Introduction to the Philosophy

of the Human Person

Quarter 1- Module 3
The Meaning and Method of Doing Philosophy

Prepared by:
Carl Siegmund M. Endrenal
Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation
Lucena City, Quezon
Table of Contents
Overview .........................03
General Instructions
.........................04
.........................05
Lesson 3: The Human Person as an
Embodied Spirit

What I need to Know? .........................05

What are my Goals? .........................05
What I Know? .........................06
Lesson 3.1 | Human body imposes limits and
possibilities for transcendence
.........................07
What’s In It? .........................07
Human Composition of Man .........................08
Limitations of a Human Person .........................08
Activity 3.1.1 .........................11
Activity 3.1.2 .........................11

Lesson 3.2 | Limitations and Possibilities for

Transcendence
.........................12
What’s New? .........................12
What I can do? .........................14
What I have learned?
.........................15
Assessment
.........................16

References .........................17

Introduction to the Philosophy

of the Human Person
Quarter 1 - Module 3
 Overview

Hello dear learners!

Congratulations on making it this far in Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human

Person. We continue now with the next topic at hand, the Freedom of the Human Person. In
this module, we will explore the concept of freedom and the different aspects connected to
it. Further, we will examine different situations in our life wherein the importance of our
choices is emphasized. Afterwards, we will test how far you have understood the lesson
through short tests as well as reflective activities. have completed all the module for you to
fully understand the activities and discussions.

Specifically, this module consists of the following lessons:

Lesson 3 - The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit

Lesson 3.1 – Human body imposes limits and possibilities for transcendence

Lesson 3.2 – Limitations and Possibilities for transcendence

Introduction to the Philosophy

of the Human Person 03
Quarter 1 - Module 3
 General Instuctions

For the Learners For the Teacher

To be guided in achieving the To facilitate and ensure the

objectives of this module, do the students’ learning from this
following: module, you are encouraged to do
the following (you may edit this
1. Read and follow instructions part):
carefully.
2.Write all your ANSWERS in 1. Clearly communicate
your PHILOSOPHY ACTIVITY learning competencies and
NOTEBOOK. objectives.
3. Answer the pretest before 2. Motivate through
going through the lessons. applications and connections to
4. Take note and record points real life.
for clarification. 3. Give applications of the
5. Compare your answers theory.
against the key to answers 4. Discuss worked-out
found at the end of the module. examples.
6. Do the activities and fully 5. Give time for hands-on
understand each lesson. unguided classroom work and
7. Answer the self-check to discovery.
monitor what you learned in 6. Use formative assessment to
each lesson. give feedback.
8. Answer the posttest after 7. Introduce extensions or
you have gone over all the generalizations of concepts
lessons. 8. Engage in reflection
questions.
9. Encourage analysis through
higher order thinking.

Introduction to the Philosophy

of the Human Person 04
Quarter 1 - Module 3
 What I Need to
Know?
Let’s Do This!
Lesson 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.

The Human
Person as an What are my
Embodied Spirit goals?
One of the leading subjects in
By the end of this lesson, you are
the course Introduction to the expected to:
Philosophy of the Human
Person is the idea that the 1 Recognize one’s limitations and
possibilities
human person is an embodied
spirit. So, what do we exactly
mean by “embodied spirit”?
2 Evaluate one’s limitations and the
possibilities for their transcendence

3 Recognize how the human body imposes

limits and possibilities for transcendence

4 Distinguish the limitations and

possibilities for transcendence.

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of the Human Person 05
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 What I know

Direction: 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.

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of the Human Person 06
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 Lesson

Human body
imposes limits and
possibilities for
transcendence

What’s in It
Human Composition of Man
What are the differences of the following
terms?

• Man Person

• Human Nature

• Limitations of Human Person as an

Embodied Spirit

• Facticity

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of the Human Person 07
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 Human Composition of Man

MAN (from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) The English term

“man” is derived from a Proto-Indo European root *man - (see
Sanskrit/Avestan Manu-, Slavic mož "man, male"). It is the
general term commonly used to refer to the entire human race.
Other related terms, humanity, mankind, and humankind.

HUMAN refers to man as species – HOMO SAPIENS or MODERN

HUMAN BEINGS. The term human being is also used to differentiate
man from other animals.

PERSON is the personality of a human being so called “SELF”.

Refers to a human being granted recognition of certain rights,
protection, responsibilities and dignity above all. Philosopher refers
to the human person as the totality of an individual, possessing
awareness, self-determination and capacity to interact with
others and with himself/herself. Personhood refers to the state of
being a person.

HUMAN NATURE defines as the nature of humans especially the

fundamental characters and traits of humans. It refers to the
characteristics that distinguish humans from all other creatures.
These traits are expected to arise independent of the influence of
culture and society. EXAMPLES: THINKING, FEELING AND ACTING.

What is a human person?

Has Has Has dignity

Self- Self-
Awareness Determination

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of the Human Person 08
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 Human Composition of Man

Self-awareness refers to the person having a clear

perception of oneself, including his thoughts, Try Saying
emotions, identity and actions.
These!
I am a person.
Let’s examine!
I am alive.
Little Jose is playing in the living room while his I exist.
mom is in the kitchen. He accidentally bumps into a
I am here. I am present.
table, causing a vase to fall. Upon hearing, his mom
went to the living room and saw him, standing near I am living at this very
the broken vase. She asked, “Did you break the moment.
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.

