LESSON 4 – THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE
ENVIRONMENT
CHANGES HAPPENING IN OUR
ENVIRONMENT:
-It is hotter now that it usually was during the
summer months.
-Typhoons are stronger and there are more rain
during the rainy season.
-We experience more flooding in our community.
-We evacuate our home more frequently due to
natural calamities.
-Our community is now dirtier and more disorderly
compared to the past few years.
Studies of scientists show that our world is changing
not for the better but for the worse, and humanity is
responsible for this.
JOHN DONNE (English poet)
– No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a
piece of the continent, a part of the main.
- human persons interact not only with our fellow
human beings but also with the other living and
non-living elements in our environment
DID YOU FEEL BEING “ONE WITH NATURE
“?
- mountain trek
- trip to the beach
- sky & star gazing
Human kind is part of the world, and we
significantly affect our environment in the same way
that changes in our environment affect us.
HOW DOES PHILOSOPHY DEFINE THE
PERSON’S RELATIONSHIP WITH THE
ENVIRONMENT?
ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY
– Branch of philosophy that is concerned with the
natural environment and humanity’s place in it
tackle issues such as:
• humanity’s role in the natural world
• interaction between nature and human
activities
• humanity’s response to environmental
challenges
ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY
– The discipline in philosophy that studies the moral
relationship of human beings with the environment
and its nonhuman contents
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
– Moral approach in analysing the relationship
between humans and the environment
• Man must take action to solve
environmental problems
• We should reflect on how our actions
show regard for nature
• We must uphold the welfare of the
environment and everything in it
3 MAJOR PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS
REGARDING PERSON’S RELATIONSHIP
WITH NATURE:
1. ANTHROPOCENTRISM – focuses on the
significant role of humankind in the world and
considers natures as MEANS by which humans are
able to meet their needs and survive
- This view believes that humans are the most
important species on the planet and they are free to
transform nature and use its resources
• Landscapes to schools, buildings and other
structures
• Farmers till land to grow crops
• Loggers clear forests for lumber
• Mining companies dig up land
 • Level mountains to access minerals and
metals
"Humans are able to transform and change the
environment"
According to Payne (2010), based on the
anthropocentric model, humans are superior and
central to the universe, thus, it Is HUMAN
CENTERED
2. BIOCENTRISM – believes that humans are
NOT the only significant species on the planet, and
that all organisms have inherent VALUE / WORTH
and should be VALUED and
PROTECTED
According to Payne (2010), it is the ecological or
relational integrity of the humans that provides
meaning of our morals and
values and it is NATURE CENTERED
- this view drives the activities of HUMANE
ORGANIZATIONS that advocate the ethical
treatment of animals
• R.A. 8485 “ The Animal Welfare Act of 1998 ”
"Humankind has a unique relationship with
nature"
\
3. ECOCENTRISM
– this view believes that humankind is a part of
greater biological system or community and that we
have a significant role as stewards or guardians of
nature
- places great value on ECOSYSTEM and
BIOLOGICAL COMMUNITIES
- this view also promotes the idea that ORDER and
BALANCE in nature brings about STABILITY
and BEAUTY
"Humans are stewards of nature"
“DEEP ECOLOGY” and “GAIA
HYPOTHESIS”
- philosophical views that emphasize the
important role of interaction between living and
non-living components of the environment
- Biologists believe that all biological organisms
interact with each other and that each organism
occupies a significant niche within an
ecosystem
ENVIRONMENTAL AESTHETICS
– Philosophical view that believes maintaining order
in the environment will bring out the natural beauty
of the surroundings and contribute to the
WELL-BEING of the people and other organisms
living in it
appreciation of natural beauty brings about
concern for the environment and helps
people relate more Effectively with nature
•
ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS:
• Natural calamities
• pollution
• environmental degradation
• depletion of natural resources
• global warming
• climate change
• littering
• improper waste disposal
• improper use of resources
• harmful smoke and fumes from factories
• dumped waste into bodies of water
INTERGOVERNMENTAL PANEL ON
CLIMATE CHANGE
(IPCC)
– conducted study on 2014 on global warming
– found clear evidence that human activities have
contributed to the rise of GLOBAL
TEMPERATURES through the release of
GREENHOUSE GASES into the atmosphere
The report highlights the indications of
GLOBAL WARMING such as:
• steadily warming ocean temperatures
• glacial melting in the Arctic will result to
climate change
GLOBAL WARMING:
• steadily warming ocean temperatures
• glacial melting in the Arctic
- will result to climate change
CLIMATE CHANGE
• changes in global weather patterns –
resulting in intense storms and heat waves
• acidification of the oceans – affects
countless marine life
• increased global sea levels
HOW CAN HUMANITY ADDRESS THE
DAMAGE INFLICTED ON THE
ENVIRONMENT?
ENVIRONMENTALISM
– Important development that arose during the late
20th century
– This perspective advocates addressing the
growing environmental problems
– became an important issue in international politics
as governments and international organizations have
devoted efforts to discuss environmental issues and
formulate plans to address them
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
• important philosophical view from
environmentalism
• a moral approach that analyses the relationship
between humans and the environment. It also
discusses environmental problems caused by
human activities and social issues that impact the
environment
• serves as a basis for reflecting on how our actions
show our regard for nature
• guides us in upholding the welfare of the
environment and everything in it
• encourages governments, institutions,
organizations and corporations to commit to
responsible action for the environment
THE DEVELOPMENT OF ETHICAL VIEWS
REGARDING THE
ENVIRONMENT
– Environmental Ethics emerged in 1970s,
advocating human responsibility and action with
regard to environmental issues.
Its main ideas are the following:
 All nonhuman elements of the world,
including animals and natural resources,
have intrinsic value and should be preserved.
  The preservation of the environment will
benefit humans by providing for the needs of
present and future generations.
 Humankind has a responsibility to safeguard
the planet as stewards of creation.
Environmental Ethics has resulted in the
development of varied views:
LESSON 5 - FREEDOM OF THE HUMAN PERSON
FREEDOM
– An intrinsic and essential property of the
person
– Human by nature is a free being and that it is
in his nature to seek freedom

 SOCIAL ECOLOGY applies an ecological – The ability to make choices and perform

and ethical approach in analysing society, actions (important indication of human freedom)

