Lesson The Human Person as an

3 Embodied Spirit
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”?

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW?

Let’s Do This!

1. Describe the taste of water?

2. Describe the color blue to a blind person?
3. How will you describe how wonderful the
world is to a blind person?
4. Now, try this, from the tip of your elbow try to reach your chin.So
what now? What does the exercise tell us? It is difficult. Why? What
if you don’t have a body? THE HUMAN PERSON HAS LIMITS.

WHAT ARE MY GOALS?

By the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
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
4. Distinguish the limitations and possibilities
for transcendence.

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 WHAT I KNOW?
Before we start with the module, let us check what you
already know about this course by answering this!

LOOK A PAIR! AND SHARE! Write your answers on a

separate sheet of paper or in your notebook and share it to your pair. Identify the
category of limitation.

1. We have a limited life span.

2. We cannot choose our biological family.
3. We cannot teleport instantly to another location in an instant.
4. Words limit our communication with each other.
5. We cannot be in two places at the same time.
6. We cannot change our past decisions.
7. We face certain death in the future.
8. We are bound by space and time.
9. We cannot choose our race, age, and birthdate.

Let us check!

WHAT’S IN IT?
Lesson 3.1. Human body imposes limits and possibilities
for transcendence

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

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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!

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 ● 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-spirit160195332

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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-
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?

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-andtranscendence

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.
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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!!!

\ WHAT I HAVE LEARNED?

ACTIVITY 3.1.1: One’s Limitations and
Possibilities

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. Copy and fill out the chart in your notebook.
AGE Things that I can do Things that I cannot
do

0–3

4–7

7
8 – 11

12 – 15

16 up

WHAT CAN I DO?

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 ● 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.
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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.
WHAT CAN I DO?

ACTIVITY 3.2: Limitations and Possibilities for

Transcendence

DIRECTIONS: Complete the chart by rewriting your present limitations with

reference to your answers in the previous activities. Make an action plan towards
transcendence. Copy the chart in your notebook
MY LIMITATIONS PLAN TOWARDS TRANSCENDENCE

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 WHAT I HAVE LEARNED?
Discover and try it on the following questions and
answer them briefly on your activity notebook.
1. The world continues to change
quickly.
Nowadays, the generation gap can easily be
seen in everyday life because of new technological advances being introduced
at a fast pace.
In your personal experience, does technological advancement limit or improve
the possibility for transcendence? Why? Why not?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

2. Look around you. Observe the environment and identify possible factors that
may limit transcendence. You may also put yourself in the position of those
who experience such limitations. Identify ways on how you may overcome
those challenges.
What do you think? Is reaching transcendence always a good thing? Why?
Why not?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

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 You are finally done with Lesson 3!

Assessment
Direction: Read each item carefully and choose the letter of the correct answer. Write
your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What do you call the state of being or existence above and beyond the limits of
material experience?
a. Transition
b. Transcendence
c. Transformation
d. Transgression

2. What does the term scandare mean?

a. “to exist”
b. “to impart”
c. “to climb”
d. “to deduce”

3. According to this philosopher, the human person is an embodied spirit. Who is

he?
a. Socrates
b. Aristotle
c. Immanuel Kant
d. St. Thomas

4. Which of the following is a biological limitation for transcendence for a student

whose goal is to be a valedictorian? a. Joining a dance troupe
b. Being absent for a week due to fever
c. Watching videos over the internet
d. Criticism from his teacher on his science project

5. Which of the following is not a possibility for transcendence?

a. Looking for help
b. Having a positive outlook
c. Working to reach a goal
d. Learning from experience
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6. Magie is a poor 17-year old girl whose ultimate dream is to finish her studies.
What can she do to make her dream possible?
a. Join the school choir to lessen her stress in her studies
b. Start on organization that fights for human rights
c. Work during her free time to gain extra money for school
d. Read books on her own
7. Why do some people fail to experience transcendence?
a. They have a feeling that it will not occur.
b. They are not meant to experience it.
c. They are not hardworking.
d. They have a goal that is too challenging for them to achieve.

8. Which of the following statement is true?

1. Transcendence is for younger ages.
2. Transcendence is similar to self-actualization.
a. Statement 2
b. Both statements 1 and 2
c. Neither statement 1 nor 2
d. Statement 1

9. How does the human body play a role in transcendence?

1. The body has its limitations.
2. The body functions against transcendence.
a. Statement 2
b. Statement 1
c. Both statement 1 and 2
d. Neither statement 1 nor 2

10.Which statement about transcendence is true?

1. It only starts during old age
2. All personal limitations are clearly defined.
a. Both statement 1 and 2
b. Neither statements 1 nor 2
c. Statement 1

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