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of the Human Person 09
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 Limitations of a Human Person

Human persons are naturally deficient beings. This means that we are
not prepared with the best physical aspects among all the beings Try Saying
These!
Human persons do not have the Human persons cannot breathe
natural ability to fly. 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 something which is no longer?

It is the people closest to us that we most often neglect.

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of the Human Person 10
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 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 can also be an advantage...

In most cases, words are not enough.

EXAMPLE
Magbabago Na Ako Promise!!!

What I have
Learned ACTIVITY 3.1.1: One’s Limitations and Possibilities
Direction: Complete the chart below. Make sure that you ask or consult your
parents or any adult who have witnessed your development and reflect before
you write your answer. Copy and fill out the chart in your notebook.

AGE THINGS I CAN DO THINGS I CANNOT DO

0-3

4-7

8-11

12-15

16 & up

What I
Can do ACTIVITY 3.1.2: One’s Limitations and Possibilities
Direction: 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?

!
Introduction to the Philosophy
of the Human Person 11
Quarter 1 - Module 3
 Lesson What’s New?
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
Limitations and you feel?

Possibilities for Do you think your perspective in life will

change?

Transcendence Let us find out the answers

in this lesson!

The previous example talks about

transcendence or a state of “existence
above and beyond 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.

Introduction to the Philosophy

of the Human Person 12
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 Limitations and Possibilities for Transcendance

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

Possibilities for Transcendance

It is also important to know that transcendence may be applied to present

worries by living in the present. This means that life is lived from moment to moment in a
carefree and cheerful manner where concerns for stress are reserved for the future, and
regrets or guilt feelings are kept in the past.

The Human Body in Imposing Limits and Possibilities

From a biological and physical standpoint, it can be recognized that the human body,
although it can perform many functions, also has limitations. Limits in the environment,
demographics, and society may also hinder a person from reaching transcendence.

Examples

BODILY LIMITATIONS
- mental and emotional disorders (e.g. anxiety, intellectual disability)
- disabilities (e.g. amputated leg, deafness)
- disease and illnesses (e.g. hypertension, cough)
- failures and experiences (e.g. failing a subject)

SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITATIONS

- socioeconomic status
- location of neighborhood (e.g. armed, disorganized, or violent neighborhood)
- abusive relationships (e.g. emotional abuse) negative influences (e.g. drug
use)

Overcoming Limitations

Bodily limits can be tested by trying on new experiences and working on challenges with
increasing levels of difficulty. The human body, if given enough exposure to any situation,
can attain a goal with efficiency.

!
Introduction to the Philosophy
of the Human Person 13
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 Limitations and Possibilities for Transcendance

Overcoming Limitations TIPS

The terms
Social and environmental limitations are more difficult to overcome “transcendent” and
than bodily limitations because they involve the influence of other transcendental”
people and the external world. However, with a proper mindset, clearly should not be used
interchangeably.
defined goals, and motivation to rise above challenges, one may According to
successfully overcome his or her limitations. Immanuel Kant,
“transcendent” is a
term used to refer to
God, while
Recognizing and Evaluate Own Limitations and “transcendental”
Possibilities for Transcendance refers to all other
matter.
Even though you are still young, you are not prevented from further While
understanding yourself. Transcendence is even more possible when you transcendence may
begin to understand that you can go beyond your limitations if you set not occur for
your mind on your goals. everyone, all people
have the capacity
to experience it
SOME POINT TO REMEMBER WHEN GOING BEYOND YOUR LIMITS regardless of any
- you are connected to the external or eternal world sociodemographic,
- challenges are learning opportunities biological, or
- your goal is more important than your fears personal factors.
- think outside the box
- recognize that everyone has fears

What I Can Do
Direction: Complete the chart by rewriting your present limitations with
reference to your answers in the previous activities. Make an action plan
towards transcendence. Copy the chart in your notebook

MY LIMITATIONS PLAN TOWARDS TRANSCENDENCE

!
Introduction to the Philosophy
of the Human Person 14
Quarter 1 - Module 3
 What I have learned

Direction: Discover and try it on the following questions and answer them
briefly on your activity notebook.

The world continues to change quickly.

1 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?

Look around you. Observe the environment and identify possible factors that may
2 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?

Congratulations! You are fianlly done with Lesson 3

!
Introduction to the Philosophy
of the Human Person 15
Quarter 1 - Module 3
 Assessment
Assessment
Direction: Read each item carefully and choose the letter of the correct answer.
Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

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

2 What does the term scandare mean?

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

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

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

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

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

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

a. Looking for help
b. Having a positive outlook
c. Working to reach a goal
d. Learning from experience

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. Looking for help
b. Having a positive outlook
c. Working to reach a goal
d. Learning from experience

Introduction to the Philosophy

of the Human Person 16
Quarter 1 - Module 3
 Assessment
Assessment

7 Why do some people fail to experience transcendence?

a. Transition
b. Transcendence
c. Transformation
d. Transgression

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

Congratulations!

You have completed your journey in this module.

You did a great job!
It’s now time to go on to the next adventure…
Good luck!

Introduction to the Philosophy

of the Human Person 16
Quarter 1 - Module 3
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