CRITICAL

THINKING
COURSE IPHP
INNOVATIVE
COURSE THINKING
EMPATHY

SEMESTE SCHOOL

PERIOD
WEEK 3: Nov. 22 – 26, 2021 3
COMMUNICATION
INTRODUCTION

Good day learners! Congratulations on making it this far in Introduction to the Philosophy
of the Human Person. We continue now with the next topic at hand, the Freedom of the Human
Person. In this module, we will explore the concept of freedom and the different aspects connected
to it. Further, we will examine different situations in our life wherein the importance of our choices
is emphasized. Afterwards, we will test how far you have understood the lesson through short tests
as well as reflective activities.

Intended Learning Outcomes (Learning Competencies)

Intended Learning Outcomes 1: Distinguish a holistic perspective from a partial point of view
Intended Learning Outcomes 2: Recognize human activities that emanated from deliberate reflection
Intended Learning Outcomes 3: Realize the value of doing Philosophy in obtaining a broad
perspective on life
Intended Learning Outcomes 4: Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic
perspective

TOPIC 1: 1: The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit

Human Composition of Man:

What are the difference of the following terms?
Man
Person
Human Nature

Limitations of Human Person as an Embodied Spirit Facticity

Spatial-Temporal Being
The Body as Intermediary
 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-, Slavic mǫž "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 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.

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’s examine
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. Upon hearing, his mom went to the living room and saw him, standing
near the broken vase. 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’re worthless!” is an insult since it attacks the very
notion of a person having value or worth.

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.

https://www.slideshare.net/AllanBasuga/t
he-human-person-as-an-embodied-spirit-
160195332
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.

http://theworldbestquotes.blogspot.com/
2016/07/if-you-were-born-poor-its-not-
your.html

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.

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 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...

Activity 1: Consult and Reflect!

Direction: Complete the chart below. Make sure that you ask or consult your
parents or any adult who have witnessed your development and reflect before
you write your answer.

AGE Things that I can do Things that I cannot do

0–3

4–7

8 – 11

12 – 15

16 up
 TOPIC 2: Limitations and Possibilities for Transcendence

Many people admire Mark Zuckerberg being a co-founder and CEO of

the social-networking website Facebook, 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 transcccendence or a state of “existence above and beyond the
limits of material experience.”

Transcendence originated from the words Trans, meaning “go beyond”, and scandare, 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 outlook in life
- working towards reaching a goal
- learning from experience
● POSSIBILITIES FOR TRANSCENDENCE
It is also important to know that transcendence may be 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.

● THE HUMAN BODY IN IMPOSING LIMITS AND POSSIBILITIES From a

biological and physical standpoint, it can be recognized that the human body, although it can
perform many functions, also has limitations. Limits in the environment, demographics, and
society may also hinder a person from reaching
transcendence.

Here are some examples:

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)
SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITATIONS

- socioeconomic status
- location of neighborhood (e.g. armed, disorganized, or violentneighborhood)
- abusive relationships (e.g. emotional abuse)
negative influences (e.g. drug use)

● OVERCOMING LIMITATIONS
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 environmental limitations 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 overcome his or her limitations.
 ● RECOGNIZE AND EVALUATE OWN LIMITATIONS AND
POSSIBILITIES FOR TRANSCENDENCE

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 sociodemographic, biological, or personal factors.

Activity 2: My Limitation! My Plan!

DIRECTIONS: Complete the chart by rewriting your present limitations with

reference to your answers in the previous activities.
Make an action plan towards transcendence.

MY LIMITATIONS PLAN TOWARDS

TRANSCENDENCE
 REFERENCES

https://www.slideshare.net/kazekage15/the-human-person-as-an-embodied- spirit-
limitations-and-transcendence
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41547202_What_Does_it_Mean_to
_Live_a_Fully_Embodied_Spiritual_Life
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man
https://padlet.com/cscjmnz/JimenezxJarilla
https://www.slideshare.net/LjJugo/human-person-as-embodied-
spirit?qid=bbd9211d-d5d2-4e03-b8c6-
cd5579dd49e0&v=&b=&from_search=2
https://www.slideshare.net/mayoyoon/human-person-as-an-embodied-
spiritdocx?qid=b1515286-d7cc-48f8-af96-
80e9bdfb32e6&v=&b=&from_search=3
https://www.slideshare.net/jeromecastelo/the-human-person-as-an-
embodied-spirit-152689721?qid=b1515286-d7cc-48f8-af96-
80e9bdfb32e6&v=&b=&from_search=6
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
https://www.slideshare.net/PrmSalsag/the-body-as-limitation-and-
transcendence
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QntjdDLcTrw
https://www.slideshare.net/jomarienel/lesson-3-the-human-as-an-embodied-
spirit?next_slideshow=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEojQSVMIZo
https://depedrovcatanduanes.com/files/11-Intro-to-Philo-AS-v1.0.pdf
https://www.slideshare.net/charinacastillano123/human-asanembodiedspirit
https://padlet.com/pasamontem/philoperftask
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBTnhWEWf38