What I know
Pre-Assessment
I-
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Directions: Choose the letter of your correct answer from among the choices given.
Write your answers on your activity notebook.
1.
What is the nature that enables us to become
persons?
A. Spirit
C. Free will
B. Transcendence D. Boundaries
2.
What enables us to do actions whenever we want
we want to or and makes self- determination possible?
A. Spirit
C. Interiority
B. Self
D.
Free will
3.
Why is the human person an embodied spirit?
A. Both
body & spirit define human nature & experiences B. The body is irreplaceable or
indispensable
C.
Through the spirit, he or she can explore and surpass his or her
limits. D.
Allow the human person to possess an awareness of the self
4.
What do you call the ability to surpass limits?
A. Interiority C. Free will
B. Transcendence D. Boundaries
5.
What do you call an imaginary
point beyond which a person cannot do?
A. Interiority C. Free will
B. Transcendence D. Limitation
6.
Carmela, your classmate, is bullied by Karl
because she is not properly groomed. How
will you uphold the dignity of Carmela?
A. Give
to Carmela things that could make her look good
B. Advise
her not to mind her bully
C. Show
her value and respect
D. Punish
the bully of Carmela
7.
Janela used the
necklace of her sister, Julia, without asking a permission. Unfortunately, the
necklace was lost. What should Janela do to show
morality in her action? A.
inform Julia the incident and face the risk of being scolded
B. tell
her that you were not using her necklace
C. ask
money from her mother to buy another necklace
D. stay
quiet
8.
Nick Vujicic is born with no arms and legs. But
this limitation he had, did not hinder him from become a successful person. He
had been known all over the world being a motivational speaker, and he even
builds his own family. Which category of limitation and transcendence is this
example?
A. Facticity C. Body as Intermediary
B. Spatial-Temporal
D.
Transitional
9.
“I can always imagine myself living like a rock
star, but I will never really know how it is to be a rock star unless I become
one myself. I can never be you, or you can never be me.” Which category of
limitation and transcendence is this example?
A. Facticity C. Body as Intermediary
B. Spatial-Temporal
D.
Transitional
10. It
gives us the chance to be more connected to one another. We should always
appreciate what is present in our space because sometimes we only appreciate
things or people when it’s already gone.
A. Facticity C. Body as Intermediary
B. Spatial-Temporal
D.
Transitional
II- IDENTIFICATION
Directions: Identify what is being described in each
statement. Choose a trait that defines a human person in the box. Write your
answer in your activity notebook.
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Self-awareness Externality
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Self-determination Dignity
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1.
It refers to the capability of the person to
make choices and decisions based on his preferences, monitor and regulate his
actions, and be goal-oriented and self-directed.
2.
It distinguishes the human person from an animal
because he or she has the innate right to be valued and respected.
3.
In this trait, the human person can reach and
interact with others and the world.
4.
It is referred to the person having a clear
perception of oneself, including his or her thoughts, emotions, identity, and
actions.
5. Through
this trait, the person needs to act freely and with due regard for the consequences of his or her actions.
Lesson 1: Understanding
Human Person
What’s New?
Activity 1.1: “Are We Humans?”
Directions: List down at least five pieces of evidences
to support your claim that we are human persons. Write your answer and your
explanation in your activity notebook.
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What makes us human
persons?
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Evidence
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Why?
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1.
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Guide Questions:
1. How
did you find this activity? Was it difficult to answer? If yes, why? If no, why
not?
2. How
did you come up with those evidence? Explain.
3. Are
those evidence evident to you? Why or why not?
What is It?
Philosophers were initially
concerned with defining the essential characteristic that makes a person human.
This essential characteristic is what distinguishes as from plants, animals,
and other living things. Many agree that this essential characteristic is
nothing else but our being rational beings. Our rationality makes us superior
to all others because it is the highest form of activity, and no other being
has it. To fully understand the concept of human person we need to understand
some terms about the discussion of the human person.
§ Man commonly used
to refer to the entire human race.
