Module Intro To Philo 1

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MODULE 3: The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit

Most Essential Learning Competencies:


3.1 Recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities for transcendence.
3.2 Evaluate own limitations and the possibilities for their transcendence.

 PRETEST
Identification: Choose your answer on the box below and write only the letter of the word that corresponds your answer.

a. Human d. Human Person g. self-determination j. spirit


b. Facticity e. Self-awareness h. transcendence
c. Free will f. dignity i. body as intermediary

__A__ 1. This term refers to a man as species and distinguishes man from other animals.
__D__ 2. This refers to the totality of an individual who possesses awareness, self-determination, and the capacity to interact with
others.
__G__ 3. This is the capability to act and be aware of one’s action.
__C__ 4. The capability of a person to act based on their own preferences.
__J__ 5. This enables the person to act whenever he or she wants to and make self-determination possible.
_F___ 6. This is the inherent value of a person which cannot be expressed in quantifiable terms.
_E___ 7. This is the intangible element that enables us to exercise thought, possesses awareness, and reach out to the outside
world and others.
___H_ 8. Our ability to surpass limits.
_B___ 9. Refers to the things in our life that is already given.
___I_ 10. It allows us to experience the world as “our world” and not the world of others.

 DISCUSSION
Understanding Human Person

Philosophers were initially concerned with defining the essential characteristic that makes a person human. This
essential characteristic is what distinguishes as from plants, animals, and other living things. Many agree that this essential
characteristic is nothing else but our being as a rational beings. Our rationality makes us superior to all others because it is the
highest form of activity and no other being has it. To fully understand the concept of human person we need to understand some
terms in relation to the discussion of the human person.

 Man – commonly used to refer to the entire human race


 Human – refers to man as species – Homo sapiens sapiens
 Human Being – used to distinguish man from another animals.
 Person – refers to a human being granted recognition of rights, protection, responsibilities, and dignity.
 Personhood – refers to the state of being a person.
 Human nature – refers to the characteristics that distinguishes human from all other creatures.

What is a Human Person?


A human person can be fully understood by defining it using the following traits:

1. Self-awareness - refers to the person’s clear perception of oneself, which includes her thoughts, emotions, identity and
actions. It is also driven by rationality or human thought. It is an awareness not just of his or her surroundings but also of his
or her own existence, which lead to the notion of “self” – a person who perceive and experience reality.

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2. Self-determination - is the capacity of persons to make choices and decisions based on their own preferences, monitor and,
regulate their actions. As a human person we act and we are aware of our actions. Self-determination is associated with
freewill, consequence and morality.

Freewill – enable us to act willfully, control our actions, and recognize ourselves as the source of action.

Consequence – is the result or effect of an action or condition.

Morality – refers to the goodness or badness of an act.

3. Externality – is our capacity to reach out and interact with others and the world. Meaning, our interaction with others and the
world is externality. We believe that no man is an island and that we need to reach out to other to give meaning to our
existence – we do not live in isolation, we exist with others. As we grow, the people around us influence our traits and
characters.

4. Dignity - this is our innate right to be valued and respected. As a human person we have an innate worth or value. Each person
is worth the other regardless of what status you have in life. We do not equate our value to any material thing that we have.
Outside forces or characteristics such as beauty, intelligence or skills do not define our dignity.

A person’s incapability and criminal act will not make him or her less of a person he/she is expected to be. Since a
person has dignity, he/she deserves to be treated fairly. The recognition of the dignity of human person is the basis for the
recognition of human rights.

Relationship of the Body and the Spirit

Philosophers believe that what make a human person is not just all about its traits and characteristics. It is also not all
about its physicality such as being tall, dark or having a black hair. But philosophers also point out another unseen aspect of
being a human person which is the spirit. The union of the body and spirit is what a human person is according to philosophers.
Spirit refers to an intangible element of a human person enables one to exercise thoughts, possess awareness, interiority, and
the capacity to reach out to the outside world and other persons.

The Human Person is an Embodied Spirit

The idea of the human person as an “embodied spirit” does not necessarily refer to the incarnation or materialization of
spirit as an immaterial entity. The embodiment of the spirit in the context of Christian philosophy specifically refers to the
inseparable union of body and soul. Thus, when we say, “embodied spirit” we mean that the body is not separate from the soul,
just as the soul is not separate from the body.

So, when we speak that the human person is an embodied spirit, we specifically mean that the human person is the
point of convergence between the material and spiritual entities, that is, between the body and soul. We cannot say, therefore, of
the human person without the union of body and soul.

The human body also stands as the mediator between the material and the spiritual world. Being an embodied spirit, the
person is able to encounter the world of objects in a manner that transcends the physical. For example of this is prayer where the
human body becomes an object of the world to reach the spiritual world (God) since in saying a prayer, the body is required.

Limitations and Transcendence

Limitation - as defined in the Merriam dictionary is “something that controls how much of something is possible or allowed” .

Human nature still has limits despite being an embodied spirit. It can be said that the person is very biologically deficient
being. We do not have the natural ability to fly. We cannot breathe underwater without using breathing apparatus. We cannot
survive in certain environments like other animals.

3 Categories of Limitations

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1. Facticity - refers to the things in our lives that are already given (Ex. We are born in a particular time and place, and we did
not choose them). It also refers to all the details that surround us in the present. These include our environment, language,
past decisions, past and present relationships, and even our future death.

2. Spatial-Temporal Being - means that we will not live forever – that we have a limited period of stay in this world (we call this
finitude). We are just passers of this place.

 Our limitations here are based on time, ability, etc. (the not yet and the no longer)
Example:
i) A 5-year old child cannot put on lipstick because she is still a child (the not yet).
ii) A senior citizen cannot bear a child because she is no longer capable of reproduction.

 On the level of being spatial individuals, we are limited by our bodies to be present in two or more places at the same
time. We are set to be in one place at a time.

Example:
One cannot be in Manila and in Cebu at same time because his body does not allow him to.

3. The Body as Intermediary


We have established that we are our bodies, but also more than our bodies. Our body then serves as an intermediary
between the physical world and us. It is because of my body that I experience the world as my world and not the world of other.
Example:
i) “I can always imagine myself living as a rock star; but I will never really know how it is to be a rock star unless I
become one myself.”

ii) “I can never be you or you can never be me”.

Transcendence – is the ability to explore and surpass limits (Merriam Webster Dictionary).

A very important tool that allows us to go through our physical limits is our mind. Although we have these physical
limitations, we can transcend them because of our spiritual dimension. We have natural tendencies and inclinations as a human
person. Some of these are felt bodily functions like hunger, fatigue, etc. Transcendence means overcoming oneself or being in
control even if the body reminds us of certain tendencies. Although these tendencies are felt, the person can govern them and
ensure that they are exercised within the bounds of reason.
The presence of several limitations of being an embodied subject may make us think that life is difficult and is very
restricting. But, if we come to think it, if we reflect on our personal lives, we could come to the idea that the limitations that we
have make our lives more colorful and challenging.
Let us try to look at this limitations and see how, we could surpass or transcend our limitation or perhaps we could
realize that there is really no need to overcome it.
1. Facticity
We understand that our facticity are the things already given to us the moment we are born. With this, we could say that
we really cannot do anything about it, what we could do is to change our attitude towards it. If we let our facticity define who we
are then, that makes it a limitation but, if we see our facticity as a chance to challenge and explore ourselves then, we are making
our facticity a positive aspect of our life. As a free individual we should always think that it is us, who could decide what we want
to do with our lives and that we are not limited to what nature has initially given us. Facticity challenges us to be creative with our
life options and to maximize the possibilities that is given to us.

Example:
Nick Vujicic is born with no arms and legs. But this limitation he had, did not hinder him to become a successful person.
He had been known all over the world being a motivational speaker and he even build his own family.
2. Spatial-Temporal
Our being temporal being maybe one of the things that bothers as the most. Knowing that we are temporary being in this
world often times gave us fear to try and do things. We are more concerned of what might happen tomorrow, next month or next
year that we forget to live our life for today. We forget to cherish and enjoy the present because we are too bothered of what

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might happen next. If we appreciate how wonderful the present is, then perhaps we could look at our temporality as a challenge,
a challenge on making our life more interesting, colorful, and meaningful, and how we make most of the time given to us.

In relation to our being spatial being in one place at the same time may be a limit to us, but if we take a look at it – it also
helps us overcome our temporality. Because being in one place at a time give us the opportunity to appreciate more the things
and people around us. It gives us the chance to be more connected to one another. We should appreciate always what is present
in our space because sometimes we only appreciate things or people when it’s already gone.