and sees a relationship between social – “FREEDOM TO ACT“sets us apart from

problems and environmental problems other beings

 Concepts such as CLIMATE ETHICS and

ANIMAL
CLIMATE JUSTICE arose from the
-follows a set of pattern reactions
growing concern with climate change, and
-acts instinctively
consider it a significant ethical, social, and
- Ability to imagine the future
political issue. These views were greatly
-pre-determined responses to
influenced by ENVIRONMENTAL
Certain stimuli
JUSTICE - this concept refers to the fair
HUMAN
distribution of environmental benefits and
-Performs certain task on command
the burden of addressing environmental
-varied actions and
change
- Ability to imagine the future
 Another perspective in environment
-follows a pre-determined course
awareness is ENVIRONMENTAL
AESTHETICS which originally focused on
FREEDOM
concepts of beauty of nature.
 the power to be what you want to be and the
ability to decide and create yourself
Signing of KYOTO PROTOCOL in 1997 -
- many characteristics that define our
Philippines is a signatory and various nations
personality are often PRODUCT OF OUR
committed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions
CHOICES, PREFERENCES and VIEWS
in order to curb global warming Celebration of
( dedicate time and effort )
EARTH DAY –first instituted in 1970 is a global
– Nature as a human person gives the ability to
effort to raise awareness of environmental issues
imagine the future
and inspire action among communities
 gives the ability to strive to achieve that goal
 rooted in the human person’s
SUSTAINABILITY OR SUSTAINABLE
SELF–DETERMINATION and the
DEVELOPMENT
EXERCISE OF INTELLECT and
- Focuses on reconciling human activities and
FREEWILL
economic development with the protection of the
- a person’s every action is freely determined
environment - concept that advocates the wise and
and these actions define him
efficient use of natural
SELF-DETERMINATION
– Capability to make choices and decisions
NATURE OF SELF–DETERMINATION
– a person’s actions determine what kind of person
he becomes
FREEWILL
– do actions when he wants to
FREEDOM
 enables us to come up with NEW CHOICES
ESSENCE OF FREEDOM: it does not confine our
actions to those set or expected by others; we can
imagine new actions and decide to undertake them
REFLECTION – recall and ask yourself why you
chose to take the action
- reflecting upon your actions will enable you
to know yourself BETTER as a PERSON
FREEDOM
 requires a degree of control from the person
who exercises it
- A person becomes freer when he
EXERCISES CONTROL OVER him SELF
“control over himself not being controlled by other
forces like addiction, emotions, impulse“
A person becomes LESS FREE when he is NO
longer in control of himself
"Human action can uphold or diminish
freedom"
DEHUMANIZED
– persons who are DENIED their freedom by
other individuals, groups, and institutions
E.g. slavery; bondage; imprisoned; wronged
person
“Actions that diminish freedom also dehumanize a
person. “
KINDS OF FREEDOM
1. physical freedom
– refers to the absence of any physical
restraint
- Freedom of mobility
- Not impeded in his actions by any physical
force
- allows a person to act or move in a
determined manner
- allows to move from one place to another and
go wherever you want to go
2. psychological freedom
– refers to freedom of choice
- free to perform actions that he considers
right and wise
- free to act or not to act
- innate and cannot be denied a person
- no outside force or influence can compel a
person to take action against his will
3. moral freedom
– refers to the responsible use of freedom in
a manner that upholds HUMAN DIGNITY
and GOODNESS
- a person must use his freedom to GROW
AS A PERSON
“A person becomes FREER when he uses freedom
WELL, but becomes LESS FREE when he uses it
in a BAD way “
Humans have a NATURAL inclination for what is
TRUE and GOOD, and when a person uses his
freedom to do acts that violate human dignity and
goodness, he dehumanizes himself and effectively
negates human freedom
TWO (2) ELEMENTS OF HUMAN FREEDOM
1. Voluntariness
– refers to the ability of a person to act out of
his own FREE WILL and SELF–
DETERMINATION
- a person may decide to act or not to act,
and these decisions are made out of his own free
will
- a person may act even if he is not required
or called to take action VOLUNTARY ACTS
- free acts which can be assigned a
corresponding moral value
Reflect on your own experiences or actions:
 Have you ever made a voluntary action to
address a bad situation?
 Did you make a voluntary action to prevent
something bad from happening, or did you
choose not to act?
“Whenever we decide to take action, this results
in a certain CONSEQUENCES“
CONSEQUENCES – affect not only the person
who commits the action, but also other people and
our surroundings
2. Responsibility
– refers to the person being accountable for
his actions and their consequences
- can either mean a person voluntarily
taking responsibility for his own action, or being
held responsible by other people
- can have positive or negative meaning,
and goes hand – in – hand with VOLUTARINESS
in determining the morality of an action
“As a free being, the person must accept the
CONSEQUENCES of his action and take
RESPONSIBILITY for them“
VOLUNTARINESS and RESPONSIBILITY go
hand – in – hand in determining a person’s freedom.
Without these two elements, human freedom is
DIMINISHED, and the person makes
IMPERFECT ACTIONS and UNWISE
DECISIONS which may have NEGATIVE
EFFECTS ON SELF AND OTHERS.
REFLECT on our actions to better understand and
guide us toward making the BEST POSSIBLE
DECISION.
QUESTIONS WHEN EXAMINING ACTIONS,
HABITS AND BEHAVIOR:
 What should I do?
 Why should I do it?
 What will happen if I do it?
 How will my action or behavior affect
myself, others, and my surroundings?
 Will my actions or behavior be considered,
proper, beneficial, and moral?
FREEDOM
 experienced through the ACT OF
MAKING CHOICES
- Although freedom gives the ability to think of
countless decisions and possible actions, we only
get to choose to ENACT ONE OF THESE
POSSIBLE actions or decisions
- choosing to act or not to act whichever is the
acceptable and moral choice in a given situation
SELF – REFLECTION
- vital in the proper exercise of human freedom
“ As free and rational beings, we must recognize the
importance of exercising freedom RESPONSIBLY.
“
- requires us to reflect on our ACTIONS,
consider their EFFECTS, and make the PROPER
CHOICES regarding the most BENEFICIAL
DECISIONS or ACTIONS
HOW CAN I EXERCISE MY FREEDOM IN A
RESPONSIBLE and BENEFICIAL MANNER?
“ MY FREEDOM TO SWING MY FIST ENDS
WHERE YOUR NOSE BEGINS” – human
freedom, though essential is not absolute
1. Human freedom should be exercised with
CONTROL and a recognition of reasonable
LIMITS – we set limits to our own freedom
and learn to moderate or control our
thoughts, emotions, and actions depending
on the situation
- a person can even choose to limit his own
freedom or even surrender it entirely if it will
RESULT in GREATER BENEFITS
LIMITING OUR PERSONAL FREEDOM requires
us to SACRIFICE certain SELF – INTEREST and
accept certain realities that are beyond our control.
SENSE OF RIGHT and WRONG guides us in
recognizing and deciding on the limitations to our
freedom.
Society implements reasonable restrictions to
personal freedom in order to maintain order and
harmony and uphold the welfare of the public.
2. FREEDOM should be exercised with regard
for KNOWLEDGE and TRUTH
- as rational beings, it is natural for us THINK
before we act
- we use our freedom to act and acquire more
knowledge, and we use this knowledge in order to
come up with decisions and courses of actions when
confronted with difficult situations
Ability to acquire information and truthful
knowledge AIDS us in making WISE and
INFORMED CHOICES
EXAMPLES: choosing a leader
judge on upholding justice
investor in a business
Determining the proper information and truthful
knowledge ENSURE that our choices, decisions,
and actions are PROPER, REASONABLE, and
JUST
- it is therefore NECESSARY to cultivate the
INTELLECTUAL VIRTUE OF PRUDENCE to be
our GUIDE in making SOUND CHOICES
3. Each action must be made after CAREFUL
THOUGHT and REFLECTION
It is important for persons to EXERCISE
CAUTION and PRUDENCE and REFLECT on
possible COURSES OF ACTION in making
DECISIONS or DOING actions.
4. Recognize and uphold not only our
individual freedom but also the freedom of
others.
- this view has led to the assertion that
freedom is a recognized and guaranteed right
for all persons. Many societies identify
certain freedoms that should be enjoyed by
all, as these contribute to the quality of life
of the individual and the welfare of society.
These include the freedom to live and
determine one’s identity; freedom from
slavery and other constraints; freedom of
speech; and freedom of thought, conscience,
and religion.
Freedom should be exercised with due regard for the
welfare of other persons and one’s freedom should
be exercised not as a tool to restrict the freedom of
others, but as a means to enable others to fully enjoy
their own freedom.
FINAL NOTE: The Given and the Chosen
People often think that the fullness of freedom is
found in one’s ability to make decisions about one's
life. Choice is indeed an element of freedom, but
freedom GOES BEYOND mere choosing. Freedom
is not absolute, and in our lives, there are a lot of
things that we could not choose. For example, we
