SHS

Introduction to the Philosophy of

the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 3
Freedom of the Human Person
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 5.4 Freedom of the Human Person

Republic Act 8293,

section 176 states that:
No copyright shall subsist
in any work of the
Government of the
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Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand

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Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin
Regional EPS: Shiela C. Bulawan
Division EPS: Presyl A. Bello

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 5.4 Freedom of the Human Person

Development Team of the Module

Writer: JEREMY VICTOR S. SALVADORA - Binobong HS, SDO
Camarines Sur

Editor: JESSIE MARIE M. MORCOSO – Pawa HS, SDO Legazpi City

Reviewers: ALVIN A. SARIO, PhD – University of Sto Tomas – Legazpi City

JESON D. BALINGBING – Pag-asa NHS, SDO Legazpi City
GERRY A. BAJARO – Oro Site HS, SDO Legazpi City
ROMMEL U. QUIÑONES – Homapon HS, SDO Legazpi City
ROMEO A. TUSI – Pawa HS, SDO Legazpi City

Illustrator: VIAN GABRIEL SPES B. QUINONES – Grade 7, Philippine

Science High School, Goa, Camarines Sur

Cover Photo: JEREMY VICTOR S. SALVADORA - Binobong HS, SDO

Camarines Sur

FREEDOM OF THE HUMAN PERSON

INTRODUCTION
Have you ever faced a challenging situation in your life?
What does it feel like to be in such a dilemma? Were you able to
make it through?
When you were a child, the things that bother you are the
simple ones. Like, at noontime, you have to decide if you're going
to sleep in your room or play with your friends outside. Now, at
your age, many problems and situations are coming in and out of
your life. That is part of growing up. That is part of life. As time
goes by, these never before seen situations are becoming more
challenging than ever. According to the first Rule of Evolution,
"life is destined to become more complex." And along with it, problems become
more complex too. The discovery of the coronavirus disease brought us to a new
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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 5.4 Freedom of the Human Person

and unfamiliar scenario. The question about the necessity to continue education
amidst the pandemic is only one of the many dilemmas we're experiencing right
now. We do not know when this will end, but with our ability to decide, someday,
we're going to surpass this.
In your current disposition, are you prepared to face such circumstances? If
not, don't worry! In this module, you will be guided by the principles in decision
making when it comes to different situations. Also, you will learn about the concept
of situated freedom and many other exciting ideas.
Are you ready? Let's begin!

OBJECTIVES
At the end of this module, you should be able to:
1. Define "Situated Freedom," according to Maurice Merleau-
Ponty.
2. Show situations that demonstrate freedom of choice and
the consequences of their choices (PPT11/12-Ilc-5.4).
3. Make decisions based on high moral standards.

VOCABULARIES
Now, here are some words you have to remember:
DETERMINISM is the philosophical view that all events are determined entirely by
previously existing causes.
DILEMMA a situation in which a difficult choice has to be made
between two or more alternatives, especially equally
undesirable ones.
FUNDAMENTAL OPTION is our general direction or
orientation in life that reflects our values in life.
LIMITED FREEDOM is a belief that man has freedom but is
limited because of his situation.
MORAL STANDARD refers to the norms we have about the
types of actions we believe to be morally acceptable and
morally unacceptable.
SITUATED FREEDOM a belief that a choice is always embedded in and
dependent upon the meaningful choices disclosed by a specific social and
historical situation.

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 5.4 Freedom of the Human Person

General Instruction. Please prepare a sheet of paper where you would write your
answers to the quizzes or questions posted.

PRE-TEST .
Are you ready to start the pre-test? Remember to write your
answers in your journal.

TRUE or FALSE
Direction: Write the letter “T” if the statement is true and
“F” if the statement is false.
___1. There is freedom, but only limited.
___2. Vertical freedom includes choices that has the same value.
___3. Freedom becomes limited because of situations
___4. Choices must be based on our moral standards or values.
___5. There is no such thing as authentic freedom.