§ Human
refers to man as species – Homo sapiens sapiens.
§ Human
Being used to distinguish man from
another animal.
§ 
Person
refers to a human being granted
recognition of rights, protection,
responsibilities, and dignity.
§ Personhood
refers to the state of being a person.
§ Human
nature refers to the
characteristics that distinguish human from all other creatures.
What is a Human Person?
Philosophers look for in their search to describe the human
person by defining it
using the following character traits:
1. Self-awareness
- refers to the person’s clear perception of
oneself, which includes her thoughts, emotions, identity, and actions. It is
also driven by rationality or human thought. It is an awareness not just of his
or her surroundings but also of his or her existence, which leads to the notion
of “self” – a person who perceives
and experiences interiority, which is the quality of being focused on one’s
inner life and identity. Having an inner world allows a person to create goals,
dreams, and plans.
2. Self-determination
-
is the capability of persons to make choices and
decisions based on their preferences, monitor, and regulate their actions, and
be goal-oriented and self-directed. As human persons,
we act, and we are aware of our actions.
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is associated with freewill, consequence, and
morality. Freewill enables us to act
willfully, control our actions, and recognize ourselves as the source of
action. The consequence is the result
or effect of an action or condition. And morality
refers to the goodness or badness of an act.
3. Externality
- is the capability to reach out and interact with
others and the world. Our interaction with others and the world is externality.
We believe that no man is an island and that we need to reach out to others to
give meaning to our existence as persons. We grow and develop not only through
our thoughts and action, but also through the influence of other people whom we
meet and interact with in our lives.
4. Dignity
- is the innate right to be valued and to be
respected. As human persons, we have an innate worth or value. Each person is
worth the same as another person in the sense that every person is priceless,
unique, unrepeatable, and irreplaceable. We do not equate our value to any
material thing that we have. Outside forces or characteristics such as beauty,
intelligence, or skills do not define our dignity. A person’s incapability and
criminal act will not make him or her less of a person he/she is expected to
be. Since a person has dignity, he/she deserves to be treated fairly. The recognition
of the dignity of the human person is the basis for the recognition of human
rights.
What’s
More?
Activity 1.2: Complete
Me!
Directions: Complete the graphic organizer below by
writing in the boxes examples that show the following traits
of the human person. Copy
this and write your responses in your activity notebook.
Guide Questions:
1. How
did you find the activity? Was it easy to answer? If yes, why? If no, why not?
2. Based
on your responses in the graphic organizer, do you find it important to know
and understand the traits of the human
person? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Activity
1.3: “Poster-Making”
Directions: Make a showing poster any of the traits of
the human person. Come up with a
creative visualization that will show its characteristics. Use long
bond
paper and art materials.
Rubric:
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Criteria
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Rating
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The poster clearly conveys
the information and message.
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1 2
3 4 5
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The poster shows effective use of technique and god choice
of materials.
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1 2
3 4 5
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The poster is creative and
artistic.
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1 2
3 4 5
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Effective time and work management in making the poster are
evident.
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1 2
3 4 5
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TOTAL (20 pts)
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Lesson 2: Relationship Between
the Body
and the Spirit
What’s New?
Activity 2.1: “My Viewpoint!”
Directions: In one to two sentences,
answer the questions clearly. Write your answers on the spaces given.
1. The
four traits of the human persons are made evident through our actions. What is
in our human nature that is an intangible
(invisible) element, along with the body, defines us persons?
__________________________________________________________.
2. Based
from your answer in number 1, do you think it is essential to you?
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________.
What is It?
Philosophers believe that what
makes a human person is not just all about its traits and characteristics. It
is also not all about its physicality, such as being tall, dark, or having
black hair. But philosophers also point out another unseen aspect of being a
human person, which is the spirit. The
union of the body and spirit is what a human person is, according to
philosophers. Spirit refers to an
intangible element of a human person enables one to exercise thoughts, possess
awareness, interiority, and the capacity to reach out to the outside world and
other persons.
The Human Person is an Embodied Spirit.