were not given a choice if we wanted to be born, we
were simply given life. We also did not choose our
parents; some of our physical traits and personal
characteristics were simply genetically handed
down and already form part of us. We are not in
total control of everything around us, and we
sometimes find ourselves with very limited choices,
such as being stuck in traffic, getting mugged by
someone on the street, and having strong emotions
for someone. Many things in life are given.
Although some things are given, it does not mean
that we do not really have freedom. On the contrary,
there are instances when we can exercise our
freedom because we are not determined by these
forces or situations. Difficult situations may not
always be avoidable, especially if we happen to be
victims of circumstance, but we may take these
difficult situations positively or negatively. We may
not always have the best family, but it does not
mean that our future family will turn out the same
way as our current one, A person with an indifferent
attitude may find it hard to be motivated and excited
about things in general, but it doesn’t mean that he
or she is incapable of being interested and inspired
to act passionately. These “givens” or
predetermined things do not negate our freedom
but give us opportunities to exercise our freedom
when we determine ourselves. The key idea is that
we should ALWAYS ACT WELL in any given
situation because the self Is determined by the self,
We have given tendencies or inclinations, and the
world also exerts some forces over us, but we can
transcend all of these and determine ourselves In the
manner we want because we are free. As much as
possible, we must use our FREEDOM in a GOOD
WAY so that we may become BETTER
PEOPLE and BETTER VERSION OF
OURSELVES for our own sake and the sake of
others
LESSON 6 - INTERSUBJECTIVITY
HUMAN
• has the natural and universal tendency to
relate, to establish attachments, and seek
close relationships with other people
• Human nature drives to reach out to other
people and interact with them in meaningful
ways
• Harmonious relationship between people is
very important
• Have to maintain good relations with people
for activities to be productive, meaningful,
and beneficial
HOW DO WE AS HUMAN PERSONS RELATE
WITH OTHERS?
Ability to engage in meaningful interactions with
other people and surroundings and the things around
him – is rooted in our capacity for SELF -
AWARENESS and TRANSCENDENCE
Before we begin to relate with others, we must first
be aware of ourselves as rational individuals
capable of determined and reasonable action
Interpersonal relations are made possible when the
SELF becomes aware of the OTHER, which
includes everyone and everything OUTSIDE OF
THE SELF
OTHER – a being or thing that exists OUTSIDE of
your SELF
• You only interact with OBJECTS when you
need to use them but interacting with other
human beings is a more complex act
• Our human nature not only enables us to
recognize the SELF that defines our
individuality, it also enables us to recognize
that other human beings also possess a SELF
Philosophers define interpersonal relations as:
• RECOGNIZING THE SELF IN THE
OTHER
INTERSUBJECTIVITY - interaction between the
self and the other which is the mutual recognition of
each other as persons
- allows a person to become closer to others many
different ways
- A unique relationship between distinct subjects
- shared awareness and understanding among
persons.
- made possible by the awareness of the self and
others
UNIQUE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN
DISTINCT SUBJECTS
• refers to the characteristic of the human
person to engage in a very intimate and
personal relationship with others who are
different from him but who are also like him
• relationship between the SELF and the
OTHER enables the person to relate others
and establish and maintain meaningful
relationships
• the person has an INNER LIFE OR
INTERIORITY
INNER LIFE OR INTERIORITY – allows a
person to give himself to others; receive others in
his life
Social interactions will give person's ability to agree
and cooperate with each other
There is the experience of shared or “ COMMON ”
knowledge and shared emotions such as GRIEF,
JOY, and LOVE
LEVELS OF SELF – OTHER INTERACTION
• simple awareness of the existence of the
OTHER ( ex. when you see people walking
on the street )
• awareness of the SELF BEING SEEN BY
OTHERS
(Deeper level of interaction between self and
the other)
(Ex. When one of the people you are
watching suddenly stops and looks straight
at you)
SELF-CONSCIOUSNESS – considered by
philosophers as a defining characteristic of the self –
other relationship
• awareness of the “ self in the other “
- the way we act with other people is often
influenced by our ideas of how these
people see us
(Ex. acts quiet and obedient with parent;
outgoing and boisterous with friends –
adjust behavior to conform with how we
think they expect us to think )
SEEMING
• the way a person presents himself when
dealing with others
• the way we act with other people is often
influenced by our ideas of how these people
see us (SOCIAL CONTEXT)
• an individual presents himself in a certain
way when dealing with others
• Persons take on “roles” or act out characters
when dealing with certain people or when in
certain situations
(Unconscious, natural act on the part of
humans)
Some people, however, engage in seeming actions
to deceive and manipulate others.
WHAT CHARATERIZES A GENUINE
HUMAN INTERACTION?
Most human interactions, however, are not based on
deception. Since our human nature drives us to
UPHOLD DIGNITY and GOODNESS, our
interactions with others are also geared toward what
is GOOD and BENEFICIAL.
 1. Dialogue
2. Empathy
3. Availability
4. Ethics of care
1. DIALOGUE
• deep and genuine relationship / interaction
between people
• made possible when the SELF realizes that
the OTHER is a genuine and unique
individual
• happens when two persons truly
acknowledge each other’s presence and treat
each other as equals
• interaction between persons that happens
through SPEECH or the USE OF WORDS,
EXRESSIONS, and BODY LANGUAGE
• the person is being OPEN to others, and is
capable of receiving others
• communication that usually occurs through a
CONVERSATION
“whenever a person speaks, he expresses a personal
interiority and communicates this part of himself to
another person”
“only being with interiority or n inner life can
engage in a dialogue “ “ a person’s words,
expressions, and body language become the means
by which he is able to express a part of himself to
another person”
“ a person is capable of RECEIVING the words,
thoughts, emotions, and ideas of another person “
“ a DIALOGUE becomes a means by which persons
are able to share in each other’s lives “
“ the notion of a dialogue becomes clearer when we
reflect on the nature of our conversations with other
people “
CASUAL CONVERSATIONS
• Discussing news or occurrences
CLOSE CONVERSATION
• Personal issues:
LIFE GOALS
EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS
MORAL DILEMMAS
• seek out a person whose trustworthy and
reliable to listen to your thoughts and
concerns
DIALOGUE – occurs when two persons “ open up”
to each other and give and receive one another in
their encounter
GENUINE DIALOGUE – occurs when persons
are willing to share themselves with one another
- acceptance of each other’s uniqueness and
differences ( will be a dialogue between equals )
HOW DOES INTERSUBJECTIVITY DEFINE
OUR INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER
PERSONS?
Philosophers agree that it is important for humans to
pursue and achieve genuine relationships to
ATTAIN DEVELOPMENT.
Human persons naturally seek and are able to
achieve and maintain genuine, meaningful relations
with each other
Human person is considered as a “being with others
“ which means that his identity and destiny are
shaped by relating with others .
Human existence is a continual dialogue with the
OTHER, and that the SELF becomes whole
through interaction with other people and his
surroundings.
2. EMPATHY
• ability to share emotions
• important aspect of intersubjectivity
• this emotion is driven by a person’s
awareness that the OTHER is a person with
thoughts and feelings
• Enables us to experience another person’s
emotions, such as happiness, anger, and
sadness
• not only to share and offer comfort during a
difficult experience, but also to feel the grief
of the person and PLACE YOURSELF IN
 HIS SHOES ( ex. feel the grief of the person
even if it wasn’t your own relative’s death;
basketball enthusiasts celebrating favorite
team’s victory; parents taking pride in their
child’s achievement )
• leads to a greater understanding and
appreciation of others
SYMPATHY is “ feeling with “ and EMPATHY is
“ feeling in “
3. AVAILABILITY
• the willingness of a person to
- be present for another
- be at the disposal of another
- render assistance to another
4. ETHICS OF CARE
• an ethical theory that emphasizes the moral
dimension of human relationships and
interactions
• this moral perspective encourages
individuals to help other people, most
especially the vulnerable
• it believes that people have a moral
obligation to respond to the needs of others,
and encourages individuals to extend help to
people in need
ALIENATION – a state when a person ceases to
view the OTHER as a distinct and authentic person (
matapobre; namecalling )
- the person considers others as merely objects
or means to satisfy personal interests or desires