3. Body as Intermediary
Having a body as an intermediary to the world may only allow us to experience the world base on our own point of
standing thus, limiting us to fully experience the world. But, if we take a closer look at it, it is somehow our privilege to experience
the world uniquely. Our experience of the world is unique and distinct from other beings. Therefore, it gives more meaning to our
experiences and how we live life as a whole. Although our body oftentimes conceals or restrict what emotions we wanted to
convey but somehow it became our protection for there are time that we do not want others to know what we truly feel and think.
The body may pose some limitations, but these limitations serves as our advantage as well.

 ACTIVITIES

Activity 1: FILL ME UP
Instruction: Discuss how embodiment is demonstrated in the following situations.

Situation Discussion
1. Kyle likes to listen to OPM (Original Pilipino Music). Embodiment is shown in this scenario as Kyle uses the
He listens to music when he paints, as it inspires him fact that his inspiration for his paintings is his feelings to
to make beautiful landscapes on his canvass. the music he listens to.
2. Prince Emerson is very depressed. His girlfriend just In this scenario, Prince Emerson embodies an emotional
broke up with him and he has spent the whole day in state of nostalgia that is brought about by the distress he
his room. He keeps going over their old photographs is feeling from his breakup.
in happier times while listening to their favorite songs
on the radio.
3. Kim nervously waits to be called to perform on stage Kim is anxious about her performance, which is normal in
for her recital. She looks toward the audience and situations like these. But she knows in her mind that her
sees her family. Her father does the “thumbs up” sign family is very supportive of her and will be proud of her
and smiles at her. She smiles back and she can feel performance.  
her nervousness disappearing.

4. Kian carries a picture a picture of his family with him he is a hero in his work because he helps people who are
in his wallet. Whenever he gets a break from working on fire he does not prioritize his own happiness even if
in the fire station he takes the picture out and his family is far from him he just pours it into the picture
imagines himself with his family back home. in his wallet.

Activity 2. REVITALIZE ME
Instruction: Complete the table by writing your limitations on the first column and the corresponding actions on how to surpass
such limitation in the second column.

NO MY LIMITATIONS PLAN TOWARDS TRANSCENDENCE


1 BEING PRODUCTIVE STARTS WITH KNOWING YOUR SET TARGETS. IF YOU WANT TO TRANSCEND
LIMITS YOURSELF, YOU NEED TO HAVE SOMETHING TO
AIM FOR.
2 YOU DO NOT LOVE(OR SOMETIMES EVEN LIKE DON'T BE LIMITED BY OWN THOUGHTS
EVERYONE YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO SERVE)
3 YOU WILL NOT ABLE TO SAVE EVERYONE DON'T LISTEN TO PEOPLE'S NEGATIVITY
4 BE AWARE OF LIMITING THOUGHTS BE FOCUSED AND WHOLLY COMMITED TO WHAT
MY GOAL IS.
5 LACK OF CONFIDENTS REMEMBER MANY THINGS WERE IMPOSSIBLE
BECAUSE NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE TO GOD.
6 OVERTHINKING BE INSPIRED WITH LOVE ONES AND FAMILY.
7 WEAKNESS OF OEN THOUGHT BE WHOLE COMMITED TO GOD AND TO YOUR
DREAMS.
8 SELF-RELIANCE SET A PLAN TO FUTURE TO ACHIEVE AND FULFILL
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ALL OF MY DREAMS.
9 WEAKNESS OF SPEECH ALWAYS LOOK TO THE POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE AND
WORK AND BE POSITIVE IN MY DAILY LIFE.
10 WEAKNESS OF HIGHTS CONQUER YOUR FEARS AND BE POSITIVE AS
ALWAYS

MODULE 4: The Human Person in the Environment


Most Essential Learning Competencies:
4.1 Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in an aesthetic way.
4.2 Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being and sustainable development.
4.3 Demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards environments.

 PRETEST
Multiple Choice: Choose the letter that corresponds your answer.
1. A branch of philosophy that is concerned with the natural environment and humanity’s place in it.
a. Environmental ethics b. Environmental aesthetics c. Frugality d. Prudence
2. This view believes that man is the most important species on the planet.
a. Biocentrism b. Ecocentrism c. Anthropocentrism d. Environmentalism
3. Which of the sentences below does not reflect environmental ethics?
a. Humans must act together to solve environmental problems.
b. Natural disasters are unrelated to human activities.
c. We should reflect on how our actions affect the environment.
d. We must uphold the welfare of the earth and everything in it.
4. This view places great value on ecosystem and biological communities.
a. Ecocentrism b. Biocentrism c. Environmentalism d. Anthropocentrism
5. Which of these statements about humankind and nature is not true?
a. Humankind can use the resources without regard for the consequences.
b. Humankind has a unique relationship with nature.
c. Humans are capable of changing the environment.
d. Humans are stewards of nature.
6. This view advocates action to address environmental problems.
a. Biocentrism b. Environmentalism c. Ecocentrism d. Anthropocentrism
7. A moral approach in understanding the relationship between humans and the environment.
a. Environmental justice b. Environmental aesthetics c. Environmental justice d. Environmental ethics
8. This view asserts that all organisms have intrinsic value and should be protected.
a. Anthropocentrism b. Environmentalism c. Biocentrism d. Ecocentrism

9. This concept refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits and the burden of addressing climate change.
a. Environmental aesthetics b. Environmental justice c. Environmental ethics d.Environmental philosophy
10. Which of these statements is not related to sustainable development?
a. Human activities must promote the integrity of the earth.
b. Natural resources are to be used wisely and efficiently.
c. Resources must be conserved for other people.
d. Humankind must use up all natural resources.

 DISCUSSION

Relationship with the Earth

“Malamig ang simoy ng hangin…” the first line of the song “ Himig ng Pasko” which highlights the cool breeze of Amihan
(Northeast Monsoon) that Filipinos used to experience during the “ ber” months of the year. The word “used” is emphasized here
because there are instances in the last few years when this observation no longer holds true. These months are just getting
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warmer and humid in many parts of the Philippines. Not only that but our country, as well as its neighbors, has also endured a lot
of hotter and dryer summer months, stronger and more frequent typhoons, wetter rainy season and massive flooding and the like
over the years. Indeed, our world is changing and it seems that it is changing for the worse.

Pause for a while now and reflect on why these natural calamities are happening and recurring in our world. What has
been causing all of these?

“Ang lahat ng bagay ay magkaugnay, magkaugnay ang lahat…” one of Joey Ayala’s masterpieces that talks about how
everything is connected to everything else. If, for example, you indiscriminately dispose ( walang pag-aalilangang pagtapon ng
basura) your garbage in your backyard, your surrounding becomes dirty and polluted. If your environment is not clean, it
becomes a source for disease-causing organisms which may give you and your family serious infections and diseases. And if the
disease is not treated properly, this might be the cause of death. This only illustrates that all our actions have a significant effect
to everybody and to everything in our community and in the bigger world. Can you cite actions that you are used to do that may
have a significant effect to the environment? What are these?

Undeniably, humankind is part of the world. Everything that we do will result to serious consequences. It is important
therefore for us to examine our relationship not only with other people but also with the Earth—the relationship that exist between
humanity and the environment.

There are 3 major perspectives that we can use in understanding humanity’s relationship with the environment. Study
the terms and their meaning on the box below:

Anthropocentrism – this view believes that humans are the most important species on the planet and that they are
free to transform nature and use its resources.

Biocentrism – the belief that humans are not the only significant species on the planet, and that all organisms have
inherent value and should be protected.

Ecocentrism – this view believes that humankind is part of a greater biological system or community and that we
have a significant role as stewards or guardians of nature.

From these perspectives, which do you think can become very destructive if not examined well? Why?

The influence of humanity on the environment can be best understood if we consider the individual person, you, as a
dynamic source of change within your particular environment. Once again, look around your neighborhood and reflect on the
state of its surroundings. Do you consider your place clean and orderly? If not, how should you respond then to this situation?

We can apply the principle of environmental aesthetics (kagandahan ng kapaligiran) to create a clean and orderly
environment. This philosophical view insists that by maintaining order in the environment we can bring out the natural beauty of
the surroundings and in the process contribute to the well-being of the people and other organisms living in it. Needless to say,
our appreciation of the beauty of nature can help us become more concern for the environment and move us to treat nature with
great respect.

