Human Persons

8 as Oriented Towards
Their Impending Death

Let's Ponder

Sit back and recall what has happened in your life lately. What moments brought you
great joy? What filled you with pain and sadness?
Your teacher willgive you stripsofpaper in two colors. Write your happy experiences
on one color and your sad ones on the other. Then weave the strips like a mat. As you look
at your work of art, think of how events in your life-both happy and sad-molded you
into who you are now. Did they help you become a better person? Did they encourage you to live
a more meaningful life?

Now, remove one of the colored strips.Do your remaining strips still make a
beautiful
mat? What does this say about the meaning of life?

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 Lesson 8: Human Persons as Oriented Towards Their lmpending Death

Let's Embark
At the end of
the lesson, the students will be able to:
1. explain the
2. recognize the significanceof death in the existence of the person;
meaning of their own
lives;
Oenumerate
in life;
the objectives thev want to achieve and the projects they want to do
4. explain where their lives will lead to; and
5. reflect on the meaning of their own
lives.

Inquire and Discover

Have you ever wondered about hew nothing seems to last forever? Objects get worn
out until they can't be used anymore, food and drinks expire, and trends become outdated
after some time. Even more,what about the cycle of being born, growing up,getting sick,
and dying? These point to one very important reality about our human condition: we are
temporal beings or "beings oriented towards death."
Have you ever thought about what it means to die? Surely, the idea makes you a bit
uncomfortable. You may feel that thinking about death at this time in your life is a bit
inappropriate or unnecessary since you are still young and you have your whole life ahead
of you. We do not really think about the reality of our own death because it is difficult to
imagine when and how we will die. In fact, scientists and philosophers still have many
unanswered questions about death. However, we cannot deny the fact that death exists
in our world. We may have seen our beloved pets die; experienced the death of a family
death in television
member, relative, or an acquaintance; and have heard of news about
and other media.
The very thought of death and the mystery surrounding it certainly cause a lot of
the human condition which
grief and anxiety to a person, but it is an essential element in begin to
defnitely deserves attention. Only in reflecting on the reality of death can we
own existence.
explore and understand the meaning of our

DISCUSS
death. Why do you think
Discuss in class your initial ideals and impressions about
regarding death?
some people have such a negative view

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How does the reality of death define our lives?

commonly understood as the end of bodily functions which Signals
Death is of the body and the spirit. As
also refers to the separation
e end Or a person's life. It The body, being material, is
mentioned earlier, the human person is an embodied spirit.
1ne spiTit,
bound by the laws of time and space and is subject to growth, death, and decay.
being immaterial, willcontinue to exist even after the body has passed.
her to transcend his or her
1t 1S rue that a person's spiritual nature allows him or
nature of the
temporality and physical limits. However, we also cannot deny the material
person, that he or she is still bound by the same laws of nature and reality that apply to all
objects in existence. Everything that came to being in this universe will eventually come
toan end. We are born into human life, we grow and age, and we eventually ie. This
paradox defines the uniqueness of human existence.
It can be said that we are also beings who are moving towards our impending
death. This makes a person's life limited in time. The focus on this limit has led to
several attitudes towards death. There are people who deny the idea of human decline
and death. Some people rely on anti-aging treatments and products to make them look,
feel, and think that they are younger than they really are. Others focus on experiencing
intense moments and feelings in order to feel alive because no one really knows when
life will end. This has given rise to various expressions such as #YOLO (You Only Live
Once) and eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die." Additionally, people also
put
great importance to speed and efficiency we are concerned about doing more things
in a shorter span of time so we can do more in á
lifetime. We find means and ways to
travel faster and do things more efficiently by spending less time and energy
wish to experience more of the world. because we
These attitudes are not necessarily bad but they may
the reality of death. We must embrace the fact that prevent us from reflecting on
death is an
Once we have come to terms with that, we can tocus not just on integral part of our life.
the quantifiable aspects
of life (e.g., years lived, material things owned) but
also on its
acceptance of our temporality can bring about a sense of freedomquality. Ultimately, the
in us. It can also giye
us a clearer purpose and focus on our
activities. Since we cannot do everything in our
lifetime, we must be able to reflect on what we need to do and
to achieve so we can say that we have lived a identify the goals we need
meaningful existence.
 Lesson 8: Human Persons as Oriented owardTheir Impending Death

