INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF HUMAN PERSON (IPHP)
Hesmia Mindalano Hadjinor (Ma’am Nicole) - Grade 12 subject teacher
Lesson 1: Philosophy of Human Person
What is Philosophy?
Philosophy comes from the Greek words philo (love) and sophia (wisdom). It literally means “love of wisdom”.
Philosophy is the study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence.
Purpose of Philosophy
To reflect critically about life.
To seek understanding and truth.
To form reasoned beliefs and values.
Basic Philosophical Questions
Who am I?
Why am I here?
What is real?
What is right and wrong?
What is the good life?
Who is the Human Person?
A human person is more than just a biological being. From philosophical view, a person possesses certain
unique traits that define his or her humanity.
Essential Characteristics of the Human Person
1. Rationality - The ability to think, reason, and ask questions.
2. Free Will - The power to choose and decide one’s action.
3. Embodiment - A person exists in and through the body.
4. Relationality - The capacity for relationships and love.
5. Self-awareness - Consciousness of oneself and one’s action.
Philosophers’ views on Human Person
Philosopher Main Idea
“Know thyself”. Believed in
Socrates constant self-examination.
The soul is immortal and seeks
Plato the world of forms (truth, beauty,
goodness).
Humans are rational animals who
Aristotle seek purpose.
Humans have intrinsic worth and
Immanuel Kant should be treated as ends, not
means.
Emphasized mystery and the
Gabriel Marcel importance of relationships in
human life.
Lesson 2: The Human Person as a Free and Responsible Being
What is Freedom?
Freedom is the power to think, choose, and act according to your own will. It allows us to grow, express
ourselves, and become better person.
License, on the other hand, is using freedom without thinking about consequences or the rights of others. If
everyone.
Types of Freedom
1. Physical Freedom - Freedom from physical limitations (e.g., being able to walk, travel, to speak).
2. Psychological Freedom - Freedom to choose what you believe or how you act based on your own thinking.
3. Moral Freedom - Freedom to do what is right and take responsibility for it.
Freedom and Responsibility
Freedom and responsibility always go together. Every time you make a choice, you are responsible for the
results of the choice.
Philosophical views on Freedom
Philosopher Main Idea
“We are condemned to be free”.
Jean-Paul Sartre
Freedom means being open to
Gabriel Marcel others, not just serving yourself.
True freedom is when we follow
Immanuel Kant moral laws we give to ourselves.