- pessimistic view that considers human
relationships frustrating and often inauthentic or
deceptive
Feelings or views of ALIENATION, if unaddressed,
give rise to NEGATIVE VIEWS and ACTIONS
directed AGAINST a PERSON or GROUP of
persons
ALIENATION goes AGAINST THE CONCEPT
OF PERSONHOOD because this view
DISCOUNTS the humanity and dignity of a person
and leads to DEHUMANIZATION
Society must be founded on relationships and bonds
established through MUTUAL RESPECT and
recognition of HUMAN DIGNITY.
If we recognize that the other person is:
• the same as ourselves,
• an individual with dignity,
• a person no different from us
then we will be able to FORGE TIES and BUILD a
community of harmony
HOW CAN PHILOSOPHY HELP YOU
EVALUATE YOUR RELATIONSHIPS WITH
OTHERS?
FOUNDATION OF MEANINGFUL AND
BENEFICIAL RELATIONSHIPS
Values of:
• acceptance ( acceptance of differences )
• openness ( embracing diversities )
• respect
ACCEPTANCE OF DIFFERENCES –
understand that every person is unique ( physical
traits, behavior, views, beliefs, ideas
EMBRACING DIVERSITY – what unites us all is
our shared humanity and dignity
The recognition of our shared humanity and dignity
is what drives us to extend assistance and act with
concerns towards others, especially towards
individuals or groups that experience hardships and
discrimination
As humans, we are driven by our shared dignity to
treat each other with respect and acceptance.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES WHO HAVE
SUCCEFULLY RISEN ABOVE THEIR
PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS TO LIVE
PRODUCTIVE LIVES
1. HELEN KELLER (1880-1968) - American
author, political activist and the first deaf and blind
person to earn a bachelor’s degree. She lost her
hearing and sight when she was an infant due to
illness. At age 22, she published an autobiography,
The Story of my life, which described her life and
struggles growing up. The book became the basis of
a popular play titled The Miracle Worker.
2. NICHOLAS JAMES “NICK” VUJICIC (born
1982) - an Australian Evangelist and motivational
speaker who were born with phocomelia, a
condition in which a person is born with no arms or
legs.
Because of his condition he was bullied as he grew
up, but it did not stop him from pursuing his
dreams. Pursue a career as a motivational speaker
and evangelist. In 2005, he founded Life without
Limbs, a non-profit organization and ministry
3. ROSELLE AMBUBUYOG (born 1980) - the
first visually –impaired Filipino to graduate summa
cum laude from Ateneo de Manila University in
2001. Roselle lost her eye sight at the age of six due
to an illness. She initiated “Project Roselle” together
with the Rotary Club of Makati. She worked at
Freedom Scientific, Inc. as a consultant in
developing software for people who are visually-
impaired and those with learning disabilities.
She worked as a product and support manager at
Code Factory, which is the world’s leading provider
of software that allow the visually-impaired to
access mobile devices such as cell phones. Roselle
is a motivational speaker and had given several talks
and seminars to students, teachers and professionals.
VARIOUS ADVOCACIES SUPPORTING
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES have resulted
in the institution of events and commemorations
such as :
 Paralympics, an international sports
competition modeled after the Olympics that
features athletes with disabilities
 United Nation instituted days of awareness
- World Down Syndrome Day ( March 21 )
- World Autism Awareness Day ( April 2 )
- International Day of Person with
Disabilities
(December 3 )
These events bring together “ABLE “ and “
DISABLED “ people in the spirit of friendship and
cooperation
REFLECTING on our interactions can better
inform us of the motivations that drive us to reach
out and interact with others.
UNDERPRIVILEGED GROUP OF THE
SOCIETY – another group of people who
experience hardship and discrimination
-they have less in terms of material
possessions
-despite the differences in lifestyle, social
class, and experience, our shared humanity
allows us to engage with each other
respectfully and render assistance to each
other. The act of assistance or giving,
however, must be done in the spirit of
mutual respect. One must extend help
wholeheartedly, without reservation or a
patronizing attitude. We help those in need
not because we need to feel better about
ourselves, but we do it out of an obligation
to uphold the dignity of our fellow persons
OTHERS WHO ARE LEFT OUT OR
ISOLATED FROM GROUPS OR SOCIETY
BECAUSE THEY HAVE BEEN DEEMED
DIFFERENT
Who among your classmates is considered by many
to be “weird” or “different”? How does this view
affect the way you treat this particular classmate?
Do you see yourself befriending him or her? If you
reflect on the way you relate to your classmate, can
you say that you have been treating him or her as a
person?
Reflect on the people closest to you and evaluate if
you have been engaging in genuine dialogue with
them. CAN YOU SAY THAT YOUR FRIENDS
HAVE HELPED YOU BECOME A BETTER
PERSON? and HAVE YOU HELPED YOUR
FRIEND BECOME A BETTER PERSON?
Think of the other people in your life. Who do you
feel can benefit from having a friend?
Reflecting on our interactions can better inform us
of the motivations that drive us to reach out and
interact with others.
Knowledge of our CAPACITY FOR
INTERSUBJECTIVITY and the opportunities it
provides for fostering personal growth and welfare
will enable us to MAKE BETTER CHOICES and
DECISIONS as we continue to relate with others
and uphold POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS in our
lives.
LESSON 7 – THE HUMAN PERSON IN SOCIETY
WHAT IS SOCIETY? WHAT DRIVES
HUMAN BEINGS TO ESTABLISH
SOCIETIES?
SOCIETY
• brought about by the human desire to relate
with others
• considered a product of deliberate action by
individuals who come together IN
PURSUIT OF A COMMON GOAL
• an organized group of people whose
members INTERACT frequently and have a
COMMON TERRITORY and CULTURE
/ HERITAGE
• COMPANIONSHIP or friendly association
with others, an alliance, a community, or a
union
• considered by philosophers as the product of
deliberate action by individuals who come
together in pursuit of a
COMMON GOOD
• governed by written and unwritten rules
• As individual persons, members of society
are able to transform themselves and attain
development through their interactions
within society. In turn, humans are also able
to influence society through their actions
• greatly influences the individual, as it
determines to a certain extent a person’s
IDENTITY
• Makes possible the emergence of certain
INDIVIDUALITIES, which are the result
of the PERSON’S INTERACTION with
other members of society “ SOCIETY is
considered unique among all other groups
because of the nature of the human persons
that compose it, as well as the relationship
among its members. “
“The SURVIVAL of a human being is essentially
rooted in SOCIETY and HUMAN RELATIONS“
“SOCIETY and its various aspects provide support
that ensures the development of the human person.
“ as more cooperative and reasonable, and that
“An evident influence of society on individuals is
the emergence of specific traits and characteristics
unique to a certain society which are manifested by
its members “
PHILIPPINES WESTERN COUNTRIES
-elderly care of family
- Retirement homes
-support children
- Independence and live with family
individuality
SOCIAL PHILOSOPHY - branch of philosophy
that focuses on studying society and its influence on
the human person
SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY
• Thomas Hobbes
• John Locke
• Jean Jacques Rousseau
- Enlightenment philosophers who were among
the most prominent SOCIAL THEORIST who
tackled the origins of HUMAN SOCIETY
“To fully understand the true character of society,
they imagined humans as living in a so called
“NATURAL STATE “, removed from modernity
and civilization. “
THOMAS HOBBES
• for him, persons in their NATURAL
STATES are governed by their desires and
these often lead to conflict with their
fellowmen - Society is the means by which
people seek to control their natural
tendencies and impose order
• individuals who establish societies enter into
a “ SOCIAL CONTRACT “ – an
agreement where individuals sacrifice an
amount of their freedom ( self – interest )
and submit to a higher authority
JOHN LOCKE
• he considered persons in their natural states,
the society is formed through the consent of
the individuals that organized it, known as
the CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED
• for him social contract is a covenant among
individuals to cooperate and share the burden
of upholding the welfare of society
• the authority established to run society
should reflect the ideals of the people who
organized it. Should this authority fail to
uphold its obligation or live up to the ideals
of the
people, it will be discarded and replaced
with a new one
JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU
• his ideas on social contract led him to
advocate the concept of the “ GENERAL
WILL “
• believed that even if the people are the ones
who organized society and established an
authority or government, in extreme cases,
the government is able to impose its will on
the people – based on the assumption that
people have empowered the government to
act on their behalf, and that it is considered
to be the best judge of what is most
beneficial for society
JOHN RAWLS
• He redefined the social contract and