MULTIPLE CHOICE
Direction: Read each item carefully and copy the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following situations demonstrate vertical freedom:

a. Tom was so excited to buy a new smart phone, so he purchased the latest model
of iPhone instead of the outdated ones.
b. Mark skipped lunch because he doesn’t want to eat vegetables.
c. Travis stayed at home the whole day to finish his modules rather than attending
his friend’s party.
d. Scott was asked to choose between the two: watching movies or playing video
games. He preferred the first one since it is his favorite past time.

2. The following are examples of moral values prominent among Filipinos, except:
a. Saying “po” and “opo’” when talking to elders. c. Bayanihan
b. Being hospitable to visitors. d. Crab mentality

3. Imagine that you are caught in a dilemma where you have to decide if you will
pursue studying or not, considering the threat of covid-19. What is the best action
to take?
a. It depends upon the situation. Look for other possible choices.
b. Stop studying because your health is more important than education.
c. Pursue studying because your classmates might get ahead of you.
d. Ask your parents about it.

4. “We choose something not simply because we need to do it; we choose because
it has meaning to us.” What is the message of this statement?
a. There is always a reason to do something.

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 5.4 Freedom of the Human Person

b. Sometimes we choose because we are forced to.

c. Choosing requires reasoning
d. The act of choosing depends on the person.

5. Laurah was having a hard time understanding the modules, causing her to lose
interest in studying. She is blaming the problem to her teachers. Do you agree with
her?
a. I agree, because it is the teachers’ duty to guide a student who is having a hard
time.
b. I agree, because the modules should be presented in an interesting manner so
that students won’t get bored.
c. I disagree, because every action has a corresponding consequence.
d. I disagree, because she has the ability to choose among choices

LEARNING ACTIVITY 1

Situation 1. My Dream Boy/ Girl

Imagine yourself faced in a situation wherein you are
to choose a lifelong partner. The choices are shown below,
who will you pick? Why?

A. The smart one

(school achiever),
who dedicates all of
his/her time for
studying but doesn't
have much time for
you. https://www.123rf.com/photo_8527 https://www.waterford.org/education/free-
2189_happy-student-girl-studying- choice-independent-reading/teenage-boy-
taking-notes-sitting-in-a-coffee- studying-using-digital-tablet-at-home/
shop.html
B. The handsome or beautiful one,
whose sports skills are the complete
opposite of his/her interests in
school.

https://www.123rf.com/photo_4340 https://www.theodysseyonline.com/
9791_a-teenager-basketball-player- 14-female-volleyball-players-who-
over-a-white-background.html are-more-beautiful-than-any-movie-
star

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 5.4 Freedom of the Human Person

C. The shy type one, whose

kindness and authenticity to
you is of no comparison.

https://www.stocksy.com/264898/te
https://www.freepik.com/free-
enage-boy-being-real-outside---
photo/cute-carefree-friendly-
looking-down-and-shy
looking-african-american-teenage-
girl-with-afro-hairstyle-smiling-
broadly-with-shy-happy-expression-
meeting-new-
classmates_10150622.htm

Situation 2 The Lucky Winner

Imagine you won a big contest, and you were asked to choose just one of the
following prizes:

A. a luxury car B. a 4-year college educational

scholarship at one prestigious school in

https://theconversation.com/who-will-get-the-
https://www.autodeal.com.ph/articles/car- scholarships-in-the-new-expensive-world-of-higher-
features/10-most-popular-premium-car-brands-in- education-26958
philippines-in-2018

the Philippines

C. a 1-month all-expense-paid trip to Europe

https://thebesttravelplaces.com/planning-a-trip-
around-europe/
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 5.4 Freedom of the Human Person

Guide questions:
1. What did you choose? Why?
2. Did you find it difficult to choose? Why or why not?
3. What are the pros and cons of each choice?
4. How did you exercise your freedom in the process of choosing? Explain your
answer.