DISCUSS
2.
What does living a meaningful life mean to
What objectives do you feel you need to you?
have lived a achieve before you can say that you
meaningful life?
How should I live my life before it
finally ends?
Understanding the person as a being-towards-death brings us back to a very
important topic: freedom. It has been discussed previously that the essence of freedom
1S self-determination - the canacity to cho0se and act for oneself. While tneres o
nthe inevitability of death, a person can still exercise freedom in choosing
how to face the reality of death in their lives. For example, a
person cannot stOP
mgroWing old. However, he or she can choose to embrace aging gracefully. You may
nave seen older people who take pride in their gray hairs, wrinkles, and the fact that they
nave grandchildren: Other people, however, take a different path and use any means to
mask their physical aging such as getting cosmetic surgery or availing of "age-defying
treatments.
As biological beings bound by natural laws and the inevitability of death, we cannot
stop aging and the eventual decline of our bodies. However, we can definitely choose to
spend our lives doing good and reasonable things or even go against what is good. The
person,therefore, is the author and protagonist who deternmines the development and
conclusion of his or her life story.
The temporal existence of a person means that his or her life is temporary; he or she
is not a being who exists permanently and for eternity. Accepting the fact that we have a
limited time in this world allows us to determine the course of our life -to paint apicture
of how our life will progress and how we envision it to end. While mnost people would
prefer to not have any sort of limit, it makes pertect sense to appreciate the beauty of
something as it is framed within certain lines. The key idea is that we all have a vocation
be
to Jive life in the best possible way that we can - by being excellent persons, It would
nearly impossible to measure this, but look at how having a finish line makes us appreciate
Ordinarily, we
the efforts of runners even more than if there was none in the first place.
most
celebrate the fastest runner, but we can also aPpreciate the runner who improved the
conditions.
given the same set of
Temporality challenges us to make choices that will be good for us and the people
always in the moment
around us. It must also be noted that since we have a body, we are
present although his spiritual
-weexist in the here and now. The person is always in the
nature aallows him to
transcend the present. Whenever we make a choice, we cannot

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 Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
past. On the
other
into the
has now gone
undo that choice because that present moment always confined to the here and now
not exclusive and
hand, the choices we make in the present are and future are not
present,
as they also have an impact on the future. Past, together by the person
because of the
they are experienced
ted moments in time, but
dynamism provided by being an embodied spirit.
ask: what is the end of this life?
The term
considerations, we may
ven all these
wavs, Some philosophers view end as a terminus which
end can be understood in two them, life ends and nothing
follows. Others,
For
means the full stop or end of a line. purpose, or fulfillment. Although
telos which means goal,
noweveI, Consider end as human person
We are oriented towards our death. death is not the goal of life. The
world just so he or she could die. Man is put on this earth to live
1S not born into this can
meaningful life, to be virtuous, and achieve excellence. With this in mind, we
a
the meaning of life: happiness and
look at two experiences which make us reflect on
suffering.

DISCUSS
1. How does our freedom enable us to face the reality of death?
2. Which view on death do you find most acceptable? Explain your answer.

What makes you happy?

What brings you happiness? Is it the food you eat? The clothes you wear? The gadgets
you own? The achievements you reap as a student? The
moments you spend with your
family and friends?
Ancient Greek philosophy considers happiness as an
gained by living a productive and moral life. Religious achievement and it must be
aunion with God. Other philosophers consider happiness as
contemporary views
based on our evaluation of our overall life define happiness as whole-life satisfaction,
defining the means to achieve happiness. experiences. Ethics plays a significant role in
Various philosophical views emphasize the
importance of setting worthwhile goals in life to achieve personal happiness.
also has a social element, as we Happiness
but also the well-being of others.should not only be concerned about our own happiness
 Lesson 8: Human Persons as Oriented Towards Their Impending Death

Images courtesy of Leonora Dimagiba, C&E Publishing

Howdo I define true happiness?

