Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

Module 1
Lesson 3 – THE HUMAN PERSON

I. INTRODUCTION

It is said that human person is an important topic in this subject. Understanding of the nature and
condition of the person is one of the foremost goals of the discipline. In this lesson, the students will explore
the concept of freedom and the different aspects connected to it. Specifically, at the end of the lesson, the
students are expected to:
a. Recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities for transcendence; and
b. Evaluate own limitations and the possibilities for their transcendence.
We will be proceeding with our lesson proper with the use of the following e-learning platforms:
1. Edmodo;
2. Zoom;
3. Google meet; and
4. Messenger/messenger chat room.

II. ACTIVITY

Directions: Answer the following questions.

1. Considering your age, what are your limitations and possibilities?
2. What comes to your mind when you hear the word transcendence?

III. ANALYSIS
Directions: Choose the letter of the correct answer.
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 scandare 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. 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 hardworking. d. They have a goal that is too challenging for them to achieve.
5. 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. Statement 1

IV. ABSTRACTION

Let us start with defining the human composition of man. Let us discuss it one by one.

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 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 a human being granted
recognition of certain rights, protection, responsibilities and dignity above all. Philosopher refers to the
human person as the totality of an individual, possessing awareness, self-determination and capacity to
interact with others and with himself/herself. 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 arise independent of the influence of culture and society. EXAMPLES: THINKING, FEELING
AND ACTING

And then, for the definition of the Human Person”, please watch these videos below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2L-i-QW-rg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QntjdDLcTrw&t=15s
Self-awareness refers to the person having a clear perception of oneself, including his thoughts, emotions,
identity and actions.
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’re worthless!” is an insult since it attacks the very notion of a person having
value or worth.
Let us now move to the limitations of the human person and the limitations that can lead to
possibilities. Please watch the video below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QntjdDLcTrw
What is Transcendence?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEm-NxYtfVU
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 preconditions of understanding.
The Body as Intermediary. Intermediary means acting as a mediator (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!!!

For the Limitations and Possibilities for Transcendence, again, please watch the video on the link
below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ5F3y35-IM

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 outlook in life
- working towards reaching a goal
- learning from experience

The human body in imposing limits and possibilities, here are the bodily limitations.
- mental and emotional disorders (e.g. anxiety, intellectual disability)
- disabilities (e.g. amputated leg, deafness)
- disease and illnesses (e.g. hypertension, cough)
- failures and experiences (e.g. failing a subject)
 We also have them social and environmental limitations.
- socioeconomic status
- location of neighborhood (e.g. armed, disorganized, or violent neighborhood)
- abusive relationships (e.g. emotional abuse) negative influences (e.g. drug use)

V. APPLICATION

A. Directions: Evaluate yourself by answering the following questions.

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

B. Directions: Interpret the questions below.

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 those who experience such limitations.
Identify ways on how you may overcome those challenges.

What do you think? Is reaching transcendence always a good thing? Why? Why not?

REFERENCES

Ferrer, J. (2008). What Does it Mean to Live a Fully Embodied Spiritual Life? Retrieved from:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41547202_What_Does_it_Mean_to
_Live_a_Fully_Embodied_Spiritual_Life
Exploring Hope (2015). What is a Human Person. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2L-i-
QW-rg
What is Transcendence? (2017). Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEm-NxYtfVU
I Hope (2018). One’s Limitations and Possibilities for Transcendence | Intro to the Philosophy of the Human
Person. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QntjdDLcTrw&t=15s
Human person as an embodied spirit (2019). Retrieved from: https://www.slideshare.net/mayoyoon/human-
person-as-an-embodied-spiritdocx?qid=b1515286-d7cc-48f8-af96-
80e9bdfb32e6&v=&b=&from_search=3
The human person as an embodied spirit (2019). Retrieved from:
https://www.slideshare.net/jeromecastelo/the-human-person-as-an-embodied-spirit-
152689721?qid=b1515286-d7cc-48f8-af96-80e9bdfb32e6&v=&b=&from_search=6
The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit: Limitations and Transcendence (2019). Retrieved from:
https://www.slideshare.net/kazekage15/the-human-person-as-an-embodied-spirit-limitations-and-
transcendence?qid=b1515286-d7cc-48f8-af96-80e9bdfb32e6&v=&b=&from_search=1
Equipaje, S. (2016). Distinguish the limitation and Possibilities of Tr. Retrieved from:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ5F3y35-IM