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INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE

HUMAN PERSON

GRADE 12 - CORE SUBJECT

MODULE 3

MRS. CHRISTINE JOYCE J. SIMEON LPT.

SUBJECT TEACHER
 Pre-Test

Here we go, let us remember and

answer the following questions
based from your
prior knowledge. Don’t be afraid,
this one is set to get you ready on
our topic. I know
you can do it! Let’s go!
MULTIPLE CHOICES Directions: Read and analyze the questions and statements
carefully. Encircle the letter of your chosen answer.
1. It is the term commonly used to represent the entire human race.
A. Human being B. Human nature C. Man D. Person
2. It is a general term which refers to the deepest and natural behavior of a
person that distinguish human from animals. It 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 mere humans different
from animals but with inherent birth rights and exact origin of his/her
classification.
A. Human being C. Human nature
B. Human creature 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 C. Psychological Self
B. Physical Self D. Sociological Self
5. Marie is very cheerful and friendly to her classmates. What aspect of the
human person is being described in the statement?
A. Cognitive Self C. Psychological Self
B. Physical Self D. Sociological Self
6. Which of the following is NOT an 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 pat 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. He loses a part of his
physical body which makes up his physical identity. 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 considered 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

Lesson 1: The Human Person

The time has come! Let’s get started! Today’s journey will help us identify and understand the
Human Person as an Embodied Sprit has something to do with defining Man, Human, Human
Being, Person, Personhood and Human Nature (Abella, 2016).
Man - By definition, it is generally and commonly defined to represent the entire human race.
Human - A term used to refer for various classifications and species. For a living man, human is
under the classification of Mamalia.
Human Being - A term used to separate man from other Human Classifications like animals.
Person - Refers to an individual who possess self-awareness, self-determination, rational mind,
and the capacity to interact with other and with himself/herself.
Personhood - A general term refers to the state of being a person with unique, sacred and ethical
status within him/herself.
Human Nature - A general term refers to the deepest and natural behaviour of a person that
distinguish human from animals. A collective traits that formed and considered the very
essence of humanity. Nobody can be considered man without human nature.
What is Human Person? Let’s find out!

The time has come! Let’s get

started! Today’s journey will help
us identify and
understand the Human Person as an
Embodied Sprit has something to
do with
defining Man, Human, Human
Being, Person, Personhood and
Human Nature
(Abella, 2016).
From the definition provided above, the human and the person, respectively, are defined with
classified origin of species and persons with birth rights. Human person is someone with an exact
origin of his/her classification. From the biblical perspective, we came from Adam and Eve. For
Science, we came from an Ape under the Class: Mamallia.

Human person from time after time learned how to live beyond what was traditional through the
various human evolutions from Hominid to Homo Sapiens or the Modern Man people learn the
concept of power, politics and economics. These reasons served as basis which led to a more
structured political and economic system. Thus, rights of an individual is considered. A human
person is typically with a body which is tangible and has a three components composed of SOUL,
MIND and SPIRIT. Also, he or she is entitled and granted rights and privileges by the state which
he or she legally belong.

There are two general kinds to distinguish a human person: The Cognitive Self and the Physical
Self. The Cognitive Self (something within and cannot be physically seen) is the essential
components of a human persons that deals with THE WHAT OF A PERSON which includes
human persons’ belief, desire, dreams, and intentions. The other is one is the 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 Embodied Spirit? Let’s find out!

Embodied spirit is an animating core living within each of us. It is known to be the driving
force behind what we actually think, do and say. It is indeed the reflections of our total being
by which our sensations lead to our human feelings, emotions and decision. The usual and
known connotation that comes to our mind when we hear the word “embodied” is always
materialized or became flesh (with physical form). Thus, when we say “embodied spirit”, we
normally believed and conclude of a spirit becoming flesh.

In the context and views of Christian philosophy, the embodiment of the spirit particularly
refers to the inseparable union of human body and soul. Inseparable which also means the
body and soul work together at all times. Hence, we can safely say that “embodied spirit” that
the body is not separate from the soul, just as the soul is not separate from the body.

