Introduction to the

Philosophy of the
Human Person
 Lesson 3

The Human Person

as an 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 MYGOALS?
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.
 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.
 WHAT’S IN IT?
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/AvestanManu-, 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
MODERNHUMANBEINGS. 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.
Self-awareness refers to the person having a clear perception of
oneself, including his thoughts, emotions, identity and actions.
Try saying these!
● I am a person.
● I am alive.
● I exist.
● I am here. I am present.
● I am living at this very moment.
Let’s examine
● Little Jose is playing in the living room while his mom is in the
kitchen. He accidentally bumps into a table, causing a vase to fall.
Upon hearing, his mom went to the living room and saw him,
standing near the broken vase. She asked, “Did you break the
vase?” What do you think Jose‘s answer will be?
Self-determination refers to the capability of persons to make
choices and decisions based on their own preferences, monitor and
regulate their actions, and be goal-oriental and self-directed.
Consequence is the result or effect of an action or condition.
Philosophers believe that a person acts freely and with due regard
for the consequences of his actions.
Externality refers to the capability of a person to reach out and
interact with others and the world.
Dignity refers to the innate right to be valued and respected.
Philosophers consider all humans as having an inherent worth or
value. “You’re worthless!” is an insult since it attacks the very
notion of a person having value or worth.
Limitations of the Human Person
Human persons are naturally deficient beings. This means that we
are not prepared with the best physical aspects among all the beings
• Human persons do not have the natural ability to fly.
• Human persons cannot breathe underwater without the aid of
breathing device.
LIMITATIONS CAN LEAD TO POSSIBILITIES

Transcendence is the ability to change, be dynamic, and continually

redefining one’s self which works with our facticity to create
change.
How do limitations lead to transcendence?
Facticity refers to the things in our life that are already given.
EXAMPLE: LIFE We are free to define who we are and who we are
to be.
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 some thing which is no longer?
It is the people closest to us that we most often neglect.
The Body as Intermediary
Intermediary means acting as a mediator (Merriam-Webster).
Having a body may prevent us from revealing what we really want
to express. How do we communicate with each other? WORDS
But can words really capture the things we want to express? But this
limitation canalso be an advantage...
In most cases, words are not enough. EXAMPLE: Magbabago Na
Ako Promise!!!
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED?
ACTIVITY 3.1.1:
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.
 WHAT CAN I DO?
ACTIVITY 3.1.2:
DIRECTIONS: Answer the following questions in your notebook. 1. What
are your limitations as a person? What are the things that you consider as
difficult or hard for you to accomplish or believe in?
2. What are your strengths? What are the possible things or status that you
can reach or achieve in the future?
3. What are the factors affecting your limitations? How about possibilities?
4. Do you see yourself improving in 5 – 10 years’ time? How can you say
that you are improving?
5. How can you go beyond your current limitations?
 WHAT’S NEW?
LESSON 3.2:
Many people admire Mark Zuckerberg being a co-founder and CEO of the
social-networking website Facebook, which he started in his college dorm
room at Harvard University. He’s one of the world’s youngest billionaires
in this generation.
● Like Mark, all people have dreams that they want to fulfill. If you were
finally able to meet your dreams, how would you feel?
● Do you think your perspective in life will change?
Let us find out the answers in this lesson!
The previous example talks about transcendence or a state of “existence
aboveandbeyond the limits of material experience.”
Transcendence originated from the words Trans, meaning “go beyond”,
and scandare, meaning “climb”.
In the example, fulfilling a dream requires transcendence because it opens a
state of thinking and feeling that there is something more in life than just
physical and material things. Much like Abraham Maslow’s self-
actualization concepts, transcendence is a state of being intrinsically
satisfied with life regardless of physical and tangible factors.
● LIMITATIONS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR TRANSCENDENCE
Here are some limitations and possibilities for transcendence:
- may not occur to everyone
- does not come at a specified period
- varies across all people
- may coincide with physical limitations of the body
- developing a positive outlook in life
- working towards reaching a goal
- learning from experience
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 understan that you can go beyond your limitations if you set your mind on
your goals.
SOME POINT TO REMEMBER WHEN GOING BEYOND YOUR LIMITS
- you are connected to the external or eternal world
- challenges are learning opportunities
- your goal is more important than your fears
- think outside the box
- recognize that everyone has fears
TIPS
The terms “transcendent” and transcendental” should not be used interchangeably. According to
Immanuel Kant, “transcendent” is a term used to refer to God, while “transcendental” refers to
all other matter. While transcendence may not occur for everyone, all people have the capacity to
experience it regardless of any socio demographic, biological, or personal factors.
 WHAT CAN I DO?
ACTIVITY 3.2:
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
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?
 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 c. Transformation
b. Transcendence 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.
Whois he?
a. Socrates c. Immanuel Kant
b. Aristotle 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
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
d. Statement 2