenticity in faith, beliefs, and religions.

International Journal of Philosophy and Social Values, 2020

One’s consciousness is expected to be more open to new ways and learnings during travel. As each ... more One’s consciousness is expected to be more open to new ways and learnings during travel. As each traveler is unique, each one can grow in wisdom. This article will argue on the value of doing philosophy in travelling as it gives meaning, identity, and enrichment to one’s life. The traveler’s intention and worldview have impact on how each travel enriches and reveals the self. Mindful travelling sets the right attitude for philosophizing. Applying phenom enology, following Gabriel Marcel’s primary reflection and secondary reflection, the author shares his travelogue, highlighting Aha moments. He underscores the need to learn to love oneself, one’s family, one’s community, and one’s humanity. He then proceeds to discuss the need to participate in cultivating ethical travel practices, starting with a personal traveler’s code of ethics. The author concludes with an invitation to continue to explore by travelling while philosophizing. Philosophizing on travelogues can be a way to living life fully.

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2021

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2020

The Laborem Exercens (1981) offers a philosophy, a rational discourse, that can serve as a timele... more The Laborem Exercens (1981) offers a philosophy, a rational discourse, that can serve as a timeless guide in examining work. Starting with a brief review of John Paul II's personalistic view of the human person under the aspect of work, this paper expounds on work in pedagogy. Since work is always a personal action, it follows that the whole person, body and spirit, participates in it, whether manual or intellectual. Work is a personal action; the one who carries it out is a person, a conscious and free subject. The philosophy puts to light the teacher’s work purpose, by itself and in relation to society, and its contributions to the teacher’s well-being. The tenets espoused by the encyclical, such as upholding just wage, can be used as a lens in re-thinking teachers’ objective realities. Fictionalized mini cases are presented to illustrate some of the real challenges that teachers deal with. In conclusion, an educator's work is a daunting and noble task. Pedagogical work is not just a job; it is a venue for self-fulfillment. Laborem Exercens reminds us that by their work, teachers particularly express the nature and dignity of the human person. Moreover, through pedagogy, the teacher can perfect him/herself in solidarity and participation with others.

Filipino values embody the Filipino culture and reveal its underlying philosophy. Coherence in a ... more Filipino values embody the Filipino culture and reveal its underlying philosophy. Coherence in a value system is a presumed healthy sign, both at the individual and social level. In this essay, we employ an expository and reflective analysis of Filipino values, starting with those ambivalent in application. It is the task of philosophy to review values as part of critically examining the most fundamental assumptions that underlie our lives. To improve and develop society, philosophers must be able to promote mindfulness of both positive and negative value implications. By offering holistic and alternative views of Filipino values, philosophers can positively influence the maturation of the Filipino culture and philosophy. The Filipino family, being the most primal and most stable institution in the Philippine society, must be included in projects promoting a more coherent value system.

Learning Edge: De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 2008

This paper aimed to add philosophical dimension to understanding learners by attempting to catego... more This paper aimed to add philosophical dimension to understanding learners by attempting to categorize students' educational philosophies. He then explored how the information could be used to improve teaching. A survey assessing the DLS-CSB School of Design and Arts (SDA) students' philosophy of education as of the 1 st term of SY 2006-2007 was conducted as an exploratory case. Respondents reacted to statements re-appropriated from the educational implications of Idealism, Realism, and Pragmatism, as well as statements describing their perception of the SDA. In the process, the researcher established a predominant leaning towards Pragmatism without ruling out Eclecticism among the SDA students. As a community of learners, faculty members are encouraged to reconsider the primary educational philosophies in improving pedagogy.

This paper was based on a masteral thesis entitled: “A Study on the Educational Philosophy of DLS... more This paper was based on a masteral thesis entitled: “A Study on the Educational Philosophy of DLS-CSB’s Music Production Program (MPP): A Pragmatic Model.” The thesis analyzed the educational philosophy of five-year old MPP; whether it modeled pragmatism or not. The article features the qualitative research findings of the thesis. The researcher’s hypothesis that the MPP is a pragmatic course was confirmed. Most of the key players, in describing MPP mainly as a practical course or as an alternative to traditional music courses, described a pragmatic program. Despite their adherence to some non-pragmatic educational views, faculty members generally practiced pragmatic methods. In conclusion, MPP showed potentials to fully model pragmatism in music education in the Philippines.

