Lesson The Human Person as an

3 Embodied Spirit

INTRODUCTION
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”?

LEARNING OBJECTIVE
By the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

1. Identify your traits that distinguish you as human person;

2. Recognize one’s limitations;
3. Evaluate one’s limitations and the possibilities for transcendence.

LEARNING CONTENT
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.

Limitations and
Lesson
possibilities for
3.1
transcendence
LEARNING CONTENT
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.

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-05-2017facebook-
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
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 violent neighborhood)
- 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.

Human persons do not have the natural ability to fly.

 https://www.slideshare.net/AllanBasuga/t he-human-person-as-an-embodied-spirit160195332
http://www.planctondiving.cat/en/diving/

Human persons cannot breathe underwater without the aid of breathing device.
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-
notyour.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.

Why do we want to be in a hurry to achieve or have something which is not yet?

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.

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!!!