Reexamining ‘Malasakit’: Some Philosophical Considerations in ‘Kalusugang Pantao’

Abstract

This paper will contribute to the conceptualization of ‘Kalusugang Pantao’ (Human Health) through the reexamination of ‘malasakit’. The paper does not aim to provide an absolute idea of ‘malasakit’ or ‘kalusugang pantao’; instead, it aims to raise philosophical questions that we must consider in further understanding the two concepts. The methodology of this paper is mainly conceptual analysis. Given its philosophical nature, it will analyze the concepts of ‘malasakit’ vis-à-vis ‘kalusugang pantao’. The terms will be defined based on the KWF Diskyunaryong Filipino. Then, further analysis will be conducted based on the existing philosophical and scientific references. ‘Malasakit’, as synonymous with ‘andukha’ and ‘kalinga’, can be lexically construed as caring for the good sake of others. Landa Jocano views ‘malasakit’ as selfless concern and service for others. It comes from two Filipino terms: malasin (to view or to see) and sakit (pain, disease, or illness). Relating such ideas of ‘malasakit’ to ‘kalusugang pantao’, several philosophical questions could be formulated. These questions concern the boundaries of ‘malasakit’, the subject and object of ‘malasin’, the kind of ‘sakit’ that we are dealing with, the act of exercising ‘malasakit’, and the connection of ‘malasakit’ to the concept of ‘kalusugan’. Addressing these philosophical questions could further enhance our ideas of ‘kalusugang pantao’, which can be grounds for our medical response, public policies, and approaches to health. Based on the results and discussion, this paper recommends raising further philosophical questions about the other Filipino core values that we exhibit in the health sector. Future philosophy researchers may also reconceptualize ‘kalusugang pantao’ in its holistic sense. They may employ phenomenological methodology and experimental philosophy to further understand the Filipino social understanding of medical and health concepts as well as Filipino core values. Also, the paper recommends further consideration of the relation of these concepts to the emerging field of digital health and innovations in medical practice.