Environmentalism & Sustainability

When Taal Volcano erupted in the early days of 2020, several netizens called not only for the rescue of human beings
but also of beasts—farm animals and pets. This is not surprising at all because animals have their rights and that Filipinos in
general are animal lovers. There are Filipinos even who disclosed that they could not dare to eat the food prepared from the
animals that they personally raised in their backyard. This only proves that a human being cannot really harm other beings or the
Earth itself as a whole if only he or she understands properly his or her role and connection with them. What about you? Have
you experienced raising a pet? How is your relationship with them?

We already learned that our anthropocentric ( nakasentro sa tao) understanding of the environment has led to its
destruction. Because the environment was merely seen as a thing to be used to satisfy human needs, it resulted to environmental
abuse and the decline of environmental health. And now, we are reaping its negative effects—the global devastation brought
about by Climate Change.

It is in this setting that environmentalism come into view. Environmentalism is comprise of many related ideas and
advocacies that address the various environmental issues and concerns. One important perspective from environmentalism is
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environmental ethics. This ethics for the environment examines how we as human persons relate with the Earth and all within it. It
also frames a critical understanding on how our human activities create an impact to the environment. So, have you ever thought
on how your actions affect nature? In what way do these affect the Earth?

Aside from what has been already stated above, environmental ethics also contributes the following:

a. It serves as a basis for reflecting on how our actions show our regard for nature.
b. It guides us in upholding the welfare of the environment.
c. It also encourages governments, institutions, corporations, and other related organizations to commit to a
responsible action for the environment.
d. It demands environmental justice, a concept that calls for a fair distribution of environmental benefits, as well as the
burden of meeting the effects of climate and other environmental changes.

One of the major concepts that goes along with environmentalism is sustainability or sustainable development. This
concept teaches us to make wise decisions concerning the use of Earth’s resources today so that there is still enough left for
tomorrow. This principle in other words, calls us to think for others, including those who are yet to be born in the future, as we use
and consume the resources of the planet in our generation. To put it simply, sustainability is like eating your meal, being satisfied
with it to a certain extent, but you have to consciously leave some food on the table which is good enough to meet the needs of
those who have yet to arrive.

Now, reflect on how you have been using these resources: food, fuel, water, and electricity. Have you been using them
responsibly and efficiently? How can you use these resources more sustainably?

Sustainability is founded on 3 important principles, namely, environmental integrity, economic efficiency and equity. The
values of prudence and frugality are also associated with living sustainably. Check the table below for their respective meaning.

Environmental integrity – refers to maintaining the state of the environment in the midst of human activities.
Here, human activities are well-thought, managed, and measured in such a way that their impact to the
ecosystems becomes minimal.

Economic efficiency – refers to the wise use of resources, that is, using the resources in their entirety, if
possible, to avoid unnecessary waste.

Equity – demands that we use our natural resources in such a manner that these are conserved so that the
next generation will be able to use them.

Prudence – the ability to discipline and govern one’s actions and behavior.

Frugality – the quality of being economical concerning the use of one’s resources.

How will you apply these principles and values in responding to the specific environmental concerns that you have in
your home, school, and community?

Indeed, since it is human activity that has seriously threatened the integrity of the environment, it is also our duty to do
something to restore it. We already have the tools of environmentalism and sustainability in our hands, why not start reaching out
for the healing of this broken Earth—trees, fish, mountains, seas… lands?

 ACTIVITIES

Activity 1: Research at least three (3) specific environmental problems happening in our country. Analyze them using any of the
major philosophical views. Use the table below to guide you in your work.

Environmental Problem Analysis


pollution not decomposing trash properly.

climate change people cutting down rainforest trees without planting them
back.

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mainly the factories burning fossils and wrecking the
global warming atmosphere.

Rubric for Research

Criteria Rating
The research made by the student is relevant to the topic. 5 4 3 2 1
The student’s work convey a deep personal reflection about 5 4 3 2 1
the topic
The analysis made are supported by clear arguments. 5 4 3 2 1
The work is creatively done and neat. 5 4 3 2 1

Activity 2. PLEDGE FOR THE EARTH


Instruction: Reflect on how you and your family use natural resources at home. Then, write a pledge of commitment to personally
promote a sustainable use of these resources in your household. Fill the table below with appropriate responses.

Activities that Show Sustainable Use of Activities that Show Misuse of Resources
Resources My Pledge of Commitment
Turning off lights and faucets when not in Use of too much plastics After seeing the activities
use
Buying zero-waste products Buying stuff that are not recyclable that show misuse of
Using ecobags when buying from the Ordering from food deliveries resources, I realize that even
market though I am doing my best to
Recycling bottles Using of laundry individually, and not
live sustainably, there are still
for the family (waste of water and
electricity) some things that are not
Walking when my destination is not far Stocking food which ends up forgotten suitable for sustainable living.
away and will be thrown away
Upon knowing these, I pledge
to: avoid using too much
plastics and always bring
ecobags or paper bags; buy
stuff that can be recycled
easily; try my best to order
food physically to avoid
carbon footprint for the
delivery; use laundry wisely;
and mind the food we buy.

Also, I pledge to continue


doing the sustainable
activities I did before.

Activity 3: Write an essay explaining how you will apply prudence and frugality in using natural resources at home, in school, and
in your community. Cite a situation where these values can help address environmental problems and describe how your actions
will contribute to solving the problem.

The world direly needs prudent and frugal use of natural resources. Over exploitation of natural resources has
disturbed the balance of natural elements. Pollution, global warming, dwindling forests, grasslands, croplands, etc.
have posed serious threat to continuation of life. If we really wish to live well and bequeath our planet to the coming
generations in good condition, we must practice prudence and frugality in using the natural resources.

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We can practice frugality at home, schools, and at any other place by using only as much water, electricity, food,
minerals, fuels, etc. We must switch off lights that are on without any use; we should turn off the taps running
without any purpose; we must begin to use renewable resources of energy. Let’s be prudent; let’s be frugal.

Prudent and frugal use of natural resources will surely be a definite step towards preserving our unique and delicate
environment.

MODULE 5: Freedom of the Human Person


Most Essential Learning Competencies:
5.1 Evaluate and exercise prudence in choices.
5.2 Realize that: a) choices have consequences; and b) some things are given up while others are obtained in making choices.
5.3 Show situations that demonstrate freedom of choice and the consequences of their choices.

 PRETEST
Test I - Multiple Choice: Choose the letter that corresponds your answer.

1. This refers to the ability to make choices and perform actions. It is an intrinsic and essential property of the human person.
a. Freedom b. Free Will c. Psychological freedom d. Voluntariness
2. A type of freedom from physical restraint.
a. Moral freedom b. Physical freedom c. Psychological freedom d. Voluntariness
3. This is the kind of freedom which allows a person to perform actions which he or she considers right and wise.
a. Freedom of choosing b. Voluntarism c. Psychological freedom d. Moral Freedom
4. It is the ability to act out one’s free will and self-determination.
a. Volunteerism b. Responsibility c. Psychological freedom d. Voluntariness
5. This means that a person is being accountable for his or her actions and their consequences.
a. Responsibly b. Responsibility c. Irresponsibleness d. Voluntariness

Test II - Analyzing Situations: Read the following situations below and how are you going to apply prudence in making a choice to
exercise your freedom more responsibly? Choose the letter that corresponds your answer.

6. Your family is experiencing financial difficulty. You are being enrolled in a private school with a high tuition fee but your parents
do not want you to transfer to a public school despite your situation. As their daughter/son what are you going to do?
a. You are going to stay in your school because that is what your parents want you to do.
b. You won’t mind because that is your parent’s problem.
c. You will explain to your parents that transferring school is the best way to resolve the family’s financial problem.
d. You will stop going to school.

7. A teacher informed you that your brother has to repeat some subjects due to his failing grades. She asked you to tell your
parents about it and that she wanted to meet them. But your brother asked you not to tell your parents and that he will find
another person to stand as your parents. What are you going to do?
a. You will not tell your parents because your brother asked you not to do it.
b. You will not tell your parents in exchange of your brother’s allowance.
c. You won’t mind because you do not care about your brother’s problem.
d. You will tell your parents because you know that granting your brothers request will not do any good but instead will
just
lead him to do to things that could again affect his studies.

