The Human

Person as an
Embodied Spirit
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
 Learning Objectives
1. To explain the different systems of thought

about man having a body and soul

2. To recognize one’s limitations and possibilities

for transcendence

3. To determine the limitation and possibilities

for transcendence

4. To reflect on what makes man truly human

 "What things do we have in
common with animals, and what
are our differences?"
 Terminologies:
1. MAN - by definition, it is generally and commonly defined to represent the entire human race.

2. HUMAN - A term used to refer for various clarifications and species. For a living man, human is

under the classification of Mammalia.

3. HUMAN BEING - A term used to separate man from other Human Classifications such as

animals.

4. PERSON - Refers to an individual who possess self-awareness, self determination, rational

mind, and the capacity to interact with other and with himself/herself.

5. PERSONHOOD - A general term refers to the state of being a person with unique, sacred and

ethical status within him/herself.

6. HUMAN NATURE - A general term refers to the deepest an natural behavior of a person that

distinguished human from animals. A collective traits that formed and considered the very

essence of humanity. Nobody can be considered man without human nature.

 What is a Human
Person?
❑ a human person refers to an individual human being, like you or me. It's

the unique combination of physical, mental, and emotional aspects that

make each of us who we are.

❑ We have bodies that we can see and touch, thoughts and feelings that

we experience, and a sense of self-awareness that allows us to

understand ourselves and the world around us.

❑ Each person has their own identity, personality, and way of interacting

with others and the world. So, when we talk about a human person, we're
✔ From the Biblical

Perspective, we came

from Adam and Eve.

✔ In Science, we came

from an Ape under

the class Mamalia.

 A Human Person is

typically with a body

which is tangible and has

3 components composed

of SOUL, MIND, and SPIRIT.

 A Human Person is

entitled and granted

rights and privileges by

the state which he or she

legally belong.
Two General kinds to
distinguished a
Human Person:
• Cognitive Self
• Physical Self
1. Cognitive Self
(something within and
cannot be physically seen)
Is the essential components of the

human person that deals with the WHAT

OF THE PERSON which includes human

persons’ belief, desires dreams, and

intentions
2. Physical Self
(something can be seen in
his/her physical appearance )

Which deals within the essential

features of the human way of life or the

“WHO OF A PERSON”, which includes her

body type, strength and appearance.

 THE HUMAN
PERSON AS AN
EMBODIED
SPIRIT
 What is an Embodied Spirit?
it refers to the inseparable union of the body and the
soul. Simply, the human person as an embodied spirit
means that his/her body is inseparable from his/her
soul, just as the soul is inseparable from the body.
Embodied spirit is an animating core living within each
of us. It is known to be the driving force behind what we
actually think, do and say. It is indeed the reflections of
our total being by which our sensations lead to our
human feelings, emotions and decision.
The usual and known connotation that comes to our
mind when we hear the word “embodied” is always
materialized or became flesh (with physical form).
Thus, when we say “embodied spirit”, we normally
believed and conclude of a spirit becoming flesh.
In the context and views of Christian philosophy, the
embodiment of the spirit particularly refers to the
inseparable union of human body and soul.
Inseparable which also means the body and soul work
together at all times. Hence, we can safely say that
“embodied spirit” that the body is not separate from
the soul, just as the soul is not separate from the body.
 What is Human
Person as Embodied
Spirit?
As an embodied spirit, human

beings demonstrate these

following activities:
Human Person as
and Embodied
Spirit
1. Self- awareness – refers to person
having a clear perception of oneself,
including his or her thoughts, emotions,
identity, and actions. It is the ability of
one’s consciousness to look inward thus
discovering the presence of a self.
Human Person as
and Embodied
Spirit
2. Externality - it is the capability of a
person to reach out and interact with others
and the world . The realization that we are not
alone and there are indeed other people
around us enables us to reach out and
established meaningful relationships with
others.
Human Person as
and Embodied
Spirit
3. Self-determination - is “the capability
of persons to make choices and decisions
based on their own preferences, monitor and
regulate their actions, and be goal oriented
and self-directed. We are persons because
we act and we are aware with our actions.
Human Person as
and Embodied
Spirit
4. Dignity - it is the innate right to be valued
an respected. Philosophers consider all
humans having an inherent worth or value.
Each person is worth the same as another
person in the sense that every person is
priceless, unique, unrepeatable and
irreplaceable.
 THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE
HUMAN PERSON IN THE ANCIENT
PERIOD
 Plato’s Three Functions
of the Soul
Plato's view of the human person rests on the dichotomy (separable/contrast/division) of the body and

soul. For him, the body is material and is subject to changes and destructions, while the soul is

immaterial and unchanging. Accordingly, the soul has a tripartite function, namely, the rational function,

the passion function, and the appetitive function. These three functions of the soul are represented by the

body parts, head, chest, and abdomen.