I share my experience and insights as I continuously seek to grow in my teaching practice. I reco... more I share my experience and insights as I continuously seek to grow in my teaching practice. I reconstruct, abstract and examine my experience using mixed research approach (Creswell, 2014, 2008). Geoffrey E. Mills’ 3Es (that of experiencing, enquiring, and examining) guided my data collection activities. My teaching approach has been effective in a learner-centered school, with good school evaluation records over 24 years to confirm my claim. But I had to go beyond the comfort offered by said empirical evaluations, through my own assessment and critical reflections to continuously grow. I refer to literatures offering practical guides on how to grow more learner-centered. In my self-assessment, I realized that my weakness or room for improvement is in the balance of power or sharing the responsibility in learning with my students. Practicing democracy in the classroom would bring my practice to a higher level.

Philippine history would explain how different countries and peoples came on the Philippine shore... more Philippine history would explain how different countries and peoples came on the Philippine shores in varied historical periods: Negritoes, Malay, Hindu, Chinese, Spaniards, Americans, Japanese, and now Koreans. As a result, Filipino culture, traditions and values became a unique and dynamic set of indigenous and contextualized traditions and values brought in by different cultures. Some philosophers said that the authentic Filipino philosophy became obscured, confused, if not erased. More recently, there has been more confident and definite characterization of it. Many believe more work is needed to fully capture the Filipino philosophy. This paper is my beginner’s reflective piece as I join the now growing efforts to articulate the Filipino Philosophy. I will employ a narrative and reflective survey of the still young literature on Filipino Philosophy. I encourage philosophers and other scholars to take conscious and active effort in sustaining research on Filipino philosophy. Philosophy need to continually document and attempt to capture the essence of Filipino philosophy in Filipino traditions, lifestyle, writings and values, towards developing unifying thoughts. Philosophers, together with other scholars, must provide holistic views of the Filipino culture to push for the maturation of the nation’s identity and philosophy.

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2017

This paper constitutes my philosophy of teaching. I aim to model self-examination of teaching pra... more This paper constitutes my philosophy of teaching. I aim to model self-examination of teaching practice with the use of philosophical action research. I use the method of triangulation and a mix of qualitative and quantitative data to validate and to strengthen my assertions. The analysis was grounded on empirical information, relevant current literature, and reflection. I argue that self-examination of practice is a worthy exercise for educators. When conducted systematically, self-examination efforts should not be regarded as merely subjective. It can be harnessed as a tool to improve an educator’s academic performance and personal wellbeing. It should rather be viewed as a basic or foundational discipline to sustain one’s growth and love for teaching. The reflections on experience, insights, and the external validation one gathers in the process are worth the challenge. An examined life becomes worth living.

Expounding on modern day human activities from a philosophical view leads to a richer appreciatio... more Expounding on modern day human activities from a philosophical view leads to a richer appreciation of what seems superficial, ordinary, or inconsequential. This essay espouses the significance of traveling as a family as we contemplate on promoting a lifestyle that celebrates a thriving humanity. The family plays a critical role in the development of values and culture. To prepare children for life, families send them to schools and training. We should add to these more direct experiences in the bigger human community and the world environment. Traveling as a family should be part of the young's life and education. When a family travels, a full worldview is introduced to the children. They develop a richer and deeper appreciation of humanity, as embodied in the food, languages, arts, traditions, religions, technology, environment, and stories. The impressions and insights will influence, not just the way they think, but the way they live and relate with the rest of their communities. The stories, memories, and enriched values the family gathers in traveling will naturally pass on to its sphere of influence: playmates, cousins, colleagues, and later, children and grandchildren. This way, the family serves as the carrier of culture.

The art of teaching well necessitates constant tuning in with the changing times. To thrive as a ... more The art of teaching well necessitates constant tuning in with the changing times. To thrive as a teacher, I need to be constantly updated and mindful of the philosophical thoughts behind the changes to anchor my pedagogical approach. One recent challenge requiring special attention is inclusive education. After teaching for more than two decades, I am a witness to how my school, De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, readily adapts to current and post-modern thoughts in education. Inclusive education has become increasingly manifested in the evolved programs, courses and schools, and the student profile. My academic interest in philosophy of education enables me to rationalize the flow of changes as I continually explore innovative, creative, multi-intelligence, multi-and interdisciplinary approaches in the classroom. In this paper, I share my practice in teaching and learning as I handle increasingly diverse students. I briefly describe my philosophy of education, primary methodology, and support strategies and activities that enable me to flexibly respond to my students' needs. Given the inclusivity challenge, my goal is not only to accommodate their special needs and varied learning styles, but, more importantly, to harness their diversity as an add-on to their total learning experience. This outlook makes me see the added learning opportunity and positivizes my attitude towards accommodating students with special learning needs in my regular classes. I join colleagues who assert that inclusive education may appear daunting, but it is necessary and doable.

