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INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

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LESSON 11: FREEDOM OF THE HUMAN unique power to change themselves and things
PERSON around them for the better.
❑ We have a conscience because of our
spirituality.
3. JEAN PAUL SARTRE
❑ Freedom means exercising our capacity to make
decisions, change our life path and direct the
course of our lives through our own steering.
❑ Freedom is something that is exercised through
our CHOICES
❑ Existentialism is a philosophical movement
known for its inquiry on human existence, which
SOME PERSPECTIVES ON FREEDOM means “to exist”.
❑ For Sartre, the human person builds the road to
1. ARISTOTLE the destiny of his/her choosing.
❑ Sartre’s Existentialism stems from this principle:
THE POWER OF VOLITION
existence precedes essences.
❑ Volition is the faculty or power to use or - Human being is solely responsible
discharge one’s will. for their actions because we choose
who we are.
❑ It is within the power of everyone to be good or
bad, or worthy or worthless. 4. THOMAS HOBBES, JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU,
❑ For Aristotle, a human being is rational. Reason AND JOHN LOCKE
is a divine characteristic. If there were no
THEORY OF SOCIAL CONTRACT
intellect, there would be no will.
❑ Hobbes, Rousseau and Locke define the
2. ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
freedom of an individual in the context of having
FREEDOM IS SPIRITUALITY AND LOVE a government to rule them (contract), which is
the basis of notion of moral obligation and duty.
❑ Freedom, for St. Thomas, is the manner
❑ Social Contract- an agreement where
intellectual beings seek. It is a condition of the
individuals sacrifice an amount of their freedom
will arising from our nature being in the kind of
and submit to a higher authority.
world that we inhabit.
❑ It is a necessity that we must assure for the
❑ St. Thomas considers the human being as a government and people to work as one. From
moral agent. this understanding also arises certainty that we
have freedom.
❑ Moral agent – a person who has the capacity to
make decisions based on what is good or bad
❑ St. Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologica)
establishes the existence of God as a first cause.
And as God’s creations, human beings have the
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- This is doing the right thing and exercising our

freedom in a responsible manner.

ABSOLUTE FREEDOM- no form of hindrance that would

1. MORAL FREEDOM
prevent from doing what you want.
- refers to using freedom in a manner that
Should freedom be absolute?
upholds human dignity and goodness.
Answer: Definitely NO - freedom always had its
Example:
limitations. Freedom is always coupled with
1. Doing charitable works RESPONSIBILITY.

2. Participating on outreach activities

3. Being sensitive to the needs of other LESSON 12: CHOICES
2. PHYSICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL
- refers to the absence of any PHYSICAL
Choices: Freedom comes with great
RESTRAINT.
responsibilities
-The person has the freedom of mobility to go
where he/ she wants to go.
❑ It is an absolute understanding that all actions
3. PSYCHOLOGICAL FREEDOM
have consequences. Freedom involves choice.
- Also called as “freedom of choice”. ❑ Freedom is the power to be what you want to be
and the ability to decide and create yourself.
- The person is free to perform actions that he/ ❑ Freedom is rooted in the human person’s self-
she considers right and wise. determination and the exercise of intellect and
- A person is also free to act or not to act. free will.
❑ Freedom entails certain RESPONSIBILITY
NEGATIVE VS. POSITIVE FREEDOM ❑ To lose control of oneself diminishes human
1. NEGATIVE FREEDOM freedom and dehumanizes the person

-refers to the “absence of interference”; absence 2 ELEMENTS THAT DEFINE FREEDOM:

of coercion or interference. The Freedom to do whatever 1. Voluntariness- refers to the ability of a person to act
you want. out of his/ her own free will and self-determination.
- It’s considered negative because you failed to 2. Responsibility- refers to the person being
use freedom in a responsible manner. accountable for his/ her actions and their consequences.
2. POSITIVE FREEDOM Voluntariness and Responsibility go hand and hand in
-kind of freedom that requires active effort; has determining a person’s freedom.
control or mastery of his/ herself and has the strength to
do what is good.
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In any situation where a person is forced to do an action

against his/her will, he/she will cannot held responsible
for his/her involuntary actions.
Ex. A person who was forced by bank robbers to open
the vaults of a bank may not be held fully responsible for
the crime of robbery, since she/he acted without much
voluntariness.
So, without these two elements, human freedom is
diminished, and the person makes imperfect actions and
Always remember that when we make choices, we make
unwise decisions which may have negative effects on the
choices not for ourselves but also for the things that will
self and others.
affect that choice.
ETHICS
LESSON 13: INTERSUBJECTIVITY