8. Your best friend humiliated you, making you a laughing stock in your school. As her best friend you also knew a lot about her
that would humiliate her as well when exposed. What then are you going to do?
a. You will not do what she did to you because you know that it will not do any good.
b. You will expose her secrets so that she will have the same fate as you.
c. You will confront and start a fight with her.
d. You will not do the same, instead you’ll do actions that will gain back your friendship.
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9. You are invited to a debut party of your best friend. She expected you to be there. Her birthday falls on a Wednesday but
you’re having a final exam the next day. How are you going to deal with the situation?
a. You will go to the party and will not study for your exam.
b. You will not go to the party and you will study for your exam.
c. You will go to the party but you will go home early to study.
d. You will not go to the party and will not study.

10. You saw a classmate bullied by your schoolmates outside your school. You just turned a blind eye and walked the other way
because you do not want to get involved. The next day, you heard the news that your bullied classmate was admitted to the
hospital due to injuries. The school and the family of the bullied child is asking if someone saw the incident to have someone to
testify. The bullies already warned you not say a single word otherwise they will do the same to you. What are you going to do
then?
a. You will not report because your safety is at stake.
b. You will report to prevent the bullies from doing it again.
c. You will not report because you do not care about your classmate.
d. You will report the incident in exchange for money.

 DISCUSSION

Definition of Freedom and Its Kind

Freedom – is the ability to make choices and perform those choices. It also defined as the ability to be what we want and to
decide and create oneself.

2 Concepts that will help us fully understand freedom:


1. Freedom itself
According to Merriam Dictionary, it is the quality or state of being free. It is our capacity to choose of what we wanted
and an inner awareness of what is right and wrong that is traced to our free will according to Aristotle. It is also an intrinsic and an
essential property of a human person which basically means, it is a part of our human nature.
Example:
Think of yourself as a student, your teacher told you to study your lessons for the day for you will have a long quiz the
next meeting. However, as you reached home you find yourself having a good time doing Facebook and online chatting with your
friends. Using your freedom, you can either choose to follow your teacher’s advice to study your lessons for your quiz the next
morning or continue doing the thing which you find enjoyable.

2. Free will
Our free will allows us to decide on things we do depending on the situation. It is our ability to choose between two
different possible courses of action, independently. Simply put it, free will is our ability to choose things according to our moral
reasoning.

To sum it all, our freedom then could trace down in a person’s exercise of his rationality/intellect and free will. Simply that
individual actions as it is freely chosen by an individual it then defines who and what kind of person one is. We all are free to
choose, to be good person and act on it accordingly or be a bad person and act in a bad way. As our actions and choices reflects
us doing what is good and acting on it is what makes you a good person while on the other hand doing the negative will also give
a negative impression to an individual. This has been tackled on the previous lesson that self-determination or the ability to
choose on what is right and wrong, that a person’s action determines what kind of person he or she becomes.

Kinds of Freedom
1. Physical Freedom
Physical freedom refers to the absence of any physical restraint. The person has the freedom of mobility to go
where he or she wants to go. He or she is not impeded 11 in his or her actions by any physical force. Granted that the
person has natural limitations, physical freedom allows him or her to act and move in determined manner. You cannot
be everywhere at once, but your freedom allows you to move one place to another and to go whenever you want to go.

2. Psychological Freedom
Elements of Freedom
2 Elements that define freedom:

1. Voluntariness
It is the ability of a person to act of his or her own free will and self-determination. A person may decide to do things or
not to do it according to his own free will. It also means that even though he/she is not required to do such things he/she could
still do it or take action on it.

Voluntary acts are free acts which can be assigned a corresponding moral value. One must always remember that in
every action we make, in every choice we make there is an equivalent consequence. These consequences affect not just the
individual who does the decision but also other people in their surroundings. With that, one must always accept the
consequences that results from his or her decisions or actions and take responsibility for them.

2. Responsibility – this refers to a person being accountable for his or her action and their consequences. Taking responsibility
can mean either you take responsibility to your action voluntarily or other people will hold you responsible. For example, if you
made a bad action it’s either you take responsibility of it or other people will hold you responsible for it.

Example of Voluntariness and Responsibility:

Michael invited Ken to a party club. At the club, Ken was very surprised to see his former
classmates and some acquaintances. It was very lively, people were dancing, singing and others were
drinking and smoking. But, there is something that caught Ken’s attention, a group of people in the
corner doing something unusual. And to his surprise, Michael was one of them. He came near to them
and Michael immediately offer him a methamphetamine (shabu). At first, he refused knowing that the use
of it is illegal. However, with the persistent effort of Michael, Ken tried it. Unexpectedly, police officers
came to raid the club. Ken was abducted.
Based on this situation, voluntariness was manifested by Ken’s personal acceptance of the illegal drug
because he uses his own freewill. Responsibility comes with Ken’s choice of action. Meaning, he had to accept
his fate to be in the prison cell as a consequence of his freewill.
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1. Prudence - is the ability to govern and discipline oneself with the use of reason; it is having caution and giving good judgments
in making decisions.
Because once we made a decision there is no turning back, there is no rewind, so we should always reflect first on the
possible outcomes of the choices that we are going to make. Self-reflection is very important in exercising freedom.

2. Self-reflection - allows us to be more rational in making choices, because sometimes human beings tend to be slaves by their
emotions and moods whenever they act certain things. As free beings, exercising our freedom responsibly is very important.
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Thus, it requires us to reflect on the actions that we are going to make by considering its possible effects and the benefits it has to
the people affected by it.

Exercising Freedom in a Responsible and Beneficial Manner


1. Freedom should be exercised with control and reasonable limits.

As humans, we enjoy freedom, but we need to understand that it is not absolute. Meaning, we should exercise our
freedom with control and reasonable limits.
Examples:
i) A student may be first in line in a grocery store but chooses to give way to an elderly woman next to her.
ii) You may be very upset to a friend for losing a thing she borrowed but refuses to confront her because you already
know that she already feels bad of herself for the thing she had done.
iii) You may be very angry with your teacher for scolding you in front of the entire class, but you refrained from
answering back at him/her since it will be considered as disrespectful act.

Giving limits to our personal freedom simply means sacrificing certain self-interest and accept that there are things
beyond our control. Our ability to think and know what is right and what is wrong serves as guide in recognizing and deciding the
limitations of our freedom.

2. Freedom should be exercised with regard for knowledge and truth.


 As a rational beings, it is natural for us to think before we act. We use our freedom to acquire knowledge, which in turn are
useful in making right and sound decisions essential in dealing with our life situations.
Example:
To correctly answer a multiple-choice item in an examination, a student has to study his/her lessons. Otherwise, he/she
cannot answer the test.

 We should also be equipped with the ability to acquire information and truthful knowledge because it will aid us in making
wise and informed choices.

Example:
In casting our votes during SSG election, we will not vote to a candidate because of he/she is attractive or appealing but
because he/she is knowledgeable on the important school issues.

3. Freedom should be exercised to uphold the freedom of others.


Freedom is recognized and guaranteed right for all persons. Meaning, freedom should be enjoyed by all. But it is
important to remember that 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.
Examples:
i) A teacher doing his/her class discussion under the Narra tree instead of having it inside the classroom.
ii) You shared your hard-earned money to cater the needs of your friend who is in dire needs of it for the realization of
his/her school project.

 ACTIVITIES

Activity 1: MY REFLECTION

1. Reflect on your past experiences and identify a moment when you believed you had “no choice” regarding your action or
decisions, or you made a choice that you eventually regretted. Reevaluate the situation and how important is it to apply
prudence in making a choice.
The time when I had to stop going to school due to lack of financial from my family and due to computer that made me
experience working in an early age. Because of the situation I ended up regretting my actions in the past and wanted to go
back if given the opportunity and do the opposite or make everything right. It is important to apply prudence in making a
choice so that we don’t end up regretting in the future that we can’t already change the situation.

2. Reflect on a problem you are currently facing. Create a graphic organizer outlining the possible choices you can make and
their corresponding consequences.

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(Corresponding
Be a Consequences)
working
student 1. lack or sleep
2. unfocused

PROBLEM: Applying (Corresponding


Find a Consequences)
for a job job 1. sustain needs
Or 2. cannot gain
degree
Going to college (Corresponding
Consequences)
Apply 1. less time more
TESDA experience
2. cannot apply well
the skills

Activity 2: ANALYZING SITUATION


Instructions: i) Predict the negative consequences of the actions done by the persons involved in each situation. ii) Give your
recommendation on how these persons can exercise freedom more responsibly.

