The human person is an important subject in Philosophy and an understand of the nature and

condition of the person is one of the foremost goals of the discipline.

Philosophers have long pondered human nature, what it means to be human, and what sets us apart
from other beings and things in existence.

We often ask ourselves, “What makes us special?” Pondering our human nature allow as to determine
the special traits us humans unique as a species. Further reflection on our nature as human will also
help us figure out what makes us special as individuals and how this uniqueness is shared with our
fellow human beings.

Man is the general term commonly used to refer to the entire human race. Other related terms
include humanity, mankind and humankind.

Human refers to man as a species —Homo sapiens or modern human beings.

The term human being is also used to distinguish man from other animals.

Person is a much more complex term which generally refers to a human being granted recognition of
certain rights, protection, responsibilities and dignity, above all.

Personhood refers to the state of being a person.

Human nature refers to the characteristics that distinguish humans from all other creatures. These
traits are assumed to arise independent of the influence of culture and society. Examples of this
characteristics include thinking, feeling and acting. This traits are considered to form the essence of
humanity, and without them, an individual may not be considered a human person.

WHAT IS THE HUMAN PERSON?

The most basic definition of a human being relates to the nature of humans as animals.
Philosophers, however, believe that the human being is not just a mere animal. There is something in
the human individual that sets him or her apart from other beings. These special traits make a human
a distinct individual person.

The first trait that defines a person is self-awareness. It refers to the person having a clear perception
of oneself, including his or her thoughts, emotions, identity and actions.

A human person knows that he or she is leaving an experience and is an active participant in this
experience. We do not experience life as an audience watching a movie on a screen; we are stars in
our own movies, acting and starring in a story of our own making.

This awareness gives rise to the notion of the “self”, which philosophers describe as the person
who is actively aware that he or she is perceiving and experiencing reality.

This awareness of the self also enables us person to experience an “inner world” that is defined
by our personal thoughts and ideas. The fact that we can daydream, get lost in our thoughts, imagine,
fantasize and reflects shows that we are able to reach within ourselves and experience interiority,
which is the quality of being focused on one’s inner life and identity.

The self also enables us to reach out and interact with things outside ourselves. This means that
we are not only aware of our surroundings and everything around us — but we are also aware of
other human beings.

Another trait that defines a person is self determination. This refers to capability of person to
make choices and decisions based on their own preferences, monitor and regulate their actions, be
goal-oriented and self-directed. We are person because we act and we are aware of our actions.
 Our free will enables us to do actions whenever we want to makes self-determination possible.
Free will is the capacity to choose a course of action from various alternatives. The existence of free
will enables a person to act willfully control his or her actions and recognize himself or herself as the
source of action.

The discussion on self-determination and free will eventually leads to a discussion of consequence.
The consequence is the result or effect of an action or condition. As persons, we are aware that each
action that we perform as a consequence.

Another element of human action is morality or the goodness or badness of an act.

Human action is such an important aspect of the person that many philosophers consider human
action as a way to reveal a person’s true nature. Human acts complete the person, as it is through his
or her actions that his or her inner self is revealed to other, and it is through action that a person is
able to explore his or her potential.

Another important trait that defines a human person is externality or the capability to reach out
and interact with others in the world.

The final trait that distinguishes the human person is dignity or innate right to be valued and
respected. Philosophers consider all human as having an inherent worth or value. Philosophers,
however, do not equate value or worth with any quantifiable measure such as a price.

Each person is worth the same as another person in the sense that every person is priceless,
unique, unrepeatable and irreplaceable. We do not value another person in the same way that we
assign values to thing such as cars and houses.

Human dignity is rooted in the nature of the human being. This means a human person has
dignity simply because of the fact that he or she is a human. Dignity is not defined by outside forces or
characteristics such as intelligence, ability, skills or attractiveness.

Human dignity also drives us to seek what is good. Doing good actions, therefore, upholds and
promotes the dignity of the human person. The recognition of the dignity of the human person is the
basis for the recognition of human rights.

WHAT IS AN OUR HUMAN NATURE THAT ENABLES US TO BECOME PERSONS?

Our body is not the only thing that defines. Philosophers believe that a person cannot be simply
reduced to his or her physical body.

Being hopeful, happy or friendly are characteristics that are very much part of us, but are not seen in
any physical trait we posses and are only made evident through our actions.

Philosophers point to another unseen aspect of the human person which, along with the body,
defines us as a persons. This intangible element is the spirit which enables us to exercise thought,
possess awareness, interiority and the capacity to reach out to the outside world and other person.

WHAT IS AN OUR HUMAN NATURE THAT ENABLES US TO BECOME PERSONS?

Our body is not the only thing that defines. Philosophers believe that a person cannot be simply
reduced to his or her physical body.

Being hopeful, happy or friendly are characteristics that are very much part of us, but are not
seen in any physical trait we posses and are only made evident through our actions.

Philosophers point to another unseen aspect of the human person which, along with the body,
defines us as a persons. This intangible element is the spirit which enables us to exercise thought,
possess awareness, interiority and the capacity to reach out to the outside world and other person.
HOW ARE THE BODY AND THE SPIRIT RELATED ?
Philosophers consider the human person as define by the union of the body and spirit. The
human person is an embodied spirit. Not only are the body and spirit united, but they are also
integrated with each other. This means that we cannot separate the two and they go hand-in-hand in
making us who we are.

Philosophers , on the other hand, argue that reducing a profound experience such as love to
biological function or activities of certain body parts is absurd. Embodied, therefore, is the one thing
that enables us to feel love and love others.

Our experience is also a product of embodiment. The human mind process as information
through the senses, which are experienced through the body.

The human body also stands as the mediator between the material world and the spiritual
world. Being an embodied spirit, the person also encounter the world of objects in a manner that
transcends the physical.

This explain why people who are in love with each other seem to communicate effortlessly
without words. The mere act of “holding hands” conveys a powerful message between lovers, as it is
through this act that they can express their affection towards each other. A smile from a stranger will
not elicit a reaction from you but a smile from your crush will immediately cause an intense emotional
reaction in you.

HOW DOES MY HUMAN NATURE ENABLE ME TO EXPLORE MY LIMITS?

Though the nature of the person as an embodied spirit provides numerous opportunities to
explore everything around us and even without us, our human nature still imposes limitation. It is true
that the human person enjoys a number of advantage compared to other beings, but there are still a
number of things that human naturally cannot do.

It can be said that a person is a very biologically deficient being. This means that we are not
equipped with the best physical attributes among all the beings in the world.

The ability to surpass limits is called transcendence, and it is also on important trait that
distinguishes the human person from other being existence.

Our mind is an important tool that allows us to go beyond many of our physical limits. As
persons, we are able to exercise our imagination and reflection to go beyond our own thoughts and
experiences. Being physically limited in our abilities does not prevents us from hoping for or aspiring
greater things.

It must also be understand that as human persons, we have natural tendencies or inclinations.
Some of these felt bodily functions and they are experienced as a person goes through life.
Transcendence also means overcoming oneself or being in control even if the body reminds us to
certain tendencies. Although these tendencies are felt, the person can govern them and ensure that
they are exercised within the bonds of reason.

Philosophy gives as useful tools to explore our limitations and possibilities for transcendence.
The essence of transcendence is to acknowledge our limitation, identify possibilities for development,
and change ourselves for the better. Another aspect of transcendence is opening yourself to new
experiences and ideas. Our capacity for transcendence give us the opportunity to work toward
becoming better version of ourselves.