Ang Naging Makaldag na Lakbayin: Isang Pagsipat sa ilang Mahahalagang Yugto sa Kasaysayan ng Kritikal na Pamimilosopiyang Filipino

Abstract

Apart from being an academic and a researcher, a philosopher  also faces a great challenge to fulfill their role as a critic of their  society. In response to this challenge, the current article seeks to  unveil some manifestations of this role in the Filipino context by  means of glimpsing into some significant stages in the History of  Critical Filipino Philosophy. This discussion is divided into three  parts: (1) the Beginnings of Critical Filipino Philosophy during the  time of the Propagandists, (2) its decline entering the 1970’s due to  the brewing Marcos Dictatorship, and (3) its re-strengthening after  the Dictatorship. This article will attempt to weave a narrative that  may aid in understanding the rough journey undergone by Critical  Filipino Philosophy. With the aim of incorporating this introductory  narrative, some primary texts of chosen Filipino Intellectuals that  embody the role of the philosopher as a critic and mirror of their  current context will be utilized. Together with this, there will also  be a consultation of narratives from Filipino philosophers such  as Emerita Quito and Florentino Timbreza on their experiences  regarding the prevailing political climate during the 1970s, which  also mirror the fall and reignition of Critical Filipino Philosophy  during those times. It is vital to take a glimpse into these significant  stages in the history of Critical Filipino Philosophy for them to serve as a reminder of the contributions of the philosopher as a  critic in their society and their possible contributions as a critic in  our contemporary times.