The idea of the human person as an “embodied spirit” does
not necessarily refer to the incarnation or materialization of spirit as an
immaterial entity. The embodiment of the spirit in the context of Christian
philosophy specifically refers to the inseparable union of body and soul. Thus,
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.
So, when we speak that the 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 say, therefore, of the human person without the union of body
and soul.
The human body also stands as the
mediator between the material and the spiritual world. Being an embodied
spirit, the person can encounter the world of objects in a manner that
transcends the physical. An example of this is a prayer where the human body
becomes an object of the world to reach the spiritual world (God) since in
saying a prayer, the body is required.
What’s
More?
Activity 2.2: “Fill Me Out!”
Directions:
Analyze and discuss how is embodiment demonstrated in the following situations.
Write your answers in your activity notebook.
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Situation
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Discussion
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1. Jamsel likes to listen to OPM
(Original Pilipino Music). He listens to music when he paints, as it
inspires him to make beautiful landscapes on his canvass.
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2. Clarisa is very depressed. His girlfriend
just broke up with him, and he has spent the whole day in his room. He keeps
going over their old photographs in happier times while listening to their
favorite songs on the radio.
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3. Jeff nervously waits to be called to perform on stage for her
recital. She looks toward the audience and sees her family. Her father does
the “thumbs up” sign and smiles at her. She smiles back, and she can feel her
nervousness disappearing.
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4. Toni carries a picture of his family with him in his wallet.
Whenever he gets a break from working in the fire station, he takes the
picture out and imagines himself with his family back home.
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Guide Questions:
1. Were
you able to discuss the situations without difficulty? If yes, why? If no, why
not?
2. Did
any of these situations have an impact on you? If yes, why? If no, why not?
Activity 2.3: “This Is Me!”
Directions: Think of a profound emotional experience you
had and reflect on how your nature as an embodied spirit gave
meaning to this experience. Write your
response
in our activity notebook.
_______________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Guide Questions:
1. Did
you find this activity interesting? If yes, why? If no, why not?
2. After
answering this activity, have you realized that knowing the “human person as
an embodied
spirit” is important to you? Explain.
Lesson 3: Limitations and
Transcendence
What’s New?
Activity 3.1: “My Limitations!”
Directions: Copy this table and fill in at least ten (10)
limitations or weaknesses that you have as a human person. Write your
answer in your activity notebook.
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Things That I Cannot
Do
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Guide Questions:
1. Were
you able to respond the activity as expected? If yes, why? If no, why not?
2. What
brought about your own personal limitations? Do you see yourself
overcoming your limitations or
weaknesses? If yes, why? If no, why not?
What is it?
This lesson will discuss human
being’s weakness and imperfections – a person’s limitations and how he could go
about getting pass these retrain in his being. It is with good reason that we
consider the body as having several of weakness because we have many
experiences that manifest the truth of this idea.
As defined in
the Merriam dictionary, a limitation
is “something that controls how much of something is possible or allowed”. This
means that though the nature of the person as an embodied spirit provides
numerous opportunities to explore everything around us and even within us, our
human nature imposes limitations. It can be said that the person is very
biologically deficient being. We do not have the natural ability to fly. We
cannot breathe underwater without using breathing apparatus. We cannot survive
in certain environments like other animals.
Three Categories of
Limitations
1. Facticity refers to the things in our
lives that are already given and did not choose them. It also refers to all the details that surround us in the present,
including our environment, language, past decisions, past and present
relationships, and even our future death.
2. Spatial-Temporal is about being limited
due to our being temporal. This means that we will not live forever because we
have a limited period of stay in this world (we call this finitude). We are
just passers of this place. Our limitations here are based on time, ability,
etc. (the not yet and the no longer). Just like a five years old child cannot
put on lipstick because she is still a child (the not yet), and a senior
citizen cannot bear a child because she is no longer capable of reproduction.
On the level of being spatial individuals, we are limited by our bodies to be
present in two or more places at the same time.