Lesson 2: Human Person as Embodied Spirit

What is Human Person as Embodied Spirit?
 As an embodied spirit human being demonstrate these following qualities (Abella, 2016):

1. “Self-awareness refers to person having a clear perception of oneself, including his or her
thoughts, emotions, identity, and actions (Abella, 2016).” It is the ability of one’s consciousness
to look inward thus discovering the presence of a self. The self is the subject that thinks, feels
and acts. It is your I amness (Wilber, 2006). The self enables a person to experience an inner
world of dreams, thoughts, imagination, fantasy (Abella, 2016). Thus, the self represents man’s
interiority (loob in Filipino).

2. A human person is able to connect and interact with another person, an animal or an inanimate
object. We call this externality. So even though human beings have interiority they are not
trapped inside their heads. They are able to go beyond their limited selves and embrace others.

3. We are not determined by others. Because we have interiority; we can direct the course of our
own life. This is what we call self-determination which is “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” (Abella 2016) Thus human beings are free. However since our
actions are based on our decisions we have to realized that every decision has a consequence(s).
There are some actions that are good because they lead to good consequences and some actions
are bad because they lead to bad consequences. The result of our freedom is morality which is
“the goodness or badness of an act” (Abella 2016)

4. Finally a human person has an inherent value and importance. This is what we call dignity. That
is why no amount of money can equal the value of a human life. This is also the reason why
individual rights are absolute (Rand 1964). The American Founding Fathers called rights as
“inalienable” because it cannot be separated from our humanity. If we are stripped off of our
rights we are stripped of our humanity. That is why slaves (who have no rights) are not being
treated as human.

Human Transcendence

St. Thomas Aquinas, a philosopher and one of the greatest theologian in the Catholic Church in
the 13th century, said that “of all creatures, human beings have the unique power to change
themselves and things for the better.” (Ramos, 2016). We have encountered persons who
complain of any given situations or accept the reality or status in life as God-given thing. We
heard a man sighing on TV during the early stage of Covid-19, “mahirap maging mahirap.”
Though it is 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
your limits. This is the definition of Transcendence. You are able to transcend your limit through
your physical and mental abilities. (Abella, 2016).

Religion and philosophy teaches human beings to overcome our limits. In technological parlance,
humans can upgrade themselves. Take for example, Buddhism. Buddha realized that all people
suffers. Maybe in your case you just accept your own suffering as part of life but not for Buddha.
This reality ignited his curiosity to examine and understand the word suffering. He left his royal
life in the palace and spent his life for 6 years in the wilderness to find answers for his questions.
And when he sat under the Tree of Enlightenment for 40 days, voila he finds the answers. The
Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Paths. For example, “The Eightfold Path” of Buddhism shown
below:

1. Right view- a correct understanding of the nature of things, specifically the Four Noble Truths;
2. Right intention, eliminating thoughts of attachment, detestation, and harmful intent,
3. Right speech, abstaining from verbal offenses such as lying, divisive speech, unforgiving
speech, and irrational speech,
4. Right action, refraining from physical offenses such as murdering, thieving, and sexual
misbehavior,
5. Right livelihood, evading trades that directly or indirectly damage others, such as trading slaves,
weapons, animals for butchery, intoxicants, or poisons,
6. Right effort, forsaking undesirable states of mind that have already arisen, preventing
undesirable states that have yet to arise, and sustaining positive states that have already arisen.
7. Right concentration, single-mindedness.
8. Right mindfulness, consciousness of body, feelings, thoughts, and phenomena.

If you notice this is a universal principle being taught not just by Buddhism? These are the
values what human person needs to succeed. These are examples of the power mentioned by St.
Thomas to change ourselves. If you can do the eightfold path even if you are not a Buddhist, you
can transform yourselves from your present situation and transcend to what you desire you would
be. Just believe in yourselves. As the Star Struck of GMA7 adheres: Dream, Believe and Survive.

Activity 1: I Recognize Myself

DIRECTIONS: Kindly fill up all the information needed to complete the table.
 I know you can do it! You have the time to remember your past experiences and chance to look
forward on the future. Don’t worry, nobody will judge you! I am with you and at the back to give
my full support!

Strengths Weaknesses Desires

Abilities Talents Fear Hesitation What can I do
(I can) (I always do) (I can’t) ( I am afraid) more?

