NAME OF STUDENT: ______________________________ GRADE & SECTION:_______________

Introduction to The Philosophy of The Human Person

Module 3 - Quarter 1The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit
LESSON 3: THE HUMAN PERSON AS AN EMBODIED SPIRIT

LESSON 3.1 HUMAN BODY EMPOSES LIMITS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR TRANSCENDENCE

HUMAN COMPOSITION OF MAN

MAN (from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) The English term “man” is derived from a
Proto-Indo European root*man- (see Sanskrit/Avestan Manu-,Slavicmǫž"man, male"). It is the
general term commonly used to refer to the entire human race. Other related terms, humanity,
mankind, and humankind.

HUMAN refers to man as species – HOMO SAPIENS or MODERN HUMAN BEINGS.

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

PERSON is the personality of a human being so called “SELF”.Refers to ahuman being

granted recognition of certain rights, protection, responsibilities anddignityaboveall.Philosopher
referstothe human person as the totality of anindividual, possessing awareness, self-
determination and capacity to interact with others and with him/her. Personhood refers to the
state of being a person.

HUMAN NATURE defines as the nature of humans especially the fundamental

characters and traits of humans. It refers to the characteristics that distinguish humans from all
other creatures. These traits are expected to a rise independent of the influence of culture and
society. EXAMPLES: THINKING, FEELING AND ACTING.

What is the human person?

Self-awareness refers to the person having a clear perception of oneself, including his thoughts,
emotions, identity and actions.

Try saying these!

● I am a person.
● I am alive.
● I exist.
● I am here. I am present.
● I am living at this very moment.

Let’sexamine

● Little Jose is playing in the living room while his mom is in the kitchen. He
accidentally bumps into a table, causing a vase to fall. Uponhearing,
 His mom went to the living room and saw him, standing near the brokenvase. She
asked, “Did you break the vase?” What do you think Jose‘s answer will be?

Self-determination refers to the capability of persons to make choices and decisions based on
their own preferences, monitor and regulate their actions, and be goal-oriental and self-directed.

Consequence is the result or effect of an action or condition. Philosophers believe that a person
acts freely and with due regard for the consequences of his actions.

Externality refers to the capability of a person to reach out and interact with others and the
world.

Dignity refers to the innate right to be valued and respected. Philosophers consider all humans
as having an inherent worth or value. “You’reworthless!” is an insults inceit attacks the very
notion of a person having valueorworth.

Limitations of the Human Person

Human persons are naturally deficient beings. This means that we are not prepared with the best
physical aspects among all the beings.

Human persons do not have the natural ability to fly.

Human persons cannot breathe underwater without

the aid of breathing device.

http://www.planctondiving.cat/en/diving/

LIMITATIONS CAN LEAD TO POSSIBILITIES

Transcendence is the ability to change, be dynamic, and

continually redefining one’s self which works with our facticity
to create change.

How do limitations lead to transcendence? Facticity

refers to the things in our life that are already given.
EXAMPLE: LIFE

We are free to define who we are and who we are to be.

 Spatial - temporal being. As temporal beings, our most obvious limitation is our finitude - our
finite quality or state. For example, Walang forever, pero meron talaga. As spatial beings, we are
limited by our bodies to be present in two or more places at the same time. We are limited by
space (spatial) and the time (temporal). Our spatial-temporal situation sets our pre conditions of
understanding.

Why do we want to be in a hurry

to achieve or have something
which is not yet?

NOW, FUTURE, PAST

Why do we hold on or lament on

something which is no longer?
It is the people closest to us that
we most often neglect.
https://www.slideshare.net/PrmSalsag/the-body-as-limitation-
and-transcendence

The Body as Intermediary

Intermediary means acting a same diator (Merriam-Webster). Having a body may prevent us from
revealing what we really want to express.

How do we communicate with each other? WORDS

But can words really capture the things we want to express? But this limitation can also be an
advantage...

In most cases, words are not enough. EXAMPLE: Magbabago Na Ako Promise!!!

ACTIVITY 1:

Direction: Complete the chart below. Make sure thatyou ask or consult your parents or any
adult who have witnessed your development and reflect before you write your answer. Copy and
fill out the chart in your notebook.
AGE ThingsthatIcando ThingsthatIcannotdo

0–3

4–7

8–11

12–15

16up

ACTIVITY 2:

DIRECTIONS: Answer the following questions in your notebook.

 1. What are your limitations as a person? What are the things that you consider as difficult
or hard for you to accomplish or believe in?
2. What are your strengths? What are the possible things or status that you can reach or
achieve in the future?
3. What are the factors affecting your limitations? How about possibilities?
4. Do you see yourself improving in 5–10 years ‘time? How can you say that you are
improving?
5. How can you go beyond your current limitations?

LESSON3.2: Limitations and Possibilities for Transcendence

Many people admire Mark Zuckerbergbeingaco-founder and CEO of the
social-networking website Face book,
Which he started in his college dorm room at Harvard University. He’s
one of the world’s youngest billionaires in this generation.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Zuckerberg

● Like Mark, all people have dreams that they want to fulfill. If you were finally able to meet your
dreams, how would you feel?
● Do you think your perspective in life will change?
● https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/valencia-spain-march-05-2017-

facebook-593204357
Let us find out the answers in this lesson!

The previous example talks about transcendence or a state of “existence above and beyond the
limits of material experience.”

Transcendence originated from the words Trans, meaning “go beyond”, and
scan dare, meaning “climb”.

In the example, fulfilling a dream requires transcendence because it opens a state of

thinking and feeling that there is something more in life than just physical and material things.
Much like Abraham Maslow’s self-actualization concepts, transcendence is a state of being
intrinsically satisfied with life regardless of physical and tangible factors.