1. Julia’s family is well-known for being wealthy and influential. However, her family faced hard times in the previous year. Her
father’s business closed and they were forced to sell most of their possessions and live a much simpler life. Julia, however,
wishes to maintain her image among her friends. She resorted to borrowing money from relatives in order to keep up with her
well-off barkada.
- be contented, not everyone has the ability to meet their needs and it's normal to a family to have a financial
problem, not every time we can have our wants, we should just be thankful to the blessing's gave by God

2. Mang Tony’s meat stall has been very profitable these days. It turns out that he has been tampering with the weighing scales
and has been selling less meat at increased prices. One time, some meat went stale and he decided to mix it with the other fresh
meat so he could still sell it.
-mang tony has the freedom to sell those staled meat. but he must consider first the feedback of people that bought
his meats if they discovered his strategy. he must think what if people will have food poisoning because they eat the
old one. He has the freedom of choice but he must consider the responsibilities and outcome off his choice.
3. Bernard was asked by his teacher to photocopy handouts and reading materials in their English class. His teacher unknowingly
inserted a copy of the final exam in the stack of papers she gave to Bernard. When he saw the copy of the final exam, Bernard
quickly took it and placed it in his bag.
- bernand must bring back the copy of the final exams to his teachers quickly so that the teachers will trust him, and
also don’t let the other students know it for him to not getting tempt
4. Gladys was very angry when she heard that her friend Julia was spreading mean gossip about her in school. When Gladys
found out that Julia has been pretending to be rich when in fact her family is now poor, she contacted her friends and told them
about it.
-When Gladys was very angry about her friend Julia spreading mean gossip about her in school, Gladys should set a
time to talk to her friend Julia so they will exercise freedom more responsibly to each other.

- If Gladys trying to tell her friends about Julia pretending to be rich when in fact her family is now poor, Gladys
should change her mind and never do what she thinks just to have revenge on Julia.

Rubric for Reflection and Essay Activities

Criteria Rating

The paper relates entirely to the assigned topic or issue. 1 2 3 4 5

The paper conveys a genuine personal view regarding the topic or issue. 1 2 3 4 5

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The paper is written following the conventions of good writing and standard
1 2 3 4 5
grammar.

The work is original and does not contain plagiarized content. 1 2 3 4 5

MODULE 6: Intersubjectivity
Most Essential Learning Competencies:
6.1 Realize that intersubjectivity requires accepting differences and not imposing on others
6.2 Explain that authentic dialogue means accepting even if they are different from themselves
6.3 Performs activities that demonstrate an appreciation for the talents of persons with disabilities and those from the
underprivileged sectors of society

 PRETEST
Multiple Choice: Write only the letter of your choice that corresponds your answer.

1. It refers to the unique relationship between distinct subjects.


a. Human interaction b. Intersubjectivity c. Self-awareness d. Transcendence
2. Which of the following allows the person to give himself or herself to others and receive others in his or her life and relate with
them?
a. Individuality b. Interiority c. Shared emotions d. Social context
3. Which is considered as a deeper level of self-other interaction?
a. Knowledge of the existence of the other c. Attentiveness to the surrounding environment
b. Awareness of the self as being seen by others d. Understanding the unique behavior of the others
4. What is the defining characteristic which sets apart human interaction from the interaction of other animals as illustrated in
Lesson 1?
a. Human freedom b. Human gaze c. Human touch d. Human words
5. What is the term used to describe a situation where an individual presents himself or herself in a certain way when dealing with
others?
a. “mirroring” b. “performing” c. “pretending” d. “seeming”
6. A deeper and more genuine interaction is called _________.
a. awareness b. conversation c. dialogue d. Interiority

7. How does authentic or genuine relationship occur between two individuals?


a. When the self realizes that the other is a unique individual.
b. When two individuals begin to view each other as the other.
c. When they acknowledge each other as distinct individuals.
d. All of the above
8. Which of the following statements about dialogue is correct?
a. Dialogue is confined to words.
b. Dialogue is exactly similar to conversation.
c. Only beings with inner life can engage in a dialogue.
d. It is possible to have a dialogue with material objects.
9. Which situation below clearly illustrates a dialogue?
a. Asking a bystander for direction.
b. Talking about politics with a stranger.
c. Seeking for forgiveness from a parent.
d. Inquiring on goods from a storekeeper.
10. Which of these statements indicate that the speaker is ready to engage in a genuine dialogue?
a. “I tend to ignore strangers.” c. “I always treat people with respect.”
b. “I wish you were gone.” d. “I think my idea is always better.”

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11. It refers to an important aspect of intersubjectivity that enables us to experience another person’s emotions.
a. Alienation b. Availability c. Dialogue d. Empathy
12. Which of the following circumstances depicts empathy?
a. Laughing at the mistakes or shortcomings of others.
b. Feeling a friend’s grief over the death of a loved one.
c. Calling intellectually-challenged classmates as lazy students.
d. All of the above
13. It refers to the willingness of a person to be present and be at the disposal of another.
a. Alienation b. Availability c. Dialogue d. Empathy
14. What is the ethics of care?
a. It encourages individuals to help others especially the vulnerable.
b. It emphasizes the moral dimension of relationships and interactions.
c. It emphasizes our moral obligation to respond to the needs of others.
d. All of the above
15. What is alienation in the context of human interaction?
a. Viewing people positively. c. Regarding others as distinct and authentic persons.
b. Considering the other people as mere objects. d. Believing that human actions are governed by selflessness.

 DISCUSSION
Intersubjectivity

Filipinos in general love to watch drama on TV. Perhaps, you will agree that Ang Probinsyano became so popular not
just because it is an action-packed soap opera but also because it is filled with a lot of discussions about relationships or
interpersonal relations that all of us can easily relate to. So, we laughed, cried, felt threatened, grieved, loved, hoped, rejoiced,
etc. together with Lola Flora, Cardo, Alyana and the rest of the characters.
The word interpersonal is made from the combination of the following:
a. inter = a prefix which means ‘between
b. person = which means ‘human’ or ‘individual’
c. -al = a suffix which means, ‘pertaining to’ or having the ‘character of’

Interpersonal thus, is a word we used in describing interactions ( pakikipag-ugnayan o pakikipag-halubilo) between


people. In philosophy however, when we say interpersonal relations we are referring to interactions that exist between the Self
(Ako) and the Other (lahat ng nakakasamuha mo, maging tao o bagay) . Can you recall some instances of interpersonal relations
that you have experienced so far? What is your most unforgettable experience of pakiki-halubilo?

The interaction between the Self and the other is related to the philosophical concept of intersubjectivity. Similar to the
word interpersonal, the word intersubjectivity is also comprise of 3 groups of letters and/or words, namely:
a. inter = again this is a prefix which means ‘between’
b. subject = this refers to a person or thing that is being discussed with.
c. -ity = a suffix used to form nouns which expresses state or condition

From this, we can conclude that intersubjectivity means a condition of relationship between subjects or persons. If I
relate with a friend for example, and he or she relates back to me, intersubjectivity occurs. Philosophically, this means that when
the Self recognizes the Other and the Other recognizes the Self, intersubjectivity happens. To further get its meaning, study the
excerpt from the song, Awitin Mo at Isasayaw Ko by VST & Co., below:
Ang isang pag-ibig
Ay parang lansangan
Na pandalawahan
Kaya't sa ating awit
Tayo ay magbigayan

Can you determine which line of the stanza above talks about intersubjectivity? Why do you say so? Intersubjectivity
also carries the meaning of a unique relationship between separate individuals or subjects. When we say unique, we are referring
to the relationship that a human person may experience when he or she engages in a very intimate and personal relationship with
others. When a person, for example, loves others, he or she gives himself or herself to them and at the same time receives them

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into his or her life and vice versa. This mutual self-giving and receiving becomes possible because of the person’s inner life or
interiority (panloob na buhay) where his or her thoughts, feelings, inner struggles, reactions, and the like “resides.”

I believe that there is someone in your life—a parent, friend, or a mentor—whom you feel very close with. Maybe
because of this closeness, both of you are able to share to each other your inner thoughts and feelings without any reservation.
How does it feel then to understand and be understood by someone? How does it feel then to love and be loved in return by this
person?

Intersubjectivity or the Self-Other interaction comes in two levels, which are:

a. First Level = this refers to the simple awareness of the Self about the existence of the Other.
b. Deeper Level = this refers to the awareness of the Self as being seen by Others.

Actually, you have constantly experienced these two levels of interaction in your life. For instance, as you are reading
this module by the window, you have noticed that there are people who are passing by your house. In an instant, you have
become aware of the presence of these people who are both similar and different from you in many aspects. This noticing or
becoming aware of the presence of Others already illustrates the first level of self-other interaction. But then, suppose that one of
them suddenly stops and looks straight at you in the eyes, automatically you will become aware that this person is also conscious
of your own presence as a person. This particular self-consciousness marks the deeper level of self-other interaction.

