Christine Carmela R. Ramos, Ph.D. 

Mapua University, Philippines

Lecturer

This work explores a topic that is closest to democracy.  Specifically, this paper discusses philosophy and politics of Jose Rizal, a Filipino patriot and greatest national hero. This work deals with how Rizal sought a leadership based on political authority who exercised virtue. The results of this research provide framework that can be applied to the of internationalization of democracy as citizens would eagerly follow a leader’s view as the world face social unrest and how it would be resolved.  For instance, how can justice be attained from oppressors is fundamental in making ethical decision.  

     After reading Rizal’s novels, readers will reflect on what ways a revolution undermines the ends that it seeks.  Questioning what should be done if a revolution cannot be won.  Can certain domestic ends only be achieved by violence?  With a war, it remains unclear how it might end. Outright victory looks more and more unlikely, and surrender seems to be off the table. What might count as success, if not victory? What can a revolution achieve?  Noli and Fili, also reflect on these realities, which seek to question war and peace; the arguments between a just war and pacifism – across various disciplines including philosophy and political science.  

     Rizal's patriotism will lead readers to ponder on the ethical dilemmas of utilitarianism and deontology.  Utilitarianism offers a consequentialist strategy that seeks to maximize general wellbeing, occasionally necessitating choices that can go against accepted moral principles.  Deontology upholds the inherent worth of each existence by providing a consistent commitment to moral values.   Forming values and moral based choices present difficulties as we consider how our actions are going to impact others.  The intricacy of moral judgment is significant once decision is reached.  Rizal’s works promote that all individuals possess equal rights which include the liberty of life as well as the freedom to satisfaction and joy.  

     The object of his novels was to expose the fictional narrative of the actual evils or social cancer (kanser ng lipunan) which refers to the decadent state of the religious orders and some practices of the Catholic religion.  His novels feature castigating priests, satirizing observances, and practices of the Church.  Friars shielded abuses using religion. Rizal meant to portray the general condition of his country. 

     Rizal’s generous love for the Philippines is reflected on the beautiful passages and encouragement in his works for future generations so they will learn. El Filibusterismo will be dedicated to the three secular priests Frs. Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora.  They will be condemned to death, and accused of promoting an uprising that was crushed.  In this work, the protagonist, Crisostomo, will resurrect as older, dangerous, and cynical.  Nonetheless, Filipinos look up to Rizal's bravery, philosophy of non-violence, and most especially, to his fellow Filipinos worthy to earn their freedom. 

     Despite the challenges in navigating moral terrain, these three factors should be taken into consideration to shed light on the intricacy of ethical decision making of religious and cultural realities: (1) Asian cultures already possess their religions, values, and traditions, e.g., Buddhism. (2) There has been hostility toward anything foreign since 1521 in the Philippines and the rest of Asia e.g., Japan. Only in the late 19th and 20th century, will China and Vietnam will reluctantly accept the Europeans. (3) Finally, the power dynamics within governments and countries themselves lead to hostilities.    Debates will spark about the purpose of the “visitors from the West” or in this case, Christian missionaries, arriving in ships with and amid military, government, and commercial envoys. Had Christian missionaries arrived alone, they could have perceived only Christ and the Church, however, government officials would confuse evangelization with prospecting for territories and fortune.  

Keywords: Freedom, Novels, Education, Loob, Filipino Indigenous thoughts