As we understand ourselves better, we also come to realize that happiness is a state
of being and not merely an emotional experience or a chosen mental attitude. We do not
really choose happiness because we all have a tendency towards it, but that we choose the
means to achieve it. What makes a person happy is that which fits his nature - we are
made truly happy by things that are true and good. On the other hand, what is false and
evil does not make a person happy.
As an embodied spirit, we must also consider the goods or sources of happiness
which are proper to a person. A noble good is one which is pursued for its own sake;
it is good in itself. Love and friendship are some examples. A useful good is considered
good so long as it serves as a means to an end; its goodness is found only from what it can
Drovide. For example,money is good as it can buy you something. Finally, a pleasurable
good is good so long as it provides some form of pleasure, though it does not have to be
physical. It must be understood that a specificgood cannot be categorized strictly under
one kind.For example, friendship may be anoble good because it is good to be afriend to
someone. However, pursuing it with incorrect intentions (e.g., befriending someone for
academicor career advancement) makes it only a useful good.
The kind of happiness that can be gained from agood is also closely tied to its nature.
For example, material things may satisty bodly needs and can somehow make a person
happy, but they cannot prOVIde permanent happiness because what is material will fade
ot time. On the other hand, friendship is anoble good and definitely provides amore
vou
soon as
permanent kind of happiness. Happiness from a material thing diminishes as
Own it, while happiness gained from friendsh1p only grows as it progresses. This brings
us toa very important lesSon in life: real haPpiness can be found in more permanent and
meaningful things.
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 Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

DISCUSS
contribute to
lately? How do these
1. What kinds of goods have you been pursuing
your well-being and happiness?
happiness? What things in your life make
2. What do you think brings about real
you truly happy?

Why do we suffer?
suffering? What was the reason behind it?
When was the last time you experienced
How did you overcome it?
and
Suffering takes place when we patiently endure unpleasantness, discomfort,
physical
pain. It can come in the form of physical suffering, when we experience by
sensations such as discomfort, hunger, distress, and pain. These are often caused
injury, disease, and the lack of basic needs. It can also be in the form of mental suffering,
which involves emotional and mental states such as depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness,
and grief. These may be caused by unexpected situations in life such as sudden changes
in lifestyle, loss of employment, stressful situations, and grief caused by the death of a
loved one. The tension between what a person is and what he wants to be may also be
an experience of suffering.

Image Source: Bernard Rebulado, C&E

Publishing
What causes suffering?
We normally experience difficulties in life, and how we deal with them is often
determined by our mindset regarding suffering. Generally, suffering is viewed as an
undesirable condition, and that we naturally seek pleasure and avoid pain. Those who
adopt this perspective often focus on the various means to avoid suffering or eliminate it
entirely from life. Another view considers suffering as necessary because it helps
existence.
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 Lesson 8: Human Persons as Oriented Towards Their Impending Death
Without it,we are
and significance. unable to grow andimprove, and our positive experiences lose meaning
Negative experiences are part of our lives. We cannot shelter ourselves from
suffering, but we can be preparedto deal with it so it does not break us. Philosophy}helps us
understand howsuffering defines the state or condition of the person before, during, and
after the
They can experience.
It is
bring about good important to remember that difficulties are not without reason.
at present. More often, our things even if we do not fully understand our circumstances
Even if the outcome of a hardships bring about realizations and opportunities for us.
difficulty is unfavorable, dealing with suffering can improve our
attitude towards life and other
people.
DISCUSS
1. What form of
suffering have you mostly encounteredin your life so far?
Z. How did you deal with the suffering and the
3. Do you believe that difficulties you experienced
suffering is
4. Were there instances in your lifeworthwhile? Why?
when adversities and negative experiences
benefitted you as a person?

How do happiness, suffering, and death give meaning to your life?