● LIMITATIONS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR TRANSCENDENCE

Here are some limitations and possibilities for transcendence:

- May not occur to everyone
- Does not come at a specified period
- Varies across all people
- May coincide with physical limitations of the body
- Developing a positive out look in life
- Working towards reaching a goal
- Learning from experience

● POSSIBILITIESFORTRANSCENDENCE
 It is also important to know that transcendence maybe applied to present
Worries by living in the present. This means that life is lived from moment to moment in a
carefree and cheerful manner where concerns for stress are reserved for the future, and regrets
or guilt feelings are kept in the past.

● THEHUMANBODYINIMPOSINGLIMITSANDPOSSIBILITIES
From a biological and physical stand point, it can be recognized that the human body,
Although it can perform many functions, also has a limitation. Limits in the environment,
demographics, and society may also hinder a person from reachingtranscendence.
Here are some examples:

BODILY LIMITATIONS

- Mental and emotional disorders (e.g. anxiety, intellectual disability)

- Disabilities (e.g. amputatedleg, deafness)
- Disease and illnesses (e.g.hypertension, cough)
- Failures and experiences (e.g.failing a subjec
SOCIALANDENVIRONMENTALLIMITATIONS

- Socio economic status

- Location of neighborhood (e.g.armed, disorganized, or violent neighborhood)
- abusive relationships (e.g. emotional
abuse)negativeinfluences(e.g.drug use)

● OVERCOMINGLIMITATIONS
Bodily limits can be tested by trying on new experiences and working on challenges with
increasing levels of difficulty. The human body, if given enough exposure to any situation, can
attain a goal with efficiency.
Social and environment all imitations are more difficult to overcome than bodily limitations
because they involve the influence of other people and the external world. However, with a
proper mindset, clearly defined goals, and motivation to rise above challenges, one may
successfully over come his or her limitations.

● RECOGNIZEANDEVALUATEOWNLIMITATIONSANDPOSSIBILI
TIESFORTRANSCENDENCE

Even though you are still young, you are not prevented from further understanding yourself.
Transcendence is even more possible when you begin to understand that you can go beyond
your limitations if you set your mind on your goals.
SOME POINT TO REMEMBER WHEN GOING BEYOND YOUR LIMITS

- You are connected to the external or eternal world

- Challenges are learning opportunities
- Your goal is more important than your fears
- Think outside the box
- Recognize that everyone has fears

TIPS

The terms “transcendent” and transcendental” should not be used interchangeably. According to
Immanuel Kant, “transcendent” is a term used to refer to God, while“transcendental”refers to all other
matter.
 While transcendence may not occur for everyone, all people have the capacity to experience
it regardless of any socio demographic, biological, or personal factors.

ACTIVITY 3:

Limitations and Possibilities forTranscendence

DIRECTIONS: Complete the chart by rewriting your present limitations with reference to your
answers in the previous activities. Make an action plan towards transcendence.Copy the chart in
your notebook.

MYLIMITATIONS PLANTOWARDSTRANSCENDENCE

Discover and try it on the following questions and answer them briefly on your activity notebook.

1. The world continues to change quickly.

Nowadays, the generation gap can easily be seen in
everyday life because of new technological advances being introduced at a fast pace.
In your personal experience, does technological advancement limit or improve the
possibility for transcendence? Why? Why not?

2. Look around you. Observe the environment and identify possible factors that may limit
transcendence. You may also put yourself in the position of thosewho experience such
limitations. Identify ways on how you may over come those challenges.
What do you think? Is reaching transcendence always a good thing? Why? Why not?
 Assessment

Direction: Read each item carefully and choose the letter ofthe
correct answer. Write your answers on a separate sheetof paper.

1. What do you call the state of being or existence above and beyond the limits of
material experience?
a. Transition
b. Transcendence
c. Transformation
d. Transgression

2. What does the term scan dare mean?

a. “to exist”
b. “to impart”
c. “to climb”
d. “to deduce”

3. According to this philosopher, the human person is an embodied spirit. Who is he?
a. Socrates
b. Aristotle
c. Immanuel Kant
d. St.Thomas

4. Which of the following is a biological limitation for transcendence for a student whose
goal is to be a valedictorian?
a. Joining a dance troupe
b. Being absent for a week due to fever
c. Watching videos over the internet
d. Criticism from his teacher on his science project

5. Which of the following is not a possibility for transcendence?

a. Looking for help
b. Having a positive outlook
c. Working to reach a goal
d. Learning from experience

6. Magieisapoor17-year old girl whose ultimate dream is to finish her studies. What can
she do to make her dream possible?
a. Join the school choir to lessen her stress in her studies
b. Start on organization that fights for human rights
c. Work during her free time to gain extra money for school
d. Read books on her own

7. Why do some people fail to experience transcendence?

a. They have a feeling that it will not occur.
b. They are not meant to experience it.
c. They are not hard working.
d. They have a goal that is too challenging for them to achieve.
8. Which of the following statement is true?
1. Transcendence is for younger ages.
2. Transcendence is similar to self-actualization.

a. Statement 2
b. Both statements 1 and 2
c. Neither statement 1 nor 2
d. Statement1

9. How does the human body play a role in transcendence?

1. The body has its limitations.
2. The body functions against transcendence.
a. Statement 2
b. Statement 1
c. Both statement 1 and 2
d. Neither statement 1nor 2

10. Which statement about transcendence is true?

1. It only starts during old age
2. All personal limitations are clearly defined.

a. Both statement 1 and 2

b. Neither statements 1 nor 2
c. Statement 1
d. Statement 2

Prepared by:
Stephanie Arias
Teacher