Ethics is a branch of philosophy that deals with

the systematic questioning and critical examination of the How do we as human persons relate with others?
underlying principles of morality. Our ability to engage in meaningful interactions with other
A Moral Agent is a person who has the ability to people, our surroundings, and everything around us is
discern right from wrong and to be held accountable for rooted in our capacity for self-awareness (clear
his or her own actions. Moral agents have a moral perception of oneself) and transcendence. Before we
responsibility not to cause unjustified harm. begin to relate to others, we must first be aware of
ourselves as rational beings capable of determined and
A Moral Decision is a choice made based on a reasonable actions.
person's ethics, manners, character, and what they
believe is proper behavior. These decisions tend to affect INTERSUBJECTIVITY is the philosophical
not only our own wellbeing, but the well-being of others. concept of the interaction between the “self” and the
“other”. It is the mutual recognition of each other as
Intellectual Choice – This is a choice which is persons.
deliberately selected based on a moral standpoint.
INTERSUBJECTIVITY - It refers to shared
Practical Choice – a choice which is borne out meanings constructed by people in their interactions with
of psychological and emotional considerations. each other.
DILEMMA- a situation where a person is forced JEAN PAUL SARTRE
to choose between two or more conflicting options,
➢ explains that when you look at a person, the act of
neither of which is acceptable.
objectification allows you to capture that person’s freedom to
MORAL DILEMMA – a dilemma that involves be what he or she wants to be. It means, you are limiting a
human actions which have moral implications person’s possibilities by a look.
TOTALIZATION
- occurs when one limits the other to a set of
categories: racial, sexual, etc. One totalizes the other when
one claims he/ she already knows who that person is before
they can even speak to.
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EDMUND HUSSERL “SEEMING”- actions where an individual

presents himself or herself in a certain way when dealing
➢ believes that intersubjectivity is more than just
with others. Persons take on “roles” or act out characters
shared understanding, but it is the capability to put oneself in
the place where the other is. when dealing with certain people or when in certain
situations.
This is what we called empathy. This happens
when people put themselves in the shoes of others. This deeper and more genuine interaction is
called dialogue.
EMPATHY - the ability to share emotions. This
emotion is driven by a person’s awareness that the other DIALOGUE - an interaction between persons
is a person with thoughts and feelings. that happens through speech, expressions, and body
language. It occurs when two persons “open up” to each
Empathy enables us to experience another other and give and receive one another in their
person’s emotions, such as happiness, anger, and encounter.
sadness.
RECOGNIZING AND RELATING TO
SYMPATHY is “feeling with” someone. It involves OTHERS
recognizing and understanding someone’s suffering or
emotions from an outside perspective, often leading to
Martin Buber, a Jewish
expressions of care or concern. For example, if a friend is
philosopher had a great interest
sad, you might feel sympathetic by acknowledging their
in the study of relating ourselves
sadness and offering comfort, even if you don’t deeply
to others. He said that “I” or
experience their emotions yourself.
yourself, can only be realized
EMPATHY is “feeling in” someone else’s through recognition of “others.”
experience. It involves a deeper, more immersive
connection, where you try to place yourself in their
position and feel what they are feeling as if it were your SEVERAL WAYS BY WHICH WE RELATE TO OTHERS
own. Empathy requires imagining or even “absorbing”
their emotional experience, which can lead to a deeper 1. ‘I-I’ Relationship
understanding and connection. - People make themselves the center of their world.
Talking to other people do not interest them and if they
AVAILABILITY - the willingness of a person to talk to others, it is the “I” who will be the center of the
be present and be at disposal of another. conversation.
2. “I-It” Relationship
Availability refers to a person’s openness, - There are people that treat the other people into the
willingness, and readiness to be present for someone status of an object—an It.
else—physically, emotionally, or mentally. It means There are also “I-It” relations where the I clearly has
actively making oneself accessible to the needs, bad intent on the other, treating the other as mere It or
presence, or requests of another person. object or a tool to gain its selfish goal or a means to
satisfy personal interests. Ex. Plastics people.
THE ETHICS OF CARE - is an ethical theory that 3. “I-Thou” Relationship
emphasizes the moral dimension of relationship and - It is in this kind of human relations that genuine
interactions. This moral perspective encourages sharing of one another takes place.
individuals to help other people, most especially the It is in this type of relationship that the other is treated
vulnerable. as distinctly other, the “I” treat the person as a “Thou”
(You)—-as another person who is different from the I;
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one has a different set of interests, visions, beliefs, The marginalized sectors, which include jeepney
values, and characteristics. drivers, farmers, fisherfolks, and many more, are also
AUTHENTIC DIALOGUE - is a form of considered as underprivileged. Marginalized sectors are
interpersonal communication which occurs when people the groups of individuals that are experiencing the so-
recognize that they are part of a greater whole and can called marginalization.
relate with others.
Marginalization - is the act of downgrading a
PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDS) AND person.
UNDERPRIVILEGED SECTORS OF THE Unprivileged and marginalized groups often face
SOCIETY discrimination, social exclusion, and limited access to
Persons with Disabilities (PWD’s) education, healthcare, employment, and political
- the term is used to apply to those persons who participation. As a result, they may experience higher
have long-term physical, psychological, intellectual, or levels of poverty, reduced opportunities for advancement,
sensory impairments. and social isolation.