Now imagine again that this person who is staring back at you is not actually a stranger but someone who is very familiar
to you, perhaps, he or she is your crush. This awareness of him or her gazing at you will result in a feeling of self-consciousness.
In fact, several questions will begin to pop up in your head, such as “What is he or she is thinking when he or she looks at me? “Is
he or she is about to say something to me?” Indeed, this unique phenomenon of the human gaze sets our interaction as human
persons apart from the interaction of other species.

Certainly, the awareness of the self in the other is an important element in all other aspects of interpersonal interactions.
The way we act or react with others is often influenced by our ideas of how these people see us. Going back to my example
about your crush, if he or she smiles while looking back at you, perhaps you will conclude that he or she likes you in return. And
this idea will affect how you behave when he or she is around. This is also true when considering social contexts. Oftentimes, we
modify our behavior depending on where we are. Our behavior in the church, for example, is different from our behavior when we
are at a lively party. These actions of presenting yourself in a certain way when dealing with others or your social context is what
we referred to as seeming.

“Seeming” may behave in two forms:


a. Positive Seeming – the pleasant behavior we showed when we are in a sacred place or in the presence of a
very important person.
b. Negative Seeming – being “plastic,” “sipsip” or when expressing manipulative behaviors to promote selfish
interests.

Authentic Dialogue

You may have not yet forgotten Lily Cruz in the telenovela “Wild Flower.” One of the most striking moments there was
when she changed her identity to Ivy Aguas in order to exact revenge to the Ardientes. However, unlike that of Lily, most of our
human interactions actually are based not on deception ( panlilinlang) but on truth. Because of our dignity and goodness, our
interactions are geared toward what is good and beneficial.

This deeper and more genuine interaction is called dialogue.


A genuine dialogue is attained when all of the following conditions are present:
a. when the Self realizes that the Other is a unique or distinct person;
b. when the two individuals begin to view each other as an Other; and
c. when the two persons truly acknowledging the presence of each other.

Have you experienced then having a genuine dialogue with someone? What do you think is the difference between
having a casual conversation with a stranger on recent events and discussing more personal issues like life goals, emotional
problems, or moral dilemmas with your friends or family?

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Ordinarily, we understand dialogue as having any conversation with someone. However, it does not always follow that
because when you are talking with someone, you are already in dialogue with him or her. Philosophically, a dialogue can only
occur when the words uttered and/or the actions and gestures performed are rooted in one’s inner life or interiority. That is why,
only beings with interiority (panloob na buhay) are capable of engaging in dialogue. Here, a person’s words, expressions, and
body language becomes the way by which he or she is able to express a part of himself or herself to another person. On the
other hand, the person is also capable here of receiving the words, thoughts, emotions, and ideas of another person. A dialogue,
therefore, happens when two persons “open up” to each other and give and receive one another in their encounter. Have you
seen a mother caressing her new-born child? Do you think that a genuine or authentic dialogue occurs between them? Why?
Why not?

Interaction with the Disadvantaged

When was the last time you’ve watched Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK)? Perhaps, you were able to watch the episode
entitled “Bangka” that talks about the struggle of a young girl who was so motivated to reach her dreams of finishing her studies
despite her family’s experience of extreme poverty. As a student, she would regularly brace the danger of swimming in an open
sea just to arrive at school. I can still remember even today how my heart somehow “felt” the girl’s own emotions as she
constantly struggled because of her dream, even if that story is never my own and that I do not know her personally. Have you
also experienced something similar to this? What was it like?

As human persons, we have the capacity to experience the experiences of another just like the one I described to you
about that MMK incident. Philosophers call this human capacity to share the emotions of others as empathy, which is also an
important aspect of intersubjectivity. Perhaps you have already heard that empathy can be understood as “feeling in” or “placing
yourself into the shoes of another.” For example, how would you behave around a friend who just informed you that his or her
parent has died? Empathy enables you not only to share your friend’s grief and offer him or her comfort during this difficulty, but
also to own the grief of that person even if it was not your own parent’s death. Can you cite another personal experience where
you express empathy with someone?

Another characteristic of meaningful and genuine human relationships is availability. Availability is the willingness of a
person to be present and be at the disposal of another. Filipinos are actually very good at this. For example, if you go to an
unfamiliar place and do not know which way to go, normally there are kababayans who will approach you and extend their help to
you voluntarily. The concept of availability means that you are willing to be at one’s side twenty four seven.

The ethics of care can help us understand why we need to make ourselves available for others. This understanding
encourages individuals to help other people, most especially the least, the lost, and the last because it is our moral obligation to
do so. What about you? If, let us say, a stranger approaches you in the street asking for help, will you try to help that person or
will you ignore him or her? If you choose to ignore him or her, what could be some of the possible reasons of doing so?

Indeed, there are people who would simply ignore those who seek for their help. They do this because they have a
negative view about human relationships. People having this negative view often suspect that any form of human action is being
influenced by selfish interests, hence, for them it should be seen as not genuine or even deceptive ( mapanlinlang). When a
person adopts this kind of view, he or she is said to be experiencing alienation. Alienation arises when a person stops to view the
other as an authentic person and merely considers the other person as a mere object to satisfy his or her personal interests.
Have you already experienced alienation in your life?

Be that as it may, in spite of our negative experiences of human interactions, we are still called to extend our hands in
building a community of harmony. This is very important especially that our world today seems to be surrounded with all forms of
conflicts and violence. We can only do this if we recognize that the other person is the same as ourselves—a person with dignity
that needs to be upheld and respected. What will you personally contribute for the establishment of a community of harmony?

Embracing Differences

Not all stories, movies, or telenovelas end happily. Many of them, unfortunately, end with a sad note. Yet, what seems to
be common among these narratives is the realization of the main protagonist ( bida sa kuwento) on the necessity to accept the
things that had already gone by and to embrace all past experiences—may they be good or bad. And when he succeeded to do
that, he or she become at peace with himself or herself.
In similar manner, the acts of accepting (pagtanggap) and embracing (pagyakap) all our differences are also beneficial
especially in building a community of harmony. Without a doubt harmony is hindered because some people have intentionally
refused to accept and embrace our diversity (pagkakaiba-iba). Some individuals, for instance, overemphasize our differences and
choose to favor one look, behavior, view, belief, and idea over the other. In the process, some of those who do not carry the
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characteristics that are preferred to by the majority in society are the ones who usually receive rejection ( pagtakwil),
discrimination (pagtrato ng hindi pantay), abuse (pag-abuso), neglect (pagpabaya), contempt (pag-alipusta), and the like. Have
you experienced being bullied? What does the bullying experience looked like? Why did it happen?

I am sure that you are already aware that there are people in our society who have endured a lot of hardships and
discrimination because of their physical or mental condition. As a group, we call them differently-abled persons (may kakulangan
sa pagkatao). However, have you realized that despite their limitations, these individuals can actually master the same skills as
those who are fully able? Have you also realized that these individuals are actually having their hopes and aspirations too, like
us? And are you aware that many of them are actually able to rise above their disabilities and become productive and happy
individuals? Do you know of someone who is differently-abled in your community?

Another group of people who are of the same condition with that of the differently-abled persons are the underprivileged
(walang kakayahan sa buhay). They are called like that because they are poor materially. They are constantly struggling to find
means for living. Have you seen some them in your community? How do you and your neighbors treat them? Why do you and
your neighbors treat them that way?

Apart from people with disabilities and the underprivileged, there are also others who are excluded from groups or
society because they have been deemed different. Who among your neighbors is considered by many to be “weird” or “different”?
How does this view affect the way you treat this person? Do you see yourself befriending him or her? If you reflect on the way
you relate to him or her, can you say that you have been treating him or her as a person?

Now I want you to 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? Think of the other people in your life. Who do you
feel can benefit from having a friend?

Reflecting on our interactions with others can better inform us of the motivations of why we need to reach out for others.
The knowledge of our capacity for intersubjectivity will enable us to make better choices as we continue to relate with others and
uphold positive relationships in our lives.

 ACTIVITIES

Activity 1. Prepare a love note to someone you love or to whom you are attracted with using the guide questions below.
1. What does he or she bring to your life physically, emotionally, spiritually, etc.?
2. What do you love about him or her?
3. What are some of the memories or experiences you both share?
4. Do you have individual differences?
5. Do you still accept him or her despite he or she is different from you?
6. What are his or her differences that acceptable to you?