We are set to be in one place at a time. For example, one
cannot be in Manila and Cebu at the same time because his body does not allow
him to.
3. Body as Intermediary is about having a body that links us to the world
appears to be a source
of limitation because we
can never really directly and fully experience the world. We have established
that we are our bodies, but also more than our bodies. Our body then serves as
an intermediary between the physical world and us. It is because of my body
that I experience the world as my world and not the world of others. For example, “I can always
imagine myself living like a rock star; but I will never really know how it is
to be a rock star unless I become one myself. I can never be you, or you can
never be me.”
A very important tool that allows us to
go through our physical limits is our mind. Although we have these physical
limitations, we can transcend them because of our spiritual dimension. We have
natural tendencies and inclinations as a human person. Some of these are felt
bodily functions like hunger, fatigue, etc. Transcendence is the ability to explore and surpass limits. This
means overcoming oneself or being in control even if the body reminds us of
certain tendencies. Although these tendencies are felt, the person can govern
them and ensure that they are exercised within the bounds of reason.
The presence of several
limitations of being an embodied subject may make us think that life is
difficult and is very restricting. But, if we come to think it, if we reflect
on our personal lives, we could come to the idea that the limitations that we
have make our lives more colorful and challenging. Let us try to look at these
limitations and see how we could surpass or transcend our limitations, or
perhaps we could realize that there is no need to overcome it.
1. Facticity
We understand that our facticity is the things
already given to us the moment we are born. With this, we could say that we
really cannot do anything about it, what we could do is to change our attitude
towards it. If we let our facticity define who we are then, that makes it a
limitation but, if we see our facticity as a chance to challenge and explore
ourselves then, we are making our facticity a positive aspect of our life. As a
free individual, we should always think that it is us who could decide what we
want to do with our lives and that we are not limited to what nature has
initially given us. Facticity challenges us to be creative with our life
options and to maximize the possibilities that are given to us. For example,
Nick Vujicic is born with no arms and legs. But this limitation he had, did not
hinder him from become a successful person. He had been known all over the
world being a motivational speaker, and he even builds his own family.
2. Spatial-Temporal
Our being temporal being maybe one
of the things that bother as the most. Knowing that we are temporary being in
this world often times gave us fear to try and do things. We are more concerned
about what might happen tomorrow, next month or next year that we forget to
live our lives for today. We forget to cherish and enjoy the present because we
are too bothered about what might happen next. If we appreciate how wonderful
the present is, then perhaps we could look at our temporality as a challenge, a
challenge on making our life more interesting, colorful, and meaningful, and
how we make most of the time given to us.
In relation to our being spatial
being in one place at the same time may be a limit to us, but if we take a look
at it – it also helps us overcome our temporality. Because being in one place
at a time gives us the opportunity to appreciate more the things and people
around us. It gives us the chance to be more connected to one another. We
should appreciate always what is present in our space because sometimes we only
appreciate things or people when it’s already gone.
3. Body as Intermediary
Having a body as an intermediary
to the world may only allow us to experience the world base on our point of
standing thus, limiting us to fully experience the world. But, if we take a
closer look at it, it is somehow our privilege to experience the world
uniquely. Our experience of the world is unique and distinct from other beings.
Therefore, it gives more meaning to our experiences and how we live life as a
whole. Although our body often conceals or restrict what emotions we wanted to
convey, somehow it became our protection for there are a time that we do not
want others to know what we truly feel and think. The body may pose some
limitations, but these limitations serve as our advantage as well.
Each individual
carries within himself or herself the possibility of transcending his or her limits. Most of our limits
often involve facing a challenge or overcoming a weakness. Through the
study of Philosophy, we can explore our limitations and possibilities for
transcendence. The essence of transcendence is to acknowledge our limitations, identify
possibilities for development, and change
ourselves for the better. Another aspect of transcendence is opening
yourself to new
experiences and ideas. Our capacity for transcendence allows to
work toward becoming
better versions of ourselves.
What’s More?
Activity 3.2: “ The Revitalized Me!”