Much like us, persons with certain conditions Globally, women and children are being
have also dreams and ambitions in life. Some of them subjected to oppression and different forms of
wants to become teachers, lawyers, artists, athletes, and exploitation, such as prostitution and pornography that
many more. assault human dignity and violate human rights.

Like Arnold Balais, an award-winning athlete They have turned into slaves of these criminal
who has represented the Philippines in the Paralympic activities because of different social and economic
Games. Fatima Soriano is an inspirational singer from conditions like poverty and lack of opportunity.
the Philippines. Roselle Ambubuyog, a 1st visually- The members of the LGBT community are also
impaired Filipino to graduate summa cum laude from victims of different types of violence. Many of them are
Ateneo de Manila University. Hellen Keller, a 1st deaf- experiencing numerous adverse treatments like bullying,
blind person to earn a bachelor’s degree. Nicholas discrimination, physical violence, and even sexual assault
James, a motivational speaker, swimmer who was born because of their sexual orientations and gender identities.
with phocomelia, a condition in which a person is born
with no arms or legs. It is important to promote INCLUSIVITY- the
practice or policy of providing equal access to
Paralympics is a major international sports opportunities and resources for people who might
event for athletes with disabilities. It includes a wide otherwise be excluded or marginalized, such as those
range of sports like wheelchair basketball, swimming, and having physical or mental disabilities or belonging to
athletics. The Paralympics happens every four years, other minority groups.
shortly after the Olympics, and showcases incredible
athletic talent, determination, and inclusivity. LESSON 14: THE HUMAN PERSON IN
UNDERPRIVILEGED SECTORS OF THE
SOCIETY
What are the different forms of societies?
SOCIETY
1. Hunting and Gathering Society
The underprivileged is being described as the
group of people that is suffering from different forms of -Recognized as the earliest and simplest form of society.
social deprivation due to several economic and social
circumstances. - Nomadic - way of life in which people move from one
place to another.
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- Members are generally treated equally and decisions - Technological advances in this period resulted in
are based on consensus. improved trade and commerce.
2. Pastoral Society 7. Post-industrial Society
- Characterized by the domestication of animals for food - Marked by the establishment of societies based on
for a more stable and predictable food supply. knowledge, information, and the sale of services.
- Pastoral societies often produce surplus food and - “Virtual Society”- much of the work and communication
resources. happens online or through digital technologies
- Leads to the emergence of specialized tasks in the DIGITAL CITIZEN is a person who is knowledgeable and
community. responsible enough to effectively use different social
platforms on the internet.
3. Horticultural Society
- Primarily engages in the small- scale cultivation of
plants, fruits, and vegetables and the domestication of How does society influence our development as
animals. persons?
- Semi-nomadic - they often move from place to place The person and the society have a very dynamic
every few years to find fresh land. relationship in which one cannot exist without the other.
- The assignment of tasks and occupations were often Society influences the interactions of its members
based on gender. through the establishment of norms set of traits and
behavior that society considers acceptable.
4. Agrarian or Agricultural Society
When members of a society do not conform to establish
- Involves the large-scale and long-term cultivation of
norms, one can experience negative consequences, such
crops and domestication of animals.
as punishment or social stigma. Norms are one of the
- Characterized by improved technology and the use of ways that society regulates the behavior to establish
tools to aid in farming. social order.
- Give rise to a growing population and a more structured ➢ Laws - more formal and stringent norms that establish
social system. and define acceptable behavior of citizens.
5. Feudal Society ➢ Folkways - are less formal norms that arise from
- Based on the ownership of land. tradition and do not result in punishment when violated.
(Eg: dress code)
- In this society, those who own land are considered most
powerful and influential. ➢ Social System - an organized or patterned set of
relationships among individuals and groups that compose
- Members of society are organized based on status. a society.
6. Industrial Society
➢ Social Role - are actions and behaviors expected of a
- Based on the use of specialized machinery in the certain individual. (Eg: being a father, son, daughter,
production of goods and services. teacher, etc.)
- “Industrial Revolution” Work is done in factories
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➢ Social groups or Social classes – individuals who protagonist who determines the development and
share similar backgrounds or perform similar roles. (Eg: conclusion of his/ her story.
rich, middle class, poor) As a biological beings bound by natural laws and the
➢ Social institutions - groups that perform vital inevitability of death, we cannot stop aging and eventual
functions in society. (family, school, government, religion) decline of our bodies. However, we can definitely choose
to spend our lives doing good and reasonable things. The
➢ Social values - are actions or ideals that are person is the author and protagonist who determines the
considered important by society. (Cooperation, obedience development and conclusion of his/ her story.
to the law, concern for other, respect for others