explained that human beings approach social
cooperation in a rational manner in order to
meet their individual self-interests.
• In this state, humans would naturally seek a
just and fair society.
 • It is important to note that society is founded
on the concept of the “common good”.
• introduced a version of the natural state
which he called the ORIGINAL POSITION
to explain social formations
• he imagined humans as having a “ VEIL OF
IGNORANCE “ or no knowledge of one’s
own characteristics such as gender, race, or
social status. In this state, humans would
naturally seek a just and fair society in an
effort to look out for their own interests
DAVID GAUTHIER
• described people’s SELF-INTEREST as a
significant factor in building and maintaining
societies
• People choose to cooperate since it is
beneficial to meet their self-interest. But this
selfish interest benefits society as a whole,
since the actions of individuals in meeting
their individual needs also further the
interests of the other members of society
It is important to note that society is founded on the
concept of the COMMON GOOD. Philosophers
who discussed the origins of society traced the
emergence of society to the human desire to
ACHIEVE THE GOAL OF SURVIVAL. Apart
from this, human beings are compelled to come
together, establish relationships with each other, and
work together as a united group because of the
NATURAL DESIRE FOR GOODNESS,
Our nature as human persons drives us to do what is
good, and we recognize that other persons also
desire goodness as well. When more than one
person desires and works to achieve the same good,
then it can be said that a common good exists
among them.
COMMON GOOD - refers to the social conditions
which enable persons and groups to fulfill their
goals and achieve well-being and perfection.
On a larger scale, examples of the common good
may include PEACE WITHIN THE
COMMUNITY, CLEAN AND SAFE PUBLIC
SPACES, AN EFFICIENT TRANSPORT
SYSTEM, AND EFFICIENT PUBLIC
SERVICE. The COMMON GOOD APPLIES to
all members of society. This means that not only do
all members benefit from it, all have the
responsibility to work for it. By working to attain
the common good, a person is now able to create
opportunities for himself or herself as well as others.
The collective effort of individual persons towards
the common good ensures that each member of the
community will be able to live in a world where
they can pursue their own perfection and
fulfillment.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT FORMS OF
SOCIETY?
The development of societies throughout history
shows the development of humankind in response to
changing surroundings and historical development.
FORMS OF SOCIETY
1. Hunting and gathering society
2. Pastoral Society
3. Horticultural society
4. Agrarian or agricultural society
5. Feudal Society
6. Industrial Society
7. Post – Industrial Society
HUNTING AND GATHERING SOCIETY
• recognized as the earliest and simplest form
of society
• characterized by its small size and is
composed mainly of families
 • NOMADIC because they spend most of
their time searching for food and have no
permanent territory
• hierarchy is not very varied
• members are treated equally and decisions
are through consensus
• roles of members and division of labor is not
very clearly defined
PASTORAL SOCIETY
• characterized by the domestication of
animals for food for a more stable and
predictable food supply
• have larger populations than Hunting and
Gathering society
• remain longer in one place
• often produce surplus food and resources,
which they TRADE with other societies
• prosperity enables people to engage in other
activities apart from those necessary for
survival, such as HANDICRAFTS
• eventually lead to emergence of specialized
tasks in the community
HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
• primarily engages in the small-scale
CULTIVATION of plants, fruits, and
vegetables and the DOMESTICATION of
animals
• SEMI-NOMADIC, which means that they
travel to another place when they have
already DEPLETED the resources in one
area
• roles and responsibilities are more clearly
defined with many tasks assigned according
to GENDER
• Similar to the pastoral society, there is also a
surplus goods sometimes leads to
inequalities among members
• In early societies, the individuals were often
very familyand clan- oriented, and their
behaviors and actions were restricted by
tradition.
• The assignment of tasks and occupations
were often based on gender, with women
doing mostly domestic work
in the home, while men engaged in hunting
and farming
AGRARIAN OR AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY
• this type of society is a further evolution of
the pastoral and horticultural societies
• agriculture involves LARGE-SCALE AND
LONG-TERM CULTIVATION of crops and
domestication of animals
• characterized by IMPROVED
TECHNOLOGY and the use of TOOLS to
aid in FARMING
• IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY and
FARMING METHODS increased
production, giving rise to a growing
population in agricultural societies
• large population leads to a more
STRUCTURED SOCIAL
SYSTEM that helps manage resources and its
members
• increasingly complex social organization and
growing importance of TERRITORY often
results in conflicts among neighboring
societies over resources and land
• values relations among family members and
members of the community
FEUDAL SOCIETY
• this type of society is based on the
OWNERSHIP OF LAND
• arose out of developments in Western
Europe during medieval times, when rival
kingdoms were engaged in conflict over
resources, particularly LAND
• RULERS grant their FOLLOWERS OR
VASSALS the right to manage parcels of
land; VASSALS, in turn, are served by
 PEASANT WORKERS who cultivate the
land and tend to animals in the farms
• VASSALS, in return of the services
provided by peasant workers are provided
MILITARY PROTECTION
• Members of society are organized based on
status
• LAND OWNERS are considered the most
powerful and influential members of society,
while PEASANTS are considered the lowest
group
• social relations are characterized by
DEPENDENCE: The lord depends on
vassals to provide him with RESOURCES,
the vassals depend on peasants for their
SERVICE, while the peasants depend on
their vassals for PROTECTION
• values relations among family members and
members of the community
• people are often very conscious of their
place within society and are mindful of the
HIERARCHY
• people who belong to the “ HIGHER
CLASS ” are treated with respect by the
members of the community
• often traditional and are resistant to social
change, preferring to maintain the way
things are in their community
INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY
• based on the use of SPECIALIZED
MACHINERY in the production of goods
and services
• ADVANCES IN SCIENCE and
TECHNOLOGY IN THE LATE 18th
century resulted in the INDUSTRIAL
REVOLUTION, which in turn gave rise to
new PRODUCTION AND INDUSTRIAL
METHODS, innovation in
TRANSPORTATION and
COMMUNICATION
• Technological advances resulted in
IMPROVED TRADE and COMMERCE
and BETTER LIFE CONDITIONS for
many people
• work done in FACTORIES and PUBLIC
EDUCATION is more prevalent
• characterized by inequalities of wealth,
power, and influence
• defined by the NATURE OF WORK and
prevailing INDUSTRY in an area
• CAPITALISTS or BUSINESS OWNERS
are considered the most influential
• characterized by CULTURAL
DIVERSITY and the presence of
BUREAUCRATIC FORMS of
organization (a system that has many
complicated rules and ways of doing things).
• it’s a significant departure from the agrarian
society, as many of the relations are NOT
family or community-based;
IMPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
prevail
• Social groups is defined by access to
economic resources and prosperity
• ALIENATION is common, people are often
sees as resources to be exploited
POST-INDUSTRIAL SOCIETY
• marked by the establishment of societies based
on KNOWLEDGE, INFORMATION, and
the SALE OF
SERVICES
• led by HUMAN MIND and aided by
HIGHLY ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY
trend has shifted from industry to the
GENERATION, STORAGE,
MANIPULATION, AND SALE OF
INFORMATION
• INFORMATION influences behavior of
people and has thus become a VERY
IMPORTANT COMMODITY
 • members of society have higher educational
attainment, better training and specialized HOW DOES SOCIETY INFLUENCE OUR
roles DEVELOPMENT AS PERSONS?
• has given rise to VIRTUAL SOCIETY
1. THE PERSON AND THE SOCIETY
HAVE A VERY DYNAMIC
VIRTUAL SOCIETY - where people organize
RELATIONSHIP IN WHICH ONE
themselves through communication technology
CANNOT EXIST WITHOUT THE
and the internet, is a product of a post-
OTHER
industrial society
• you cannot think of person outside of society
• individuals in a virtual society often engage
and you cannot think of a society without
in COMPLEX and IMPERSONAL
persons
RELATIONSHIPS
• it is important to consider society’s role in
• often have FLUID IDENTITIES and do not
the growth and development of a person, and
necessarily subscribe to certain norms or
the person’s role in transforming society
established standards of behavior
• people in the society impart to each other
• FREEDOM allowed in VIRTUAL
knowledge, skills, and behaviors through
WORLDS ( product of a post-industrial
everyday interactions.
society ) means that a person is able to
engage in various activities, as well as access 2. SOCIETY INFLUENCES OUR