As we approach our death, we experience both happiness and suffering. Although
these are distinct experiences, the two are not really meant to be complete opposites, for
there may be instances when they enrich one another. The pursuit of happiness requires
that we go through the effort to achieve it. Our efforts are often marked by difficulties and
discouragement.
For examnple, a person who wishes to pass his or her exams must spend time to
study and exert effort to perform well in his or her academic tasks. Athletes who wish
to become the best in their sports often experience hardships in training, injuries, and
several setbacks before they are able to gain victory. Look back at an achievement in your
life which you consider your most significant triumph. Certainly, that victory was coupled
with trials and difficulties, but that victory was made more significant and "sweeter" by the
fact that you were able to surmount the challenges you faced.
If we are willing to suffer through adversities and maybe even suffer cheerfully, it
makes thepursuit of happiness even more worthwhile. As a result, we not only attain the
banDiness that we want, but we also become better persons in the process. The reality of
death means that our existence is unique and that we willnot always get another chance to
dn the things we want in this life. Therefore, we should not easily give up on the pursuit
of good things. Reflecting on the reality of death enables us to think of how we can best
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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

life. We can strive to leave behinda legacv either in the form of an

a meaningtul
inheritance, a reputation, or asignificant achievement. This is in our nature as human
others.
We nave the tendency to form bonds with open ourselves to
Pelsons. Ihis also means that we also fnd meaning in life when we but also to touch
others. Therefore,we have an opportunity not only to enrich our lives
or she lives in unity and
ves Or others, A person lives a truly meaningful life when he
other, we are all made to love
iat imony with others. Although we are different from each
and serve one another. People are able to become trulv great when they live for People
other than themselves. When we have genuine relationships with others, We not ony
Share in each other's happiness but we also bring happiness to others. We also share in
each other's suffering and help each other in difficult tÉmes. We eventually become part of
Someone else's life, and we are able to live on in them in the same way that those whom
we hold dear live on in our lives. When a person passes away, he or she continues to live
on because a part of that person is now with us.
Because of our freedom, how we choose to live our lives is entirely up to us. Against
the backdrop of death, we are now called touse our freedom in the best way possible to
bring us closer to our happiness and bring happiness to others as well. Our lives are works
in progress, stories in the process of being written, and songs that are about to be sung.
Life is a gift given to each person and it is important to turn this life into a gift for others
as well.

Images Source: Dimagiba, C&E Publishing

What is next after you have lived your life?

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 Lesson 8: Human Persons as Oriented Towards Their Impending Death

THINK
aW a symbol of your idea of a meaningful life and explain it to the class.
Make a personal "Bucket List" of what vou wish to do or accomplish in life. List
them on a
3.
sheet of paper.
Answer these
questions.
a. Why did you choose these things to be in your "Bucket list ?
D. Which among these do you feel is the easiest to accomplish in your
lifetime?
c. Which would be the
most difficult to do?
d. lf yOu were to leave behind a legacv in this world, what would it be?

Review

Death is the end of bodily functions which signals the endof a person's life. It
also refers tothe separation of the body and the soul.
The human person is an embodied spirit or the unity of a body and a spirit.
The body grows and dies, while the soul continues to exist even after the body
has passed.
While there is no freedom in the inevitability of death, we have the freedom
to live our lives wellor not. Temporality challenges us to make choices
that will be good for us and the people around us. Although we are oriented
towards our death, death is not the goal of life. The challenge is to live a
meaningful life.
Happiness is a state of being, not just an emotional experience or a chosen
mental attitude. Wedo not choose happiness; we choose the means to
achieve it.
A goodis a source of happiness and it has three kinds.A noble good is
one which is pursued for its own sake; it is good in itself. Auseful good is
considered good so long as it serves as a means to an end; its goodness is
found only from what it can provide. Apleasurable good is good so long as it
provides some form of pleasure, though it doesn't have to be physical.
The kind of happiness that can be gained from agood is also closely tied to
its nature. Real happiness can be found in more permanent and meaningful
things.
Suffering takes place when we patiently endure unpleasantness, discomfort,
and pain. It can be experienced physically or mentally.
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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
andthat we
undesirable condition,
Suffering is generally viewed as an Another view states that suffering is
naturally seek pleasure and avoid pain.
because without it, we are unable to grow
necessary in shaping our existence
significance.
and our positive experiences lose meaning and happiness andsuffering. The
As we approach our death, we experience both they can also enrich one
polar opposites, for
wo are not really meant to be
another.
tendency to form bonds with others,
As intersubjective beings who have a
oflife be found when we open ourselves'
t1s only natural that the meaning
eventually die,we have an
to,others. This means that although we will
opportunity to enrich our lives as well as the lives of others.

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