➢ Generation Gap - conflict among people of different

What is the end of this life?
ages when discussing certain topics.
1. Terminus which means the full stop or end of a line.
LESSON 15: HUMAN PERSONS AS For them, life ends and nothing follows.
ORIENTED TOWARDS THEIR IMPENDING
2. Telos which means “goal, purpose, or fulfillment”.
DEATH
Although we are oriented towards our death, Death is not the
goal of life.
Death is commonly understood as the end of bodily The human person is not born in this world just so he
functions which signals the end of a person’s life. could die.
It also refers to the separation of the body and the spirit. Man is put on this earth to live a meaningful life, to be
virtuous and achieve excellence.
The body, being material, is bound by laws of time and
space and is subject to growth, death, and decay. We can look at two experiences which make us reflect on
the meaning of life: happiness and suffering.
We are born into human life, we grow and age, and we
eventually die. This paradox defines the uniqueness of
human existence.
WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?
One important reality about human condition is that we
Ancient Greek philosophy considers happiness as an
are temporal beings or "beings oriented towards are
achievement and must be gained by living a productive
death".
and moral life.
We must embrace the fact that death is an integral part of
Happiness is a “whole-life satisfaction” based on our
our life.
evaluation of our overall life experiences.
It has been discussed recently that the essence of
THE GOODS OR SOURCES OF HAPPINESS
freedom is self-determination is the capacity to choose
and act for oneself. 1. Noble good is one which is pursued for its own sake; it
is good in itself (Examples: love & friendship)
While there is no freedom in the inevitability of death, a
person can still exercise freedom in choosing how to face 2. Useful good is considered good so long as it serves
the reality of death in their lives. as a means to an end; its goodness is found only from
what it can provide (Example: money)
🠶We can choose to spend our lives doing good and
reasonable things. The person is the author and
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3. Pleasurable good is good so long as it provides some

form of pleasure, though it does not have to be physical
(Netflix subscription, Mobile Legends)
It must be understood that a specific good cannot be
categorized strictly under one kind. For example,
cellphone can be useful good ‘coz it can help you to
communicate with others. It can also be a pleasurable
good, if this good can give you entertainment or
enjoyment. Friendship can be a noble good but it can
also be a useful good if you friended him/her for your own
selfish intention like gin friend mo sya para pasundon ya
ka mag exam.
• Real happiness can be found in more
permanent and meaningful things.
WHY DO WE SUFFER?
Suffering takes place when we patiently endure
unpleasantness, discomfort, and pain
It may come in the form:
1. Physical suffering - When we experience physical
sensation (discomfort, hunger, distress, & pain)
2.Mental suffering - Which involves emotional and
mental states (depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness &
grief)
• Sufferings are necessary, without it, we are
unable to grow and improve.
• Remember that difficulties are not without
reason.
HOW DO HAPPINESS, SUFFERING, AND DEATH
GIVE MEANING TO YOUR LIFE?
• The pursuit of happiness requires that we go
through the effort to achieve it. Efforts are often
marked by difficulties and discouragement.
• The reality of death means that our existence is
unique and that we will not always get another
chance to do the things we want in this life.
Therefore, we should not easily give upon the
pursuit of good things.