various DEVELOPMENT AS PERSONS IN

kinds of information VARIOUS WAYS

• individual learns different behaviors,
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE attitudes, and values in the society
VARIOUS FORMS OF SOCIETIES: • society is the backdrop by which we adopt
• highlight the growing COMPLEXITIES of the prevailing culture, identity, values, ideas
human interactions over time and knowledge of the persons, groups and

• technological advances and cultural changes communities that surround us

that brought about this changes result in the • society influence personal development by
expansion of communities that now include helping its people adopt to prevailing
people from varied ethnicities cultures and helps define the

• led to innovations in human interactions such relationship and interaction among its members

as
LANGUAGE and establishment of
GOVERNMENTS PERSONS, GROUPS AND COMMUNITIES
THAT SURROUND US:

HUMAN PERSON still remains the HEART and • family

CENTER of society • friends

The person is the PRIMARY AGENT OF • schoolmates
CHANGE as he drives social changes based on • teachers
responses to events and developments affecting • other people in the community
society.
Society shapes all individuals that are part of it,
though each person is influenced by society in
different ways
NORMS – set of traits and behavior that society
considers acceptable, and are thus encouraged and
pass on to other members
E.G. MANO OR PAGMAMANO; PO AND OPO
- one of the ways that society regulates the
behavior and interactions of its members and
establishes and maintains social order
- punishment or social stigma is experienced
when not conformed
4 TYPES OF NORMS:
1. folkways
2. mores
3. taboos
4. laws
TABOOS – a prohibition imposed by social custom
or as a protective measure (cannibalism)
LAWS - more formal and stringent norms that
establish and define acceptable behavior of citizens
- prescribe the consequences or penalties that will
be imposed on violators
FOLKWAYS - less formal norms that arise from
tradition and do not result in punishment when
violated ( appropriate dress in attending mass,
raising hand when you would have to recite )
MORES - moral norms; have element of right or
wrong ( lying,
stealing, gossiping, bullying, breaking a promise )
SOCIAL SYSTEM – an organized or patterned set
of relationships among individuals and groups that
compose a society
- members of society act and interact with an
established social system
- norms, laws, and other rules that regulate human
interactions give rise to a social system
SOCIAL ROLE – actions and behavior expected of
a certain individual ( member of a family; neighbor;
citizen; worker; member
of an organization, group or religion )
SOCIAL GROUPS OR SOCIAL CLASSES –
individuals who share similar backgrounds or
perform similar roles are grouped together
SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS – groups that perform
vital functions in society
e.g. family, school, government, religion
Our lives are continuous interaction with different
social classes, groups, and social institutions. These
relationships contribute to
shaping our views of the world and defining our
identity
A well-functioning social system where all
members, groups, and institutions WORK IN
HARMONY will ensure that society remains
harmonious and continues to uphold the
WELFARE of its MEMBERS
3. SOCIETY TRANSFORMS HUMAN
RELATIONS, WHICH LEADS TO THE
TRANSFORMATION OF ITS MEMBERS
- individual adopts a set of ideals and behavior
considered appropriate within the society
The historical development of society has brought
about significant changes in the way human beings
relate to each other. Early societies were initially
centered on the family and the clan. But the
emergence of industrial societies transformed
human relations, as interactions were no longer
based only on family and community ties, but also
interactions in the workplace. Virtual societies have
brought about another great transformation in
human relations, as improved communication
technologies make it possible for people from
faraway places to interact closely with each other.
Today’s modern society enables various people
from diverse rounds and varied societies to interact
and establish close ties with each other.
4. SOCIETY SHAPES US THROUGH SOCIAL
VALUES
SOCIAL VALUES - actions or ideas that are
considered important by society
e.g. cooperation, obedience to the law, concern
for others, and respect for others
A society that upholds positive values will influence
its members to uphold these positive values and vice
versa
Apart from defining individualities, society also
influences the person by defining the relationships
that its members are able to engage in. Society is
able to define relationships and interactions among
its members through norms, the establishment of a
social system, and by upholding social values.
5. OTHER ASPECTS OF SOCIETY THAT
CONTRIBUTE TO THE FORMATION OF
THE INDIVIDUAL INCLUDE LANGUAGE,
RELIGION, AND HISTORICAL EVENTS
Compare your beliefs and ideas with those of your
parents or elders. In some cases, you will have
similar views since you belong to he same family,
but you will differ in some of your ideas, beliefs,
and views. One reason or this is that you have gone
through different life experiences. Your parents and
elders were born to an earlier generation and have
thus gone through some experiences that you will
never encounter. In the same way, you were born
into a generation that has unique experiences and
characteristics. This disparity in experience and
views brings about the “generation -ap,” which
often leads to conflict among people of different
ages when discussing certain topics. But whatever,
our differences, society ensures that we are able to
interact in meaningful ways, and that each member
benefits from the relationships they have established
with the people they encounter.
GENERATION GAP – disparity in experience and
views which often leads to conflict among people of
different ages when discussing certain topics
But whatever our differences, society ensures that
we are able to interact in meaningful ways, and that
each member benefits from the relationships they
have established with the people they encounter.
HOW DOES SOCIETY ENABLE ME TO
BECOME A BETTER PERSON?
1. SOCIETY RECOGNIZES THE
CAPABILITY OF THE PERSON TO
DEVELOP and PROVIDES ITS MEMBERS
WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO BETTER
THEMSELVES
e.g. effective and efficient public service, and
the maintenance of peace and order
Through its various institutions, society endeavors
to develop welladjusted and productive members
who can make significant contributions to it. Social
systems are in place to ensure the welfare of the
