Roque Ferriols was a renowned Filipino philosopher, educator, and writer who is best known for his work on the philosophy of language and literature. His philosophical ideas were deeply influenced by his Catholic faith and his experiences of living in a multicultural society.
Ferriols believed that language is a fundamental tool for human communication and that it plays a critical role in shaping our understanding of the world. He argued that language is not only a means of expressing our thoughts and ideas but also a means of constructing reality. For Ferriols, language is not a neutral tool but a medium that carries with it the values, beliefs, and biases of the individuals who use it.
Ferriols also emphasized the importance of culture in shaping our understanding of the world. He believed that culture is not a fixed entity but a dynamic and evolving phenomenon that is constantly being reshaped by the individuals who participate in it. According to Ferriols, culture is not something that is simply passed down from one generation to another but is something that is constantly being renegotiated and redefined.
In his book, “The Structure of Filipino Values,” Ferriols outlined his theory of Filipino values, which he believed were deeply rooted in the country’s cultural history. He argued that Filipino values were shaped by a variety of factors, including the country’s history of colonialism, its indigenous culture, and its exposure to various foreign cultures.
One of Ferriols’s most significant contributions to philosophy was his concept of “deep structure.” He argued that there is a fundamental structure to all languages that is independent of the particular words and syntax used in any given language. According to Ferriols, this deep structure is what enables us to understand and communicate with one another, even if we do not speak the same language.
Ferriols was also interested in the philosophy of literature and the role of literature in shaping our understanding of the world. He believed that literature was not simply a form of entertainment but a means of exploring the human condition and the various experiences that shape our lives. According to Ferriols, literature has the power to challenge our assumptions and broaden our perspectives, enabling us to see the world in new and profound ways.
In his later years, Ferriols became increasingly concerned with the role of technology in shaping our understanding of the world. He believed that technology was both a powerful tool for human progress and a potential threat to our individual and collective humanity. He argued that technology could lead us to become disconnected from one another and from the natural world, and that it was important to use technology in ways that were consistent with our values and beliefs.
In conclusion, Roque Ferriols was a philosopher who believed in the power of language, culture, and literature to shape our understanding of the world. He believed that there was a deep structure to all languages that enabled us to communicate with one another and that culture was a dynamic and evolving phenomenon that was constantly being reshaped by the individuals who participated in it. Ferriols also emphasized the importance of literature in exploring the human condition and challenging our assumptions about the world. His ideas continue to influence the fields of linguistics, cultural studies, and literary theory.