Activity 2: MYSELF, MY FAMILY, MY COMMUNITY!

DIRECTIONS: Answer the real-life questions provided to you. No wrong answers, just give your
best!

1. As a student, how can you conquer the challenges posed by this pandemic?

________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________

2. How did the present crisis make you realize the reality of human limitations, uncertainties, and
possibilities?
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
Post Test
I. MULTIPLE CHOICES

DIRECTION: Read and analyze the questions and statements carefully. Encircle the letter of your
 chosen answer.

1. Marie is very cheerful and friendly to her classmates. What aspect of the human person is being
described in the statement?
A. Cognitive Self C. Psychological Self B. Physical Self D. Sociological Self
2. A criminal who have committed a very 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 is removed once they don’t treat other people just and right.
C. Neither a nor b
D. None of the above
3. 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
4. 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.
5. 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 pat in her shoulder from her best friend and felt completely
relieved at that moment.
6. It is the term commonly used to represent the entire human race.
A. Human being B. Human nature C. Man D. Person
7. Vincent loses his arm and leg due to a car accident. He loses a part of his physical body which makes
up his physical identity. 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 considered a human person since he lacks one aspect
of his identity.
C. Neither a nor b
D. None of the above
8. Which of the following is NOT an essential component of the human person?
A. Conscience B. Mind C. Soul D. Spirit
9. It is the term used to describe humans who are not just mere humans different from animals but with
inherent birth rights and exact origin of his/her classification.
A. Human being C. Human nature
B. Human creature D. Human person
10. It is a general term which refers to the deepest and natural behavior of a person that distinguish
human from animals. It consists of collective traits that formed and considered the very essence of
humanity.
A. Human being B. Human nature C. Man D. Person

II. ANALYSIS

DIRECTIONS: Write the correct answers from the questions being asked.

Write “A” if the 1ST and 2nd statements are true

Write “ B” if the 1ST statement is correct and 2nd statement is wrong
Write “ C” if the 1ST is incorrect and 2nd statements are true
Write “ D” if the 1ST and 2nd statements are both incorrect

1. A. Humans are capable of controlling their souls

B. Humans are rational animals
2. A. Cognitive Self deals within our body and cannot be seen by our eyes
B. Cognitive Self composes of human beliefs and religion
3. A. Physical Self deals with the beauty of one’s body
B. Physical self is a manifestation of people’s strength and weakness
4. A. Person is a term that commonly connotes birth rights provided by the state
B. Human nature is a term used to define the inner soul of the person
5. A. Human Nature is the total reflections of human activities
B. Embodied Spirit is the incarnation of a material body

Refference

Books:
Abella, Roberto D. (2016). Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person.
Quezon City: C& E Publishing
Bulaong, Christopher. (2018). Foundation of Moral Values. Quezon City: Quezon
City: Rex Publishing House.
Maboloc, Christopher Ryan. (2013). Philosophy of Man: The Existential Drama.
Quezon City: Rex Publishing House.
Ramos, Christine Carmela R.PhD. (2016) Introduction to the Philosophy of the
Human Person. Rex Bookstore: Manila, Philippines.
Rand, Ayn (1964). The Virtue of Selfishness. New York: Signet.
Tiempo, Alex. (2015). Social Philosophy: Foundation of Values Education. Quezon
City: Rex Publishing House.
Wilber, Ken (2006). Integral Spirituality. Boston: Integral Books.

Websites:
Jhagiani, Rajiv. (2015). The Cognitive Self: The Self-Concept, Retrieved from
https://opentextbc.ca/socialpsychology/chapter/the-cognitive-self-
the-self-concept/
Olson, Eric. (2002). A Materialist Metaphysics of the Human Person, Retrieved
from https://ndpr.nd.edu/news/a-materialist-metaphysics-of-the-
human-person/
Steph. (2020). The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit, Retrieved from
https://philonotes.com/index.php/2018/12/01/the-human-person-
as-an-embodied-spirit/
Singh, Sanjay. (2002). The Concept of Physical self in Pschology, Retrieved from
https://www.all-about-psychology.com/the-concept-of-physical-self-
in-psychology.html