person in society. Through the various institutions
and groups, society strives to recognize and promote
the individual dignity of persons and guarantees that
they are able to live harmoniously with others.
2. PERSONS CAN UNDERTAKE TO
CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY THROUGH
THEIR DECISIONS and ACTIONS
e.g. enacting his social responsibilities well
One important way a person can contribute to social
change is by enacting his or her social
responsibilities well. A son or daughter is expected
to respect and obey his or her parents and elders and
help each member of the family. A parent is
expected to provide for the needs of the family and
raise his or her children well. A student is expected
to study well and participate fully in school
activities. A citizen is expected to support
democratic values and cooperate with members of
the community and other institutions to uphold the
welfare of the country and the common good. You
embody all these roles and therefore should do your
utmost to uphold the responsibilities that go with
them. All members of society are expected to do
their share in upholding the values and goals of their
respective societies and ensure that their society
continues to be oriented toward what is good and
beneficial for all.
3. INDIVIDUAL’S ACTIONS CAN CAUSE
GREAT CHANGES IN SOCIETY
Previously, it was thought that only “great”,
“influential”, or “powerful” individuals can bring
about change in their respective societies. We often
equate social change to the actions of heroes,
political figures, and famous personalities.
However, the numerous opportunities provided
nowadays by improved technology and access to
information have given ordinary people the means
to be sources of social change themselves. You may
have heard of stories that have gone “viral” on the
Internet. Many of these stories come from ordinary
citizens who call attention to problems or issues that
need to be addressed, such as damaged
infrastructure, inefficient public service, and crime
and safety concerns. These stories soon gain
attention and sometimes prompt the government and
related institutions to take action.
Another way that individuals can bring about social
change is by organizing themselves into groups that
advocate certain causes. Organized action is often
the best means to bring about changes in society,
and the concerted effort of many groups often
brings about a social movement.
SOCIAL MOVEMENT – large-scale action done
by various groups and organizations in pursuit of a
common goal to bring about change in Society
provides opportunities for its members to grow and
achieve wellbeing. Through its various institutions,
society endeavors to develop well-adjusted and
productive members that can make significant
contributions to society. In turn, individuals uphold
the common good and work to bring about positive
changes in society.
In taking action to bring about changes in our
society, we are able to fulfill our purpose as
human persons who are living and interacting
with our greater community and working toward
ACHIEVING THE GREATER GOOD.
LESSON 8 - HUMAN PERSONS AS ORIENTED
TOWARDS THEIR IMPENDING DEATH
Have you ever wondered about how nothing seems
to last forever? Objects get worn out until they can't
be used anymore, food and drinks expire, and trends
become out-dated after some time. Even more, what
about the cycle of being born, growing up, getting
sick, and dying? This point to ONE VERY
IMPORTANT REALITY ABOUT OUR
HUMAN CONDITION: we are temporal
beings or “beings oriented towards death.”
Have you ever thought about what it means to die?
Surely, the idea makes you a bit uncomfortable. You
may feel that thinking about death at this time in
your life is a bit inappropriate or unnecessary since
you are still young and you have your whole life
ahead of you. We do not really think about the
reality of our own death because it is difficult to
imagine when and how we will die. In fact,
SCIENTISTS AND PHILOSOPHERS STILL
HAVE MANY UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
ABOUT DEATH.
However, we cannot deny the fact that death exists
in our world. We may have seen our beloved pets
die; experienced the death of a family member,
relative, or an acquaintance; and have heard of news
about death in television and other media.
The very thought of death and the mystery
surrounding it certainly cause a lot of grief and
anxiety to a person, but it is an essential element in
the human condition which definitely deserves
attention. ONLY IN REFLECTING ON THE
REALITY OF DEATH CAN WE BEGIN TO
EXPLORE AND UNDERSTAND THE
MEANING OF OUR OWN EXISTENCE.
ABOUT HUMAN CONDITION
 people are temporal beings
 beings oriented towards death
HOW DOES THE REALITY OF DEATH
DEFINE OUR LIVES?
DEATH - end of bodily function which signals the
end of a person’s life
 an integral part of our life
 separation of the body and the soul / spirit
 we must embrace the fact that death is an integral
part of our life
once we have come to terms with death, we can
focus not just on the QUANTIFIABLE ASPECTS
OF LIFE but also in its QUALITY
BODY - being material, is bound by the laws of
time and space and is subject to growth, death, and
decay
SPIRIT - being immaterial, will continue to exist
even after the body has passed.
It is true that a person’s spiritual nature allows him
or her to transcend his or her temporality and
physical limits. However, we also cannot deny the
material nature of the person, that he or she is still
bound by the same laws of nature and reality that
apply to all objects in existence. Everything that
came to being in this universe will eventually come
to an end. We are born into human life, we grow
and age, and we eventually die. THIS PARADOX
DEFINES THE UNIQUENESS OF HUMAN
EXISTENCE.
It can be said that we are also beings who are
moving towards our impending death. This makes a
PERSON’S LIFE LIMITED IN TIME. The focus
on this limit has led to several attitudes towards
death. There are people who deny the idea of human
decline and death. Some people rely on anti-aging
treatments and products to make them look, feel,
and think that they are younger than they really are.
Others focus on experiencing intense moments and
feelings in order to feel alive because no one really
knows when life will end.
We must embrace the fact that death is an
INTEGRAL PART of our life.
HUMAN PERSON
 an embodied spirit or the unity of a body and
a spirit
 the body grows and dies, while the soul
continues to exist even after the body has
passed
 being who are moving towards impending
death
TEMPORALITY - it refers to how our lives are
temporary
 temporal existence of a person
 no one really knows when life will end

