Republic of the Philippines

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Region I
Schools Division Office I Pangasinan
Pangasinan National High School
Lingayen, Pangasinan

Introduction to the
Philosophy of the Human
Person

The Human Person As An Embodied

Spirit
Quarter 1 - Week 5– Module 3

Most Essential Learning Competency:

Recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities for
transcendence.

PPT11/12-If-3.1

Prepared by:

Armie B. Viray
Master Teacher I
Lesson 3: The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit
One of the dominant themes in the course Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human
Person is the thought that the human person is an embodied spirit. But,first of all, we need to define
terms here , because as it appears the meaning of the concept embodied spirit is not directly clear
to students who do not have a strong background and orientation in Philosophy. So, what do we
exactly mean by” embodied spirit”?
Usually, the connotation that comes to our mind when we say something is embodied, is
that it is being materialized or became flesh (with physical form ), hence, when we say embodied
spirit ,we normally believed and conclude of a spirit becoming flesh.,however,, the idea of human
person as embodied spirit does not necessarily refer to the incarnation or materialization of spirit
as an immaterial entity.
The embodiment of spirit in the context of Christian Philosophy, specifically refers to the
inseparable union of body and soul. 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. Moreover, when we say that
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 talk therefore, of the human person without the union of body and soul , just as
we can not talk of anything without the union of matter and form. Now, to understand the
specificity of the human person as embodied spirit is important because aside from the fact that ,
it enables us to know our potentials and limitations, it also exposed us to a thorough and deeper
understanding of ourselves as a unique creature united by body and soul. Aristotle account on
human person as embodied spirit that is the union of body and soul is in large part a reaction
against Plato’s take on the nature of human person.
For Plato, there is an inherent contradiction between the body and soul. The body is material,
hence, it is mutable and destructible on the other hand , the soul is immaterial, hence, it is,
immutable and indestructible.In the context of human person: the body ‘s existence is dependent
on the soul while the soul’s existence is independent of the body. So, when a human person dies,
the body decomposes and the soul leaves the body and go back to the world of forms and lives
there eternally.
It is here where Aristotle’s notion of the human person as an embodied spirit comes in..He
believes that there is no dichotomy between the person’s body and soul. The body and soul are a
state of unity, they are inseparable. For Aristotle, everything that exist is composed of matter and
form, and that matter and form are inseparable. According to him , anything that has life has a
soul, it follows that plants and animals (in addition to humans) have souls. He further said, that
plants do not have the high levels of soul, though, they can grow ,reproduce and feed themselves,
they are not capable of feeling and thinking, while, sensitive souls grow, reproduce, feed
themselves,.and capable of sensation. Finally, rational souls grow, reproduce, feed themselves and
feel but, unlike sensitive souls, they are capable of thinking. According to Aristotle, the highest
thinking level of soul is present only in humans , now , since human possess all the characteristics
of animals such as grow,reproduce , feed themselves, and feel , Aristotle concluded that, the
human person is just an animal that thinks. In his famous dictum on the human person, “Man is
a rational animal.”

What I Need to Know

Let’s do This!
1. Describe the taste of water?
2.Descibe 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? Is it difficult? Why? What if you don’t have a body?
THE HUMAN PERSON HAS LIMITS.
MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCY:
By the end of this lesson , you are expected to:
1.Recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities for transcendence.
Specific Objectives:
1. Differentiate Man from Person, Human Person and their role in the society.
2.Identify and recognize your own limitations and possibilities for development .
3. Realize your possibilities for transcendence give you opportunity to work of becoming
better version of yourself as a unique creature united with body and soul.

What I Know
Before we start the module, let us check what you already know about this lesson by answering
the Pretest. I know you are now ready and excited to answer it , aren’t you? Cheer up!

