Sean Patrick Mercado

Throughout the years, many Filipino philosophers have sought to define what constitutes Filipino philosophy. However, despite these efforts, it remains a contested notion—its foundations unsettled, its scope unclear, and its legitimacy often questioned both within and beyond academic circles. This paper is inspired by Alfredo P. Co’s work, “Doing Philosophy in the Philippines Fifty Years Ago and Fifty Years from Now.” It aims to contribute to the discovery of Filipino philosophy by arguing that the very search for it may, in fact, be unnecessary. Primarily, the issue of Filipino philosophy is explored through the lens of Filipino identity, which has been fundamentally influenced by colonization and intertwining of cultures and identities. The roots of the Filipino identity are traced alongside an inquiry into what constitutes Filipino philosophy, if such philosophy exists. This discussion is further heightened by considering the Filipino in the context of a global society. Furthermore, this article engages with the thoughts of previous Filipino philosophers who have sought to define and give clarity to the nature of Filipino philosophy and examines the progression of philosophical discourse in the Philippines. Ultimately, this paper mainly argues that defining Filipino philosophy is not the final aim, but to be a Filipino philosopher engaged in philosophical activity. It suggests that, amidst the seemingly impossible end of tracing a Filipino philosophy, hope remains as long as there exists a Filipino who philosophizes.