The head does the soul's

On the other hand, passion Lastly, the appetitive
rational function;
function (chest) performs function (abdomen)
which enables human
the actions dictated by enables a person to
persons to think, analyze,
reason and is also experience cravings or
comprehend, and make
responsible for various anything that deals with
decisions. This guides the
feelings, such as hatred or man's physical wants.
passion and appetitive
anger.
functions of the soul.
 Aristotle’s Three Types
of Souls
Aristotle disagreed with Plato that the soul is separable. For him, the soul and the

body are substantially united. There is no dichotomy between the two, for none

cannot talk about the soul apart from the body or talk about the body apart from

the soul. Aristotle explained in detail his view on man when he explained its

biological and psychological aspects. The word “soul” is an English translation of

the Greek word “psyche”. Hence, for him, the soul is the source of life.
 Aristotle’s Three Types of
Vegetative
Souls
Sensitive Rational
Soul
What do we mean by vegetative
Soul Soul
Meanwhile, the rational soul shares with the
the sensitive soul shares with the
other lower souls: vegetative and sensitive. It
souls? Plants can grow, reproduce, vegetative soul, for it is also
has the capacity for scientific thoughts, for it
and feed themselves. That is why capable of growing, feeding, and can distinguish various things. With this
the living soul is found in them. It reproducing. Moreover, what capacity, it analyzes and understands the

does not share the higher types of makes it different is that it is also relationship of things. Moreover, aside from

souls, for it cannot feel and think. capable of sensing or feeling. A the scientific thoughts, it also deliberates and

discovers the truth of the nature of things and

sensitive being possesses the
the guidelines for human behavior
appetite where desire, anger, and

pain are experienced

 Let’s do this!
1. Describe the taste of the 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.

 Human Person has
limits!
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 at 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.

 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 does not have the natural ability to fly.

• Human Person cannot breath underwater without the

aid of breathing device.

“Transcedence”
St. Thomas Aquinas, a philosopher

and one of the greatest theologian in

the Catholic Church in the 13th

century, said that “of all creatures,

human beings have the unique power

to change themselves and things for

the better.”
 Transcedence
• It came from the Latin word “trans” which means “beyond, or to go beyond” and

“scandare” which means “to climb.”

• The ability to surpass your limits. You are able to transcend your limit through

your physical and mental abilities.

• As human persons, we have natural tendencies or inclination. Some of these are

felt bodily functions like hunger, fatigue and etc.

• Transcendence mean to overcoming oneself or being control even the body

reminds us of certain tendencies. Although these tendencies are felt, the person
Take for example,
Buddhism.....
Buddha realized that all people suffers. Maybe

in your case you just accept your own suffering

as part of life but not for Buddha. This reality

ignited his curiosity to examine and understand

the word “suffering”. Siddharta Gautama

(Buddha) was a prince but he left his royal life in

the palace and spent his life for 6 years in the

wilderness to find answers for his questions.

And when he sat under the Tree of

Enlightenment (Bodhi Tree) for 40 days, voila he

finds the answers. “The Four Noble Truths and

What is the “Four Noble Truths?”

The Four Noble Truths are central teachings in

Buddhism, attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, the

Buddha. They outline the core principles of Buddhist

philosophy and are considered fundamental to

understanding and addressing the nature of suffering

and the path to liberation.

 Four Noble Truths
1. Dukkha (The truth of Suffering): The first

truth acknowledges the existence of

suffering in life. This suffering can be

physical, emotional, or existential. Birth,

aging, illness, death, separation from

loved ones, encountering what one

dislikes, and not obtaining what one

desires are all examples of suffering.

 Four Noble Truths
2. Samudaya (The Origin or Cause of

Suffering): The second truth identifies the

cause of suffering, which is often attributed

to craving and attachment. This craving can

take various forms, including craving for

sensual pleasures, craving for existence, and

craving for non-existence.

 Four Noble Truths
3. Nirodha (Cessation of Suffering): The third

truth teaches that it is possible to end

suffering. This cessation is attainable

through the cessation of craving and

attachment. It's about reaching a state of

Nirvana, which is often described as a state

of liberation, peace, and freedom from

 Four Noble Truths
4. Magga (Path to the Cessation of Suffering):

The fourth truth outlines the Noble Eightfold

Path, which serves as a guide to achieving

the cessation of suffering. The Eightfold Path

consists of Right View, Right Intention, Right

Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right

Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right

Concentration. Following this path leads to

the cessation of suffering and the realization

 What is Nirvana?
Nirvana is often described as a state of

profound peace, liberation, and

enlightenment. It means to extinguished

something. It is characterized by the absence

of craving, attachment, and the cycle of birth

and death. In Nirvana, one is free from the

cycle of suffering and experiences an

unconditioned state of being beyond the

limitations of ordinary existence.

