LESSON 5

THE HUMAN PERSON

Lesson Objectives:
1. Recognize one’s limitations and possibilities
2.Evaluate one’s limitations and the possibilities for their transcendence
3.Recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities for transcendence

I need to know that…..

One of the leading subjects in the course Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human
Person is the idea that the human person is an embodied spirit. So, what do we exactly mean by
“embodied spirit”?

Human body imposes limits and possibilities for transcendence

How does Philosophy view the nature of Man?

MAN- is a general term which is commonly used to refer to the entire human race.
HUMAN- refers to man as a species- Homo sapiens or modern human beings.
PERSON- is a much more complex term which generally refers to a human being granted
recognition of certain rights, protection, and responsibilities

FOUR PERSPECTIVES ABOUT THE NATURE OF MAN

BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL ECONOMICAL THEOLOGICAL

PERSPECTIVE PERSPECTIVE PERSPECTIVE PERSPECTIVE
PERSPECTIVE

The BIOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE seeks to determine the psychological aspects of human

behavior looking at evidence from genetic and neurological studies as well as studies of the
immune system. Also known as biopsychology, it has played a major role in psychology from
the beginning.
The biological perspective is relevant to psychology through three areas of investigation.

1. Comparative method:
• By studying different animal species, their behavior under similar stimuli can be
compared to human data enhancing the understanding of human behaviors.

2. Physiology:
• investigates how the nervous system and hormones work
• determines how the brain functions
• determines how changes in structure and function of these systems may affect
behavior

3. Inheritance:
• investigates which traits are inherited by offspring from their parents
• Investigates the mechanism of inheritance of traits in animals
 The PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE emphasize on human behavior and thought processes
in analyzing human nature. Man possesses awareness, a sense of self, and the capacity to
perceive and experience. The significant mental faculties and capabilities of man include:

 The psyche which refers to the human mind and is divided into the conscious and
unconscious mind. The conscious mind is the part which governs awareness while the
unconscious mind consists of latent or repressed emotions, thoughts and desires.

 Rationality or the state of being reasonable, the ability to understand experiences in

order to solve problems or do tasks, and engage in decision making and judgment;

 Intelligence or the ability to perceive information, store knowledge, and apply if it in

various situations; and

 Introspection or the ability to examine ones owns conscious thoughts, feelings, and
mental state, and the capacity for self-reflection.

The ECONOMICAL PERSPECTIVE focuses on man’s ability to engage in productive activities

in an effort to meet his wants and needs. This perspective emerged in the 19th century and
places emphasis on the “economic man” (homo economicus) who is driven by rationality and
self interest in his desire to possess wealth.

The THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE considers man as God’s creation. Man is considered to

have a special relationship with the Creator, being created in His image and given an
immortal spirit. Man’s existence was brought about by the purposive creative act of God, and
his ultimate destiny is part of a divine plan.

How does Philosophy define man’s relationship with the environment?

○ Environmental Philosophy is the branch of philosophy that is concerned with

the natural environment and humanity’s place within it.

○ Anthropocentrism is the belief that humans are the central and most
significant species on the planet.

Activity:

Read and answer the question below.

Cahlee is playing in the living room while his mom is in the kitchen cooking some dishes.

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 Cahlee‘s answer will be?

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