DEEPENING
THE CONCEPT OF FREEDOM
Two-fold positions about the concept of freedom:
1. Absolute determinism (B.F. Skinner)
2. Absolute indeterminism (J.P. Sartre)

Absolute determinism tells us that man is not free because past experiences
and events determine him. On the other hand, absolute indeterminism tells us that
man is free, and there’s no limit to his freedom. These two views are considered
extreme and would fall short to our experience of freedom. There are things that
are beyond our control as humans and thus giving birth to the idea of limited
freedom. When you were born, you were not given the freedom to choose your
nationality, culture, religion, language, and status in life. But you were given the
freedom to do what you want with the rest of your life. Every time we find ourselves
in a particular situation, freedom becomes limited, and we need to accept that
reality. Imagine yourself thinking of what’s best to do on a hot summer afternoon.
You decided to go out and swim. Upon reaching the resort, you found out that
there’s no water in the pool. You were upset because you cannot do what you had
wanted. Your willingness to swim is restricted by the current situation that you are
in. Your situation limits your freedom to swim. That is what we mean when we say,

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 5.4 Freedom of the Human Person

freedom depends on a given situation. And freedom is relatively true only with a
given situation.

Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908–1961), a French philosopher and public

intellectual, coined the idea of situated freedom, where choice is always embedded
in and dependent upon the meaningful choices disclosed by a specific social and
historical situation. In everything that we do, we are putting ourselves into a
situation, and each situation differs from another.
The same idea is being referred to by Wilmer Joseph Tria, a professor from
Ateneo de Naga University, in his book, Ako asin
an Kapwa Ko: Pilosopiya nin Tawo (2009).
“Nagtutubod ako na yaon ang katalingkasan sa
gabos na tawo sa gabos nyang kamugtakan.”
Translation: I believe that freedom is present in all
humans, in all their situations. If freedom is
limitless, when we talk about it as freedom per se,
then what makes freedom limited is the situation,
where it is being confined within space and time.
However, there are situations wherein we are left
with only one option, or what others would say:
there’s no choice. It is in this kind of situation
https://susih.org/2020/05/phenomenology where authentic freedom is applied.
-the-body-freedom-and-history-part-one/
In all situations possible, how can we
exercise our authentic freedom?
Let us go back to our Learning Activity 1, Situation 2 (The Lucky Winner). If
you analyze the options, seemingly, all of the choices are great prizes. However,
if you weigh the pros and cons of each, you will eventually realize that one may be
better than the other. For example, if you choose the luxury car, the high cost of
maintenance fees and gasoline may burden you. The European trip would also be
fun, but it seems impractical. A 4-year scholarship would have been the best
choice because it is long-term and beneficial. In choosing which prize to get, you
have already exercised your freedom to make decisions. However, it is essential
to conclude that the choices you make have corresponding consequences and that
the main reason for choosing such is because the option has a higher value in your
life.

We can exercise freedom based on the moral standards that we have. And
these moral standards are also based on our previous experiences. Back when we
were still kids, we were taught to say “po” and “opo” and to practice the “mano po”
as a sign of respect to our elders. Those simple gestures connote a high moral
value, and unconsciously that value is confined within us as we grow older. And as
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 Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 5.4 Freedom of the Human Person

long as we live with a high moral value, we live more authentically, practicing our
freedom to choose good over evil.

To deepen more the concept of situated freedom, let us quote one of the
famous statements of Merleau-Ponty, “… we choose something not simply
because we need to choose but we choose because it has meaning to us. Man’s
freedom is always affected by situation. We are free to choose based on what
situation we belong in which we find meaning for ourselves.”

To increase our knowledge about situated freedom, let us talk about the
kinds of freedom (Max Scheler).
There are two kinds of freedom:
1. The freedom of choice (horizontal freedom)
2. The fundamental option (vertical freedom).