For the teacher/facilitator. Use the rubric below to evaluate the output of Activity 1. ( Rubric may be changed depending
on the agreement between the teacher/facilitator and the learner).

The someone that I actually loved the most for a long time brings a lot of things to me. She makes me strong and she’s
the reason why I must go on into my life. Just a glimpse of her makes me okay despite of my problems. The things why I
love her is that through her honesty and just being her. She doesn’t do such pretensions just for the people to admire
her. She is just being who she is and she just neglect what others said about her. The memory that we’ve shared both is
when she decided to introduce me to her father and travel together to where her father is and even introduced me to
her friends in the place which are very accommodating and friendly. We’ve been to very nice places with her friends and
I felt very grateful for her knowing that without her I can’t experience those amazing adventures and opportunity to
know her father. Since I lack on financial, the only way I can thank her for everything she did is by loving her purely not
only for those time but I wanted her to feel loved everyday and throughout our journey in life together. Yes, we all have
differences but despite of it what builds our relationship is respecting each other, build feeling of trust and safety well-
being. Yes, because I know that everyone is different and has flaws that is within ourselves, that is why I love her
because I accept everything that she is since no one is perfect in this imperfect world. For me, there is no reason to
determine or select only some of her differences that is acceptable for me because loving her is part of accepting
everything that she is and not to only see her flaws.

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Rubric for Love-Note Writing

Criteria Rating
The love note relates entirely to the assigned topic or issue. 5 4 3 2 1
The love note conveys a genuine personal view regarding
the topic or issue. 5 4 3 2 1
The work is original. 5 4 3 2 1

Activity 2. HERE THEY ARE


1. Look for at least three (3) differently-abled and three (3) underprivileged persons who has made invaluable contribution
to your community.
2. Make a profile of these chosen individuals.
3. Describe each of their background and significant achievements and deeds.
4. Use the format below as your guide but you can always modify it depending on your own skills, creativity, and available
resources.
5. For the teacher: Use the rubric below to evaluate the output. Rubric may be changed depending on the agreement
between the teacher/facilitator and the learner).

Name: Nicholas James Vujicic


Address:  Melbourne, Australia
Age: 38
Civil Status: Married
Photo
Special Talents/Skills:
Occupation: Motivational speaker
Invaluable contribution to the president and founder of the nonprofit
society: organization Life Without Limbs
What concrete actions will you do Do a charity event to his organization
“Nick” in order to support him/her?

Name: Jose Marie Borja Viceral

A.K.A Address: Tondo Manila


“ VICE GANDA” Age: 45years old
Civil Status: Filipino
Special Talents/Skills: Filipino comedian, talk show host, television
presenter, actor, entrepreneur, and singer.
Occupation: Actor, Record Producer, Author, Television
Presenter, Film Producer
Invaluable contribution to the Viceral is best known for his stand-up
society: routines, in which he uses observational
comedy, situational irony and sarcasm in
pertaining to Filipino culture and human
sexuality. He is also the first openly gay
endorser for Globe Telecom.
What concrete actions will you By watching her Vlogs on Youtube in order
do in order to support for her to earn and help those who needed.
him/her?

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Name: Angelica Locsin Colmenares-Arce
Address:  Santa Maria
Age: 36 years
Civil Status: Filipino
Special Talents/Skills: Filipina television and film actress
Occupation:  Commercial model, film producer
and fashion designer.
Invaluable contribution to the  Locsin has donated over 15 Million Pesos to
society: support various causes, including educational
A.K.A scholarships for students, supporting
“ANGEL economic and political rights of indigenous
LOCSIN”
people and ending violence against women
and children.
What concrete actions will you do Be influenced by her good doings in out
in order to support him/her? country.

Rubric for Profiling Activity

Criteria Rating
Content and ideas are organized in a clear, logical manner. 5 4 3 2 1
The profile provides adequate if not complete background 5 4 3 2 1
information.
The profile employs standard grammar conventions, proper 5 4 3 2 1
punctuation, and proper word choice.
The work is original. 5 4 3 2 1

MODULE 7: The Human Person in Society


Most Essential Learning Competencies:
7.1 Recognize how individuals form societies and how individuals are transformed by societies.
7.2 Compare different forms of societies and individualities (eg. Agrarian, industrial and virtual)
7.3 Explain how human relations are transformed by social systems.

 PRETEST
Multiple Choice: Write only the letter of your choice that corresponds your answer.

1. It refers to the social conditions which enable persons and groups to fulfil their goals and achieve well-being.
a. Common goal b. Common good c. Social being d. Social condition

2. It is an organized group of people whose members interact frequently and have a common territory and culture.
a. Family b. Individual c. Society d. Siblings
3. The person is by nature a _________.
a. social force b. sociologist c. social condition d. social being
4. Education starts _________.
a. at home b. in school c. in the community d. with neighbors
5. It gives us the opportunity to pursue various activities to achieve our goals and attain well-being or happiness.
a. Freedom b. Justice c. Opportunity d. Happiness
6. The principal means of subsistence (hanapbuhay) of pastoralists is _________.
a. trading b. animal domestication c. farming d. hunting and gathering
7. The oldest and the most basic way of economic subsistence?
a. Gathering and Fishing b. Hunting and Pastoral c. Pastoral and Fishing d. Hunting and Gathering
8. It is the product of the post-industrial society.
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a. Industrial society b. Feudal society c. Virtual society d. Agricultural society
9. The society based on the use of specialized machinery in the production of goods and services.
a. Hunting and gathering society c. Post-industrial society
b. Horticultural society d. Industrial society
10. The society based on the ownership of land.
a. Feudal society b. Pastoral society c. Agricultural society d. Virtual society

 DISCUSSION

What is society? What inspires human beings to establish societies?

Relationships that we experienced in our lives depend on the level of our experiences. For example, when we were yet a
child, we always depended on our family. As we grow older, we start to go with people in the community, from there, we began to
relate ourselves with our opposite sex. In doing such, we exercised our freedom to do what we want to do. We are capable of
establishing society by way of our different relationships with other people such as friendships, alliances or union sharing
common territory. Our relationships with other people caused us to survive. We survive because of our parents, our friends and
even our neighbors may it be in school or in the workplace. The education we have starts from our home. Our parents taught us
everything they also learned starting from talking, reading and writing, even values, good manners and right conduct. Simple
household jobs. This education will continue when we go to school. When we finish our education, we are already equipped with
abilities, skills and knowledge for us to become productive members of the society. Therefore, society helps us grow as a better
person.
Society – is an organized group of people whose members interact frequently and have a common territory and culture.
- it refers to a companionship or friendly association with others, an alliance, a community, or a union.

Philosophers consider society the product of deliberate actions by individuals who come together in pursuit of a common
goal. 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. 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.

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.

On 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 types of societies and their characteristics?


The development of societies throughout history shows the development of humankind in response to changing
surroundings and historical developments. The different types of societies that emerged include the following:

7 Types of Societies Characteristics


This form of society is recognized as the earliest and the simplest; basically small and composed
mostly of families. They are nomadic, meaning, they kept on transferring from one place to
1. Hunting and
another to look for food, thus, they do not have permanent houses. Men are tasked to hunt large
Gathering
animals while women are tasked in the collection of vegetables and other crops.
This form of society is characterized by the raising ( alaga) of animals to supply their food
especially in the regions of the world where vegetable growing is not possible. They also engage
2. Pastoral in buying and selling of goods with other groups.
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This form of society engages in the growing of plants, fruits and vegetables. In this society, there
3. Horticultural is enough food supply. Some members of the society also engage in making crafts and buying
and selling of goods.
This form of society grows rice and other crops. They also began to farm and raise animals for
4. Agricultural food. They lived permanently and improved the technology for farming. Money became a form of
exchange for goods and services.
It is a form of society in which the ruler or lord owned all the land while the farmers or laborers
5. Feudal farmed it.
This society used machineries in the production of goods and services. Through innovations and
6. Industrial technological advances, daily activities become easier and the lives of the people become better.

Also known as the virtual (computer) society, people use technology and the Internet to
7. Post-industrial communicate, to engage in business and access different information that can be if used to deal
with daily activities.

How does society influence our development as persons?