Directions: Complete the chart by
rewriting your present limitations in the first Column concerning your answers
in the previous activities. Make an action plan
towards transcendence and the corresponding
actions on how to surpass each
limitation in the second column. Copy the chart in your notebook.
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MY LIMITATIONS
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PLAN
TOWARDS TRANSCENDENCE
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8.
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9.
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10.
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What I Have Learned
•
The human being is recognized not only as a
distinct species – Homo sapiens, sapiens, but as unique being, an individual
person possessing awareness.
•
The human person possesses self-awareness which
refers to the awareness of oneself as an active participant in reality. A
person is not only aware of his or her surroundings or reality but also of
himself or herself as a participant in this reality.
•
Another trait that defines a human person is
self-determination. This refers to the awareness of one’s action. It is brought
about by the person’s free will and awareness of the consequences – that every
action will have results or effects.
•
A human person can reach out and interact with
others. Our interactions with others define our existence and help us develop
as a person.
•
A human person has dignity that each of us has
an innate value and worth that cannot be quantified.
•
The human person is an embodied spirit. The body
is not separate from the soul, just as the soul is not separate from the body.
•
Despite being an embodied subject, a human
person has limitations. A limitation is something that controls how much of
something is possible or allowed.
•
There are three categories of limitations.
Facticity, Spatial-Temporal being, and Body as an intermediary.
•
Facticity refers to the things in our lives that
are already given.
•
Spatial-Temporal being this means that we will
not live forever – that we have a limited period of stay in this world.
•
The body as an intermediary
serves as an intermediary between the physical world and us.
•
Transcendence is our ability to explore and
surpass limits.
What I Can Do
Activity
3.3: “ My
Commitment!”
Directions:
Make
a personal commitment to overcome your limitations. Track your progress
in overcoming them in your reflection journal. Submit an update on
your progress after a month.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Rubric:
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Criteria
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Rating
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The entry relates entirely
to the assigned topic or question.
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1
2 3 4
5
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The work conveys a genuine personal view regarding the
topic or question.
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1
2 3 4
5
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The entry is written following the conventions of good
writing and proper grammar.
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1
2 3 4
5
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The work is original and
does not contain plagiarized content.
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1
2 3 4
5
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TOTAL (20 pts)
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Assessment
I- IDENTIFICATION
Directions: Identify what is being described in each
statement. Choose a trait that defines a human person in the box. Write your
answer in your activity notebook.
|
Self-awareness Externality
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Self-determination Dignity
|
1.
It is referred to the person having a clear
perception of oneself, including his or her thoughts, emotions, identity, and
actions.
2.
Through this trait, the person needs to act
freely and with due regard for the consequences
of his or her actions.
3.
It refers to the capability of the person to
make choices and decisions based on his preferences, monitor and regulate his
actions, and be goal-oriented and self-directed.
4.
It distinguishes the human person from an animal
because he or she has the innate right to be valued and respected.
5. In
this trait, the human person can reach and interact with others and the
world.
II-
MULTIPLE CHOICE
Directions: Choose the letter of your correct answer from among the choices
given. Write your answers on your activity notebook.
1. Carmela,
your classmate, is bullied by Karl because she is not properly groomed. How will you uphold the dignity of Carmela?
A. Give
to Carmela things that could make her look good
B. Advise
her not to mind her bully
C. Show
her value and respect
D. Punish
the bully of Carmela
2. Janela used the necklace of her sister, Julia, without
asking a permission. Unfortunately, it
was lost. What should Janela do to show morality in
her action?
A. inform
Julia the incident and face the risk of being scolded
B. tell
her that you were not using her necklace
C. ask
money from her mother to buy another necklace
D. stay
quiet
3. Nick
Vujicic is born with no arms and legs. But this limitation he had, did not
hinder him from become a successful person. He had been known all over the
world being a motivational speaker, and he even builds his own family. Which
category of limitation and transcendence is this example?
A. Facticity C. Body as Intermediary
B. Spatial-Temporal
D.
Transitional
4. “I