 Eightfold Path of Buddhism
The Eightfold Path in Buddhism

serves as a comprehensive guide

to living a life that is conducive to

the cessation of suffering and the

attainment of Nirvana. It outlines

the practical steps that individuals

can take to cultivate wisdom,

ethical conduct, and mental

1. Right view- which means
correct understanding of the
nature of things, specifically the
Four Noble Truths; It is the
forefront of other practices of the
Eightfold path, it’s because if we
understand correctly we will
have the right actions leading to
the correct result of a happy and
peaceful life.
2. Right intention/thought – means to think about
separation from desire without anger and harm
eliminating thoughts of attachment, detestation,
and harmful intent. It teaches us to abandon the 3
evils of the mind:
1. Greediness – thinking of only personal gain.
2. Resentment – or becoming angry when things
didn’t turn out the way we want them.
3. Evil-mindedness – or wanting to have our way in
everything.
With the right thinking, one begins to think of
things with a generous mind.
3. Right speech –abstaining from verbal offenses such
as lying, divisive speech, unforgiving speech, and
irrational speech. It teaches us to use right words in our
daily lives to avoid the 4 evils of the mouth:
1. Lying or false language
2. A double tongue or gossip
3. Ill speaking or Slander
4. Improper language or careless language
Everyone of us should practice saying good things to
disable the 4 Evils of the mouth. These are:
1. Speaking the truth
2. Speaking Honestly
3. Speaking loving words
4. Speaking purposefully
4. Right action – which means
acting in a right way. It is
important to refrain from the
evils of the body that hinders the
right actions. These are physical
offenses such as murdering,
thieving, actions to enjoy
sensual pleasures and sexual
misbehavior.
5. Right livelihood – this means
right living and maintaining life
with honest work. Evading trades
that directly or indirectly
damage others, such as trading
slaves, weapons, animals for
butchery, intoxicants, or poisons.
No matter what job we do as long
as it does not harm or cause
suffering to others.
6. Right effort- the effort to do the right
things. Right effort means to eliminate bad
deeds such as wrong views, thoughts,
speech, livelihood and action. Practicing
right effort is practicing these four things,
these are:
1. Prevent evil when it has not arisen.
2. Destroy evil when it has arisen
3. Produce goodness when it has not yet
arisen.
4. Increase goodness when it has arisen.
For short, right effort aimed at doing good
things, and eliminating bad things.
7. Right mindfulness – is knowing
clearly what is happening in us at the
present moment, distinguishing
whether it is good or evil. If it is evil
then we immediately eliminate it,
and if it is good, we abide in it.
Example: When we are angry and say
words that hurt others, we realize we
are saying wrong words. Instead, we
give up and speak right words
towards others.
8. Right concentration -
Often referred to as meditation which means to practice quieting the
mind, developing the ability to focus the mind so that we do not become
agitated by any change of circumstances. There are things that we
need to pay attention to before meditating to avoid encountering
undesirable consequences when meditating:
1. First, when we achieve the state of concentration when meditating,
that should be supported by the 7 factors which are the Right view,
Right thought, Right speech, Right livelihood, Right action, Right
effort and Right mindfulness then it is called “right concentration”.
It simply means that when meditating, you should have a clean life for
the concentration to be achieved, otherwise it is wrong concentration.
That is why some people easily achieve peace of mind when meditating
while others do not, and may feel headaches or have unusual results.
2. Second, after achieving the concentration, you will feel joy but that
joy must be due to the separation from desire. Meaning you no longer
have any desires.
 These are the values what human

person needs to succeed.

These are examples of the power

mentioned by St. Thomas to change

ourselves.
 Limitations and Possibilities for
Transcendence
Many people admire Mark Zuckerburg, being a

co-founder and CEO of the social-networking

website, Fcaebook, 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?

 Limitations and Possibilities for
Transcendence Here are some examples:
Here are some limitations and possibilities for
Bodily Limitations:
Transcedence;
1. Mental and Emotional disorders (anxiety,

intellectual disability, ex. amputated leg or

1. May not occur to everyone.
arm, deafness)
2. May not come at a specified period.
2. Disease and Illnesses (Hypertension)
3. Varies across all people.
3. Failures and experiences (Failing a subject,
4. May coincide with physical limitations of the
broke by someone)
body.
Social and Environmental Limitations:
5. Developing a positive outlook in life.
4. Socioeconomic Status
6. Working towards reaching a goal.
5. Location of neighborhood (armed,
7. Learning from experience.
disorganized, violent neighborhood)
 Overcoming Limitations
Body 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 involved 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

Recognize and Evaluate own limitations and
possibilities for Transcedence
Even though, you are still young, you are not prevented from further understanding yourself. Transcedence

is even more possible when you begin to understand that you can go beyond your limitations if you set your

mind in your goals.

Some point to remember when going beyond

your limits
• You are connected to the external and internal world

• Challenges are learning opportunities

• Your goal is more important than your fears

• Think outside the box

• Recognize than everyone has fears.