Vertical Freedom
FRFreedom

Your choice every day

High standard moral value

Horizontal Freedom
Horizontal Freedom

Low standard moral value

Your choice everyday

Vertical Freedom
FFreedom

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 5.4 Freedom of the Human Person

The freedom of choice (horizontal freedom) is our basic and particular

choices we make every day in our lives. When you choose among variety of things,
like choosing what to eat for lunch, you are exercising freedom of choice. That is
why it is illustrated as horizontal because the choices have the same value. The
fundamental option (vertical freedom), on the other hand, is our general direction
or orientation in life that reflects our values. It is illustrated as vertical because it
shows hierarchy of choices wherein some values are higher than the others. For
example, choosing the object of your love. Which is of greater value, to love
yourself or to love others? Just like when wearing a mask, are you doing it to protect
yourself or are you doing it so that you won’t spread the virus to others because
you care for them? Fundamental option is concretized and exercised in our
particular choices. It is in the fundamental option that authentic freedom is applied.
These two are interrelated with each other because the choices we make shape
our fundamental freedom.
To sum everything up, let us contemplate on the words of Wilmer Joseph
Tria:
“Kun mayong katalingkasan mayo man nin katungdan an tawo.” “An
katalingkasan kasangkapan sa paglingkod sa kapwa.”

Translation: Without Freedom, man has no responsibility. Freedom

is an instrument to serve others.

Undeniably, loving others has a higher value than loving oneself, and love
is the highest moral value of all. There is total freedom when there is love. Because
of this, freedom makes us truly human- our purpose in life.

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 5.4 Freedom of the Human Person

APPLICATION
Listed in the first column are your different roles in society. In
the second column, list down at least 1 difficult situation that
you are encountering right now in your life as a son/daughter,
a student, a friend, and a member of society. In the third
column, list down the possible options you have in that
particular situation. In the fourth column, write the possible
consequences of each option. In the fifth column write your
best choice among the options. In the sixth column, explain the reason why you
have chosen that particular option

Situation Possible Possible Your

Role Encountered Options Consequences Choice Reason

As a
son/daughter

As a student

As a friend

As a member
of society
LEARNING ACTIVITY 2

https://www.relativelyinteresting.com/the-trolley-problem-a-thought-
experiment-that-tests-our-morality/?utm_source=org

The Trolley Problem: An Ethical Dilemma

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 5.4 Freedom of the Human Person

There is a runaway trolley moving down the railway tracks. Ahead, on the
tracks, there are five people tied up and unable to move. The trolley is headed
straight for them. You are standing some distance off in the train yard, next to a
lever. If you pull this lever, the trolley will switch to a different set of tracks. However,
you notice that there is one person on the sidetrack. You have two options:

A. Do nothing and allow the trolley to kill the five people on the main track.
B. Pull the lever, diverting the trolley onto the side track where it will kill one
person.

Guide Questions:

1. What will you do? A or B? Elaborate your answer

2. Let us modify the situation; what if the one person on the side track is your
mother? Will your answer be the same? Explain your answer.
3. What if the five people on the main track are criminals? Will your answer be the
same? Explain your answer.

POST TEST
TRUE OR FALSE
Direction: Write the letter “T” if the statement is true
and “F” if the statement is false. Write your answer in
your notebook.

___1. There is freedom, but only limited.

___2. Vertical freedom includes choices that has the same value.
___3. Freedom becomes limited because of situations
___4. Choices must be based on our moral standards or values.
___5. There is no such thing as authentic freedom.

MULTIPLE CHOICE
Direction: Read each item carefully and copy the correct answer in your
notebook.
1. Which of the following situations demonstrate vertical freedom:
a. Tom was so excited to buy a new smartphone, so he purchased the latest
iPhone model instead of the outdated ones.
b. Mark skipped lunch because he doesn’t want to eat vegetables.
c. Travis stayed at home the whole day to finish his modules rather than

13
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 5.4 Freedom of the Human Person

attending his friend’s party.