PRETEST
MULTIPLE CHOICES.
Directions: Read and analyze the questions and statements carefully. Write the letter of your
chosen answer. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1. It is the term commonly used to represent human race.
A. Human being B. Human nature C. Man D. Person
2.It a general term which refers to the deepest and natural behavior of a person that distinguish
human from animals. It is consists of collective traits that formed and considered the very
essence of humanity.
A. Human being B. Human Nature C. Man D. Person
3. It is the term used to describe humans who are not just mer humans different from animals but
with inherent birth rights and exact origin of his /her classification.
A. Human being B.Human creature C. Human nature D. Human person
4. Carlo is a tall person with brown hair and brown eyes. What aspect of the human person is
being described in the statement?
A. Cognitive Self B. Physical Self C. Psychological Self D. Sociological Self
5. Marie is very cheerful and friendly to her classmates . What aspect of human person is
described in the statement?
A. Cognitive Self B. Physical Self C. Psychological Self D. Sociological Self
6. Which of the following is NOT essential component of the human person?
A. Conscience B. Mind C. Soul D. Spirit
7. Which of the following BEST describes the concept of embodiment?
A. Human person is essentially his/her body and nothing more.
B. Human person is essentially his/her spirit and nothing more.
C. Human person is essentially the unity of his/her body and spirit.
D. Human person is essentially a separate entity of the body and the spirit.
8. Which of the following experiences describe the concept of embodiment?
A. Joy attaches a sentimental value to a pair of rubber shoes which was given by her mother.
B. Kim associates love with hypothalamus , a part of the brain that is responsible for feelings.
C. Ivy recalls a happy moment in her life and still feel the same happiness he felt at that
moment.
D. Trina received a part in her shoulder from her best friend and felt completely relieved at
that moment.
9. Vincent loses his arm and leg due to a car accident . Which of the following statements is
true about the concept of embodiment?
 A. Vincent can still be considered a human person despite losing a part of his identity.
B. Vincent is not fully considererd a human person since he lacks one aspect of his identity.
C. Neither a nor b
D. None of the above.
10. A criminal who have committed a heinous offense can still be considered a human person
despite of his cruelty and inhumane act. The statement is___________.
A. True , the dignity is still retained in spite of his actions because it is his inherent right.
B. False, the dignity of humans are removed once they don’t treat other people just and right.
C. Neither a nor b.
D. None of the above.

What’s In It?
Title of the activity No.1: TRAIT ME!
Directions: Answer briefly and intelligently this question ,What makes us human?
1.___________________________________________________________________.
2.___________________________________________________________________.
3.___________________________________________________________________.
4.___________________________________________________________________.
5.___________________________________________________________________.

What’s New

Do you agree that there is a big difference between Man, Person, and Human not only

with the definition but its usage to the society as a whole? Right , I know these words are very

common but this is the moment to know more about it. Are you still with me? So , let”s get

started.

HUMAN COMPOSITION OF MAN

What are the differences of the following terms?

MAN – it is the general term commonly used to refer to the entire human race .

HUMAN refers to man as species – Homo or Modern Human Beings..

The term human being is also used to differentiate man from the 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.
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 HUMAN PERSON? Let’s find out !

Human person is someone with exact origin of his/her classification. From the Biblical perspective, we

came from Adam and Eve. A human person is typically with a body which is tangible and has a

three components composed of Soul, Mind, and Spirit. He /she is entitled and granted rights and

privileges by the state which he or she legally belongs.

Two general kinds to distinguish a human person :

1. The Cognitive Self ( something within and cannot be physically seen) is the essential
components of a human person that deals with “ The What of a Person,“such as, human
persons’ belief, desire , dreams, and intentions.
2. Physical Self ( something can be seen in his/her physical appearance ) which deals with
the essential features of the human way of life or “ The Who of a Person”, which includes
his/her body type , strength and appearances.

WHAT IS HUMAN PERSON AS EMBODIED SPIRIT?

As an embodied sprit human beings demonstrate these following qualities:
1. Self -awareness refers to the person having a clear perception of oneself , including his
thoughts , emotions , identity and actions.
Try saying these!
I am a person .
I am alive.
I am exist.
I am here, I am present.
I am living at this very moment.
Let us examine
Little John is playing in the living room while his mom is in the kitchen.
He accidentally bumps into a table, causing a vase to fall . Upon hearing ,his
mom went to the living room and saw him, standing near the broken vase. She
asked ,”Did you break the vase?” What do you think John’s answer will be?
2. 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 -oriented
and self -directed.
3. 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.

4. Externality refers to the capability of a person to reach out and interact with others and
the world.
5. Dignity refers to the innate right to be valued and respected. Philosophers consider all
humans as having an inherent worth or value. That is why no amount of money can equal
the value of human life.
What is It?

LIMITATIONS OF THE HUMAN PERSONS

Human persons are naturally deficient beings. This means that we are not prepared with
the best physical aspects among all the beings in the world.
Human persons do not have the natural ability to fly.

https://www.slideshare.net/AllanBasuga/
the-human-person-as-an-embodied-spirit-160195332
Human persons cannot breathe underwater without the aid of breathing device.

https://www.slideshare .net/AllanBasuga
the-human-person-as-an-embodied-spirit
LIMITATIONS CAN LEAD TO POSSIBILITIES

htpp://www.planctondiving.cat/en/diving/
Possibility is defined by Merriam -Webster Dictionary as:

1. a chance that something might exist , happen , or be true;

2. the state or fact of being possible;
3.something that might be done or might happen.
4. abilities or qualities that could make someone or something better in the future

Transcendence means:
1. exceeding usual limits or surpassing
2. extending lying beyond the limits of ordinary experience;
3. in Kantian philosophy : being beyond the limits of all possible experience and knowledge
Our mind is an important tool that allows us to go beyond many of our physical limits,.
As persons , we are able to exercise our imagination and reflection to go beyond our thoughts
and experiences.
St,Thomas Aquinas , a philosopher and one of the greatest theologian in the Catholic Church
in the 13th century, said that “ of all the creatures , human beings have the unique power to
change themselves and things for the better”. (Ramos ,2016)
We heard a man sighing on TV during the early stage of Covid -19, “ mahirap maging mahirap “
Though its true that poverty is not just personal but also structural , as an individual person you
know that you can do something to change the situation. This power is your ability to surpass
limits. This is the definition of Transcendence. You are able to transcend your limits through
your physical and mental abilities. (Abella ,2016).