As members of the society, we learn, we interact, we exercise our freedom and we follow common beliefs, traditions and
norms or standards. Norms are set of traits and behavior that society considers good and acceptable. The society expects us to
behave the way it is used to. When we do not obey to the established norms, then we experience punishments for not doing so.
Moreover, laws are made to provide us proper guidelines to sustain peace and order. Violation of the law means punishment. On
the other hand, folkways are traditional in nature and do not result in punishment if not followed.
Norms, laws, and other rules that regulate human interactions give rise to a social system, which is 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. The person and society are inseparable. One cannot exist without the other. It is a two-way
relationship that binds both the person and the society for growth and development. We have our own individual assigned social
roles in the society. Social roles are set of connected behaviors expected to a certain person. Individuals with common or similar
roles are grouped together to form social groups and eventually the different social groups would become social institutions that
include our family, school, government among others.
Another way society influence us is through social values, which are actions or ideals that are considered important by
society. Values such as cooperation, obedience to the law, concern for others, and respect for others are considered important in
maintaining an orderly society. A society that upholds positive social values will influence its members to uphold these positive
values. On the other hand, a society that is defined by negative values will, in turn, produce individuals who embody these
negative values.
How does the society enable me to become a better person?

Freedom is a fundamental right inherent ( kaakibat) by human beings. It is one of the natural rights that cannot be taken
away from us. By all means, we have the right to exercise our freedom. But we have to remember always that freedom carries
great responsibility. Our decisions and actions in exercising such freedom would greatly affect its outcome, either it could make
us or break us. For instance, if we are borne poor, we have the freedom to strive hard, be educated and we can look for ways to
make our lives better. Our circumstances (kalagayan) do not define who we are but our decisions will.

The society, especially the government, is a helping hand, providing us social services to better ourselves; public
service, free education and health care, financial assistance, peace and order, and to name a few. These services will be able to
support us reach our potentials. And with this, it could help us to be productive, become progressive, capable of making
significant changes and contributions in our society. How about you? Do you already have experiences in exercising your
freedom to become a better person? If yes, in what way?

 ACTIVITIES

Activity 1. My Meaningful Life


1. Look for pictures of individuals, groups, and institutions that have meaningfully influenced you in transforming your life for the
better. If pictures are not available, you can make a colorful drawing for your output.
2. Describe their positive contribution on your development or transformation as a person.
3. Use the format below.

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To the teacher/facilitator: Use the rubric below to evaluate the output of Activity 1. (Rubric may be changed depending
on the agreement between the teacher/facilitator and the learner).

Format for the Output


Photo/Drawing of Individuals/Groups/Institutions Meaningful Contribution of These People to My Life
1.

2.

3.

Rubric for the Task


Criteria Rating
The output presents the information in a clear and comprehensive
manner. 5 4 3 2 1
The output shows effective selection of photos/drawing and other
materials which directly relates to the topic. 5 4 3 2 1
The output employs artistic techniques which do not distract from
the information or message being conveyed. 5 4 3 2 1
The output effectively uses text such as labels, captions, and
descriptions to clarify information or convey a message. 5 4 3 2 1

Activity 2: Reflect on how your relationships and roles in society have changed throughout your life. Then, answer the questions
below.

Period I often relate to the following individual or groups . . . I performed the following roles . . .
Early Childhood

Elementary

Junior High School

Senior High School

Questions:
1. What significant changes have you noticed in your relationships with others throughout your life?
2. What role did society play in these changes?

MODULE 8: Human Persons as Oriented Towards Their Impending Death


Most Essential Learning Competencies:
8.1 Enumerate the objectives he/she really wants to achieve and to define the projects he/she really wants to do in his/her life.
8.2 Reflect on the meaning of his/her own life.

 PRETEST
Test I - Multiple Choice: Write only the letter of your choice.
1. It refers to the separation of the soul and body.
a. happiness b. life c. sadness d. death
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2. It means that our lives are temporary.
a. temporality b. permanent c. body d. spirit
3. It is a kind of good that provides form of pleasure.
a. noble good b. pleasurable good c. useful good d. permanently good
4. It is a kind of good that is pursued for its own sake.
a. permanently good b. useful good c. noble good d. pleasurable good
5. It is a kind of good that is found only on what it can provide.
a. useful good b. pleasurable good c. permanently good d. noble good

Test II - Pairing Type: Match column A with column B

Colum A Column B
6. It takes place when we patiently endure unpleasantness, discomfort and Mental suffering
pain.
7. It is a kind of suffering that refers to discomfort, hunger, stress, and pain. Injury
8. It is a kind of suffering that includes depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness, Sadness caused by death of a loved one
and grief.
9. One of the causes of physical suffering. Physical suffering
10. One of the causes of mental suffering. Suffering

 DISCUSSION

How does the reality of death define our lives? What shall I do before I die? What makes me happy?

Nothing lasts forever (walang forever). The cycle of being born, growing up and growing old and dying is a reality. We
have limited time here on earth and whether we like it or not, we are bound to die. Death is real. It is a part of our being. Death is
commonly understood as the end of bodily functions. It also refers to the separation of body and spirit. Everything that exists in
this universe comes to an end and we humans are not exempted. The acceptance of being a temporary individual in this world
gives us a clearer vision on how to live life to the fullest and understand the meaning of our existence. We have the freedom to
choose a well-lived life; doing good and doing what is right.

What makes us happy? Happiness is a state of being (over all physical condition of a person), not just only an emotion
or a decision. We do not choose happiness because we feel it, we do not choose happiness because we need it but happiness is
the totality of who we are as human beings. Aside from that, we must consider also the goods and sources of our happiness.
Kinds of Good
1. Noble good is one which is pursued for its own sake, example is love and friendship.

2. Useful good is found only from what it can provide, example is money as it can buy you something.
3. Pleasurable good is good so long as it provides pleasure. Whatever the source of our happiness right now, let us see to
it that it is real and meaningful.

Why do we suffer?

Suffering is generally viewed as a state of feeling discomfort or pain. It can come in the form of physical suffering when
one experiences bodily pain. Example, injury or it may be a mental suffering when it involves our minds and emotions, such as
depression or loneliness. Humans as we are, we normally experience pain and we often view it as necessary to help as grow and
become a strong person and find the deepest meaning of our lives.
In life, we experienced both happiness and suffering. Whatever experiences we have, let’s make it sure that it helps us
lived the life worth remembering that we could be a better version of ourselves. Life is a gift, live it.

 ACTIVITIES

Activity 1. FROM ME TO YOU


1. Based on what you have learned about happiness, suffering, death and the meaning of life, what piece of advice can you
give to the following people in various situations?
2. Make a reflection in each situation.
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To the teacher/facilitator. Use the rubric below to evaluate the output of Activity 3. ( Note Rubric may be changed
depending on the agreement between the teacher/facilitator and the learner).

SITUATION 1
Your brother is an overachiever. Being on top of the class is what makes him feel fulfilled. However, for this quarter, he
got grades lower than what has expected. He is extremely saddened by this.

SITUATION 2
Your best friend is dating a married woman. Despite his family’s disapproval, he does not want to break up with her. He
says that she is the only one who makes him very happy.

SITUATION 3
Your cousin is suffering a brain cancer. She has a loving and helpful support system comprised of family and friends, yet
her fear of dying is getting worse. She feels depressed and loses sleep over the idea of passing away soon.

Rubric for Essay


Criteria Rating
The paper relates entirely to the assigned topic or issue. 5 4 3 2 1
The paper conveys a genuine personal view regarding the topic or 5 4 3 2 1
issue.
The work is original. 5 4 3 2 1

Activity 2: MY LEGACY
Instruction: Make a reflection on the questions below.
1. On this earth, what do you think the purpose or meaning of your life?
2. If you are to leave a legacy (pamana or mana) in this world before you die, what would it be?

REFERENCES

Books
Abella, Roberto D. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person. Quezon City:C & E Publishing, Inc.,2016, 1-15
Corpuz, Brenda B. Corpuz, R.A., Paclibar, M.L.C.,Paclibar, S.O., Introduction of the Philosophy of the Human Person. Quezon City: Loremar Publishing
Inc.:2016,1-7
Ramos, Christine Carmela R. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person: Quezon City. Rex Bookstore,
Inc.1-12
Sioco, Maria Paula G. and Ignatius H. Vinzons, “Limitations and Transcendence” In Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human
Person.Gregorio Araneta Avenue, Quezon City: Vibal Group, Inc. 2016

Internet
https://www.google.com/search?q=fact+statement+examples&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b
https://brainly.ph/question/375582#readmore
https://brainly.ph/question/445975#readmore
https://piolocom.wordpress.com/2016/12/05/methods-of-philosophizing
https://www.quora.com/Why-do-you-think-people-argue-Why-is-it-important-to-argue

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