d. Scott was
asked to
choose
between the
two:
watching
movies or
playing
video
games. He
preferred the
first one
since it is his
favorite past
time.
2. The
following are
examples of
moral values
prominent
among
Filipinos,
except:
a. Saying “po” and “opo’” when talking to elders. c. Bayanihan
b. Being hospitable to visitors. d. Crab mentality
3. Imagine that you are caught in a dilemma where you have to decide if you
are going to pursue studying or not, considering the threat of covid-19. What
is the best action to take?
a. It depends upon the situation. Look for other possible choices.
b. Stop studying because your health is more important than education.
c. Pursue studying because your classmates might get ahead of you.
d. Ask your parents about it.
4. “We choose something not simply because we need to choose but we
choose because it has meaning to us.” What is the message of this
statement?
a. There is always a reason to do something.
b. Sometimes we choose because we are forced to.
c. Choosing requires reasoning
d. The act of choosing depends on the person.

14
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 5.4 Freedom of the Human Person

5. Laurah was having a hard time understanding the modules, causing her
to lose interest in studying. She justified herself by blaming the problem to
her teachers. Do you agree with her?
a. I agree, because it is the teachers’ duty to guide a student who is having
a hard time.
b. I agree, because the modules should be presented in an interesting
manner so that students won’t get bored.
c. I disagree, because every action has a corresponding consequence.
d. I disagree, because she has the ability to choose among choices.

ANSWER KEY

Pre Test Post Test LEARNING ACTIVITY 1

True or False True or False Situation 1
1.T 1.T Answers may vary
2. F. 2. F. Situation 2
Answers may vary
3. T 3. T
4. T 4. T
APPLICATION
5. F 5. F Answers may vary
Mutiple Choice Mutiple Choice
1. C 1. C LEARNING ACTIVITY 2
2. D 2. D Answer may vary
3. A 3. A
4. A 4. A
5. D 5. D

REFERENCES
BOOKS
Tria, W.J. (2009). Ako asin an Kapwa Ko: Pilosopiya nin Tawo. Naga City: Ateneo de
Naga, University Press.

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 5.4 Freedom of the Human Person

Vinzons, M.P. (2016). Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person. Quezon City:
Vibal Group, Inc.

MEDIA

RESOURCES
“Freedom of Choice and its Consequences I Intro to the Philosophy of the Human Person”
IHope.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ndvm3NABn4&fbclid=IwAR3tM66bnHO9kISz4I2aJRa
SSklSY453d3Ig5Oo1AUXasuLLB7U6dtspzuQ (retrieved October 16, 2020)

“Freedom and responsibility.” Routledge Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

https://www.rep.routledge.com/articles/thematic/existentialism/v-1/sections/freedom-and-
responsibility?fbclid=IwAR1p-VeOUF2h0hzBhFG-CS29vhGS8E1kL5daAlBb-
3zwJTKLu1mxNA1RfWU#:~:text=Both%20Heidegger%20and%20Merleau%2DPonty,specific%2
0social%20and%20historical%20situation (retrieved October 16, 2020)

“Human Action: Spiritual vs. Instinctual.” Classikomoro Philosophia.

https://classikomoro.wordpress.com/ (retrieved October 16, 2020)

“Maurice Merleau-Ponty.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.

https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/merleau-ponty/?fbclid=IwAR00lsTzyQ-NTL-
yrrdiuUQS4JpCHqHyB4idJscZnR_SsKHaQ6P1H8-_qjE#PhenPerc(retrieved October 16, 2020)

“Phenomenology of freedom.” Academia.

https://www.academia.edu/28927214/FREEDOM?fbclid=IwAR05FHHnFLvp7M83KUWG6UcOdS
gVIujt4rWoN3TCwNBxPJ3UWzv_dx-rykI (retrieved October 16, 2020)

“Show situations that demonstrate freedom of choice and the consequences of their choices.”
Course Hero. https://www.coursehero.com/file/36035097/Lesson-
5pptx/?fbclid=IwAR3tM66bnHO9kISz4I2aJRaSSklSY453d3Ig5Oo1AUXasuLLB7U6dtspzuQ

16