How do limitations lead to transcendence?

1. 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.
“If you were born poor, its not your mistake, but, if you die poor, its your mistake”.
BILL GATES
Bill Gates

htpp://theworlbestquotes.blogspot.com/
2016/07#-you-were-born-poor-its-no
your .html

12. Spatial -Temporal Being

As temporal beings , our most obvious limitation is our finitude. 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.
Past Present Future
1. Why do we want to be in a hurry to achieve or have something which is not yet ?
2. Why do we hold on or lament on something which is no longer ?
3. When we live in the past, we will die in the present.
4. It is the people closest to us that most often neglect .
5. We often appreciate the value of things when it is no longer present.

3. 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!!!
This is a challenge for us to be more creative in expressing ourselves.
Your actions speak louder than your words. Iparamdam mo.Gawin mo .Huwag puro salita!

What’s More?

Title of the Activity No. 2 : “ Recognize Myself ”

Directions: Fill up all the information needed to complete the table. Write your answers on a separate
sheet of paper.

Strengths Weaknesses Desires

Abilities Talents Fears Hesitations What can I
( I can ) (I always do) ( Ican’t) (I am afraid) do more?
What I Have Learned

Title of the Activity No. 3: Picture Out Myself

Directions: Draw a picture of yourself as a Human Person .Based on the discussion , explain the concept
of Human person as an embodied spirit in 3-5 sentences .

Explanation.__________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________

What I Can Do
Title of Activity No .4 : “ My limitations and my possibilities ”
Directions: Answer the real -life questions provided to you . No wrong answers , just give your
best ! Write your answers in 3-5 sentences.

1. As a student , how do you see yourself improving in 5-10 years time?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
2. How did the present crisis make you realize the reality of human limitations , uncertainties and
possibilities ?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
Assessment:

IDENTIFICATION.

Directions: Provide the answer on the questions being asked to you. Choose your answer on the box

below on a separate sheet of pad paper.

Human Nature Aristotle Plato

Dignity Transcendence Externality
Man Human Person Spatial beings
St. Thomas Aquinas Cognitive Self Facticity
Self -determination Embodiment Physical Self

____________1. Refers to the ability to change and surpass your limits.

____________2. A general term used to refer to the entire race.
____________3. Philosophers consider all human beings as having an inherent worth of
value.
____________4. It refers to the capability of persons to make choices and decisions.
____________5. It pertains to the capability of a person to reach out and interact with others
and the world.

____________6. Human features that live within each of us.

____________7. It is a manifestation of people’s beauty, strength and appearances.
____________8. We are free to define who we are and who we are to be.
____________9. It is typically with a body which is tangible and has three components
composed of Soul, Body, and Spirit.
____________10. .A Philosopher and a theologian, who said, that human beings have the
unique power to change themselves and things for the better.
____________11. A belief from a Christian Philosophy that deals with unity and
inseparability.
___________ 12. According to this philosopher, man is a rational animal.
__________ _13. We cannot be in two places at the same time.
____________14 It refers to the characteristics that distinguish humans from all other
creatures.
__________ _15. .According to this philosopher, there is an inherent contradiction between
the body and the soul.
References:
A. Books

Christine Carmela R. Ramos, PhD, (2016) Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human
Person
ABELLA Roberto D.M. Div.,D. Min..”Freedom of the Human Person” in Introduction to the
Philosophy of the Human Person Quezon City C&E Publishing Inc. 2016.
jefjust24.”The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit”.
https:// philonotes.com/index.php/2018/12/01/the-human-person-as-an-embodied-spirit/
(Accessed January 16,2020)

B. Online and Other Sources

1. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person, Alternative Delivery Mode, Quarter 1-
Module 3 : The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit SHS
2. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person, Grade 12, Alternative Delivery Mode,
Quarter 1- Module 3: The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit, First edition 2020
3. http;//www. youtube.com/c. PHILO notes
4. Merriam Webster
5. https;//www.slideshare.net/AllanBasuga/the -human-person-as-an-embodied-spirit-1601953332
6. http://www.planctondiving.cat/en/diving/

7. http://theworldbsetquotes.blogspot.com/2016/073-you-were-born-poor-its-not-your.html

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