While there is no freedom in the inevitability of
death, we have the freedom to live our lives well or
not. TEMPORALITY CHALLENGES US TO
MAKE CHOICES THAT WILL BE GOOD
FOR US AND THE PEOPLE AROUND US.
Although we are oriented towards our death, death
is not the goal of life. THE CHALLENGE IS TO
LIVE A MEANINGFUL LIFE.
ACCEPTANCE OF TEMPORALITY
 can bring SENSE OF FREEDOM
 give clearer purpose and focus on our
activities
 reflect on what we need to do and identify
goals we need to achieve so we can say that
we have lived a meaningful existence
ONCE WE HAVE COME TO TERMS WITH
THAT, WE CAN FOCUS NOT JUST ON THE
QUANTIFIABLE ASPECTS OF LIFE ( e.g.
years lived, material things owned ) BUT ALSO
ON ITS QUALITY. Ultimately, the
ACCEPTANCE OF OUR TEMPORALITY
CAN BRING ABOUT A SENSE OF FREEDOM
IN US. It can also give us a CLEARER PURPOSE
and FOCUS on our activities. Since we cannot do
everything in our lifetime, we must be able to
REFLECT ON WHAT WE NEED TO DO AND
IDENTIFY THE GOALS WE NEED TO
ACHIEVE SO WE CAN SAY THAT WE HAVE
LIVED A MEANINGFUL EXISTENCE.
When we think of Y.O.L.O. and “Eat, drink and be
merry for tomorrow we die “always remember to …
 DO GOOD and MORAL CHOICES FOR
THE BENEFIT OF ALL
HOW SHOULD I LIVE MY LIFE BEFORE IT
FINALLY ENDS?
Understanding the person as a being-towards-death
brings us back to a very important topic:
FREEDOM. It has been discussed previously that
the essence of freedom is
SELFDETERMINATION/ FREE WILL — the
capacity to choose and act for oneself. While there
is no freedom in the inevitability of death, a person
can still exercise freedom in choosing how to face
the reality of death in their lives. For example, a
person cannot stop himself from growing old.
However, he or she can choose to embrace aging
gracefully. You may have seen older people who
take pride in their gray hairs, wrinkles, and the fact
that they have grandchildren. Other people,
however, take a different path and use any means to
mask their physical aging such as getting cosmetic
surgery or availing of “age-defying” treatments.
As biological beings bound by natural laws and the
inevitability of death, we cannot stop aging and the
eventual decline of our bodies. However, we can
definitely choose to spend our lives doing good and
reasonable things or even go against what is good.
The person, therefore, is the author and protagonist
who determines the development and conclusion of
his or her life story.
The TEMPORAL EXISTENCE OF A PERSON
MEANS THAT HIS OR HER LIFE IS
TEMPORARY; he or she is not a being who exists
permanently and for eternity. Accepting the fact that
we have a limited time in this world allows us to
determine the course of our life - to paint a picture
of how our life will progress and how we envision it
to end. While most people would prefer to not have
any sort of limit, it makes perfect sense to appreciate
the beauty of something as it is framed within
certain lines. THE KEY IDEA IS THAT WE
ALL HAVE A VOCATION TO LIVE LIFE IN
THE BEST POSSIBLE WAY THAT WE CAN
— BY BEING EXCELLENT PERSONS. It
would be nearly impossible to measure this, but
look at how having a finish line makes us appreciate
the efforts of runners even more than if there was
none in the first place. Ordinarily, we celebrate the
fastest runner, but we can also appreciate the runner
who improved the most given the same set of
conditions.
TEMPORALITY CHALLENGES US TO
MAKE CHOICES THAT WILL BE GOOD
FOR AS AND THE PEOPLE AROUND US. It
must also be noted that since we have a body, we
are always in the moment - we exist in the here and
now. The person is always in the present although
his spiritual nature allows him to transcend the
present. Whenever we make a choice, we cannot
SELF-DETERMINATION / FREE WILL
essence of freedom which is the capacity to choose
and act for oneself
TERMINUS - full stop or end of a line
TELOS - goal, purpose, or fulfilment
MAN
 put on earth to live a meaningful life, to be virtues
and achieve excellence
WITH THIS IN MIND, WE CAN LOOK AT
TWO EXPERIENCES WHICH MAKES US
REFLECT ON THE MEANING OF LIFE:
 Happiness
 Suffering
WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
As an embodied spirit, we must also consider the
goods or sources of happiness which are proper to a
person.
GOOD – source of happiness
THREE KINDS OF GOOD:
1. NOBLE GOOD –it is good in itself; good which
is pursued for its own sake. E.g. love, friendship
2. USEFUL GOOD – considered good so long as it
serves as a means to an end; its goodness is found
only from what it can provide. e.g. money is good as
it can buy you something
3. PLEASURABLE GOOD – good so long as it
provides some form of pleasure, though it doesn’t
have to be physical
 It must be understood that a specific good
cannot be categorized strictly under one
kind.
 REAL HAPPINESS can be found in more
permanent and meaningful things
Friendship may be a noble good because it is good
to be a friend to someone. However, pursuing it
with incorrect intentions (e.g., befriending someone
for academic or career advancement) makes it only
a useful good.
HOW DO I DEFINE TRUE HAPPINESS?
HAPPINESS - state of being, not just an emotional
experience or a chosen mental attitude
- we do not choose happiness; we choose the
means to achieve it
The kind of happiness that can be gained from a
good is also closely tied to its nature. REAL
HAPPINESS CAN BE FOUND IN MORE
PERMANENT AND MEANINGFUL THINGS.
What makes a person happy is that which fits his
nature - we are made truly happy by THINGS
THAT ARE TRUE AND GOOD. On the other
hand, what is FALSE AND EVIL DOES NOT
make a person happy.
Ancient Greek philosophy considers happiness as an
achievement and it must be gained LIVING A
PRODUCTIVE AND MORAL LIFE.. Religious
philosophers consider happiness as a UNION
WITH GOD. Other contemporary views define
happiness as “ WHOLE-LIFE SATISFACTION”
based on our evaluation of our overall life
experiences. ETHICS plays a significant role in
defining the means to achieve happiness.
VARIOUS PHILOSOPHICAL VIEWS
EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF
SETTING WORTHWHILE GOALS IN LIFE
TO ACHIEVE PERSONAL HAPPINESS.
Happiness also has a social element, as we should
not only be concerned about our own happiness, but
also the well-being of others.
WHY DO WE SUFFER?
SUFFERING – takes place when we patiently
endure unpleasantness, discomfort and pain
- Generally viewed as undesirable condition, and
that we naturally seek pleasure and avoid pain
- Necessary in shaping our existence because
without it, we are unable to grow and our positive
experiences lose meaning and significance
- It can be experienced physically or mentally
PHYSICAL SUFFERING - when we experience
physical sensations such as discomfort, hunger,
distress, and pain - often caused by injury,
disease, and the lack of basic needs
MENTAL SUFFERING - involves emotional and
mental states such as depression, anxiety, fear,
loneliness, and grief - these may be caused
unexpected situations in life such as sudden changes
in lifestyle, loss of employment, stressful
Situations, and grief caused by the death of a loved
one
As we approach our death, we experience both
happiness and suffering.
WHAT CAUSES SUFFERING?
Negative experiences are part of our lives. We
cannot shelter ourselves from suffering, but we can
BE PREPARED TO DEAL WITH IT SO IT
DOES NOT BREAK US. Philosophy helps us
understand how suffering defines the state or
condition of the person before, during, and after the
experience. It is important to remember that
difficulties are not without They can bring about
good things even if we do not fully understand our
circumstances at present. More often, our hardships
bring about realizations and opportunities for us.
Even if the outcome of a difficulty is unfavorable,
DEALING WITH SUFFERING CAN
IMPROVE OUR ATTITUDE TOWARDS LIFE
AND OTHER PEOPLE.
HOW DO HAPPINESS, SUFFERING, AND
DEATH GIVE
MEANING TO YOUR LIFE?
The pursuit of happiness requires that we go through
the effort to achieve it. Our efforts are often marked
by difficulties and discouragement.
For example, a person who wishes to pass his or her
exams must spend time to study and exert effort to
perform well in his or her academic tasks. Athletes
who wish to become the best in their sports often
experience hardships in training, injuries, and
several setbacks before they are able to gain victory.
Look back at an achievement in your life which you
consider your most significant triumph. Certainly,
that VICTORY WAS COUPLED WITH
TRIALS AND DIFFICULTIES, but that victory
was made more significant and “sweeter” by the
fact that you were able to surmount the challenges
you faced.

If we are willing to suffer through adversities and
maybe even suffer cheerfully, it makes the pursuit
of happiness even more worthwhile. As a result, we
not only attain the happiness that we want, but we
also become better persons in the process. THE
REALITY OF DEATH MEANS THAT OUR
EXISTENCE IS UNIQUE AND THAT WE
WILL NOT ALWAYS GET ANOTHER
CHANCE TO DO THE THINGS WE WANT IN
THIS LIFE. Therefore, we should not easily give
up on the pursuit of good things. REFLECTING
ON THE REALITY OF DEATH ENABLES US
TO THINK OF HOW WE CAN BEST lives a
meaningful life. We can strive to leave behind a
legacy either in the form of an inheritance, a
reputation, or a significant achievement.
When we have genuine relationships with others, we
not only share in each other's happiness but we also
bring happiness to others. We also share in each
other’s suffering and help each other in difficult
times. We eventually become part of someone else's
life, and we are able to live on in them in the same
way that those whom we hold dear live on in our
lives. When a person passes away, he or she
continues to live.
HAPPINESS and SUFFERING are not really
meant to be polar
opposites, for they can also ENRICH ONE
ANOTHER
"Life is a gift given to each person and it is
important to turn this life into a gift for others as
well."
Although we will eventually die, we have an
OPPORTUNITY TO ENRICH OUR LIVES as
well as the LIVES OF