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2018

My advocacy is teachers' continuing professional growth, the practice and beliefs of which must b... more My advocacy is teachers' continuing professional growth, the practice and beliefs of which must be constantly fine-tuned with the school's philosophy. One must purposely get out of the comfort zone to get a more philosophical view. I teach in a learner-centered school, which puts the learner at the center of the educative process. Some pedagogical techniques are recognized as more learner-centered than others, but other methods could be transformed as well. It helps to consult literatures on how to grow more learner-centered. In this article, I share how I used McCombs and Miller's attributes of learner-centered leaders and best teachers, and Blumberg's model for transitioning to learner-centered instruction. I realize that I have yet to improve on sharing the responsibility in learning with my students. I anticipate pleasure and pain in shifting my beliefs on the boundary between teacher and students. The exercise demonstrates that the learner-centered mindset compels planning and adapting; preparing the classroom, lessons and instruction; and seeking new information and technology, all for making a teaching moment more helpful to each learner. For this reason, the learner-centered pedagogy contributes not only to the learner's growth but also to the teacher's growth in his or her own pedagogy.

Book Reviews by Juan Rafael Macaranas

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2023

This is a book review on the Philosophy of Manipulation edited by Fleur Jongepier and Michael Kle... more This is a book review on the Philosophy of Manipulation edited by Fleur Jongepier and Michael Klenk (New York, NY: Routledge; 2022, eBook, 425 pages). This book is a product of collaboration among different minds applying philosophical concepts on online manipulation. It provides different points of view of philosophers and scholars who explain online manipulation, making the work unique and interesting. The authors and contributors are experts in their fields, young and promising professionals, researchers, writers, and seasoned philosophy teachers. This book will particularly interest philosophy researchers and advanced students working in ethics, epistemology, philosophy of technology, and critical thinking. It is good reading material for undergraduate and graduate philosophy students as well.

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2020

Religions, 2021

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2021

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2022

Philosophia International Journal of Philosophy, 2022

Religions, 2021

International Journal of Philosophy and Social Values, 2020

One’s consciousness is expected to be more open to new ways and learnings during travel. As each ... more One’s consciousness is expected to be more open to new ways and learnings during travel. As each traveler is unique, each one can grow in wisdom. This article will argue on the value of doing philosophy in travelling as it gives meaning, identity, and enrichment to one’s life. The traveler’s intention and worldview have impact on how each travel enriches and reveals the self. Mindful travelling sets the right attitude for philosophizing. Applying phenom enology, following Gabriel Marcel’s primary reflection and secondary reflection, the author shares his travelogue, highlighting Aha moments. He underscores the need to learn to love oneself, one’s family, one’s community, and one’s humanity. He then proceeds to discuss the need to participate in cultivating ethical travel practices, starting with a personal traveler’s code of ethics. The author concludes with an invitation to continue to explore by travelling while philosophizing. Philosophizing on travelogues can be a way to living life fully.

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2021

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2020

Learning Edge: De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, 2008

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2017

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2018

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2023

HERMENEIA: Journal of Hemeneutics, Art Theory and Criticism, 2021

This is my book review on Jove Jim S. Aguas’ The Good and Happy Life: Introduction to Ethical Sys... more This is my book review on Jove Jim S. Aguas’ The Good and Happy Life: Introduction to Ethical Systems and Theories (2019). I entitled it: “Ethical principles as ways to authentic fulfillment.” I have read a lot of books on ethics and this is among the more comprehensive ones. By its title, the book offers to explore basic questions in life. By opening with simple and plainly talked about questions, Aguas made Ethics a more welcoming subject matter. Indeed, “What is a well-lived life and how do we attain the good life?” (xv). The good life, rather than life itself, is more important. Drawing from his understanding of ethics as a philosophy professor for more than three decades, he uses the notion that a well-lived life is a happy life as a pin in navigating around varied concepts.

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2021

This is a book review on Laura D’Olimpio’s Media and Moral Education: A Philosophy of Critical En... more This is a book review on Laura D’Olimpio’s Media and Moral Education: A Philosophy of Critical Engagement (2018). This book is relevant, timely and wise for such an excellent material in learning. Because of its simplicity and wide applicability, it would be useful to everyone regardless of age and profession. It is engaging, stimulating, and it inspires action. It encourages readers to be actively open minded, ethical, creative, reflective, critical, and compassionate.

META: Research in Hermeneutics, Phenomenology, and Practical Philosophy, 2021

I entitled my book review as Phenomenologizing through Ethical Experience. The book has simple co... more I entitled my book review as Phenomenologizing through Ethical Experience. The book has simple content with wide applicability and relevance. For philosophy pracademics like me, experience plays a vital role in allowing philosophy to be part of everyday living. This makes the book very interesting to read. In teaching philosophy, varied perspectives in using phenomenology are much needed to widen my view. It supplies added intellectual ammunition for understanding ethics and deriving meaning from experience as demonstrated in practice. I consider the book exceptional, commendable, and interesting to read and review. It must be read from the lens of ethics, phenomenology, and psychology.

META: Research in Hermeneutics, Phenomenology, and Practical Philosophy, 2021

This is a book review on Prof. James Tartaglia’s Philosophy in a Meaningless Life: A System of Ni... more This is a book review on Prof. James Tartaglia’s Philosophy in a Meaningless Life: A System of Nihilism, Consciousness and Reality. The author thinks that to appreciate and enjoy philosophizing, there are a lot more philosophical clarifications needed on these matters. I entitled my review as Affirming Nihilism as a Way to Philosophizing in Life. Truly, it would seem that reality is meaningless, and that nihilism according to Tartaglia is neither good nor bad, but rather a neutral reality. It is philosophy that will supply the intellectual ammunition for understanding the meaningful and meaningless life as against maybe trends, religion, cultures and traditions.

HERMENEIA: Journal of Hemeneutics, Art Theory and Criticism, 2021

This is a book review on Christopher W. Haley, The Subject of Human Being, Routledge Studies in C... more This is a book review on Christopher W. Haley, The Subject of Human Being, Routledge Studies in Critical Realism, Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. 2019, 289 p. I entitled it Minding the human being to become an ethical person. The book title may appear easy to understand, but if one is to read thoroughly, the book has to be read twice or thrice to be fully grasped. Words are carefully used, and sentences were thoughtfully crafted. One has to understand layers of contexts to appreciate it. This is what makes the book unique, laudable, admirable, and interesting. It took me three rounds of reading to appreciate it better. Truly, one of the hardest books I have ever read.

International Journal of Philosophy and Social Values, 2020

David A. Fennell’s book on Tourism Ethics is an affirmation of the phenomenon of globalization an... more David A. Fennell’s book on Tourism Ethics is an affirmation of the phenomenon of globalization and cosmopolitanism at work in tourism. It is the task of tourist‑philosophers, travelers, tourism scholars and practitioners, and policy makers to develop a tourism industry that values more than just profit and pleasure for the sake of the common good. The book is one of the most in‑depth introductory text on ethics as applied to tourism. It provides sufficient philosophical ground for examining the deep philosophical perspectives on human nature revealed in tourism – that we are ethical and rational beings by nature, as we are global and cosmopolitan people. It is a demonstration of how we can do philosophizing, critical thinking, creative thinking, and reflective thinking in traveling.

Philosophia: International Journal of Philosophy, 2020

This book stimulates interest in deepening one’s philosophy of education. I appreciate the way it... more This book stimulates interest in deepening one’s philosophy of education. I appreciate the way it was presented, organized, and written. Rule has incorporated his doctoral dissertation, and his previous articles on his teaching experience and pedagogical experiments into this book. Many will be able to relate to his learning experiences as a teacher, learner, or educator in different contexts. It has three parts. The first part, the general introduction, focuses on the foundations in understanding dialogue and learning. It has four chapters, one each on Socrates (470-399 BC), Martin Buber (1878-1965), Mikhail Bakhtin (1895-1975) and Paulo Freire (1921-1997). Rule calls the four thinkers, the traditional philosophers. The second part has five chapters. Each chapter explores dialogue, teaching and learning in a range of contexts, situation and application. The third part, the concluding chapter of book, presents his notion of diacognition, a conceptual framework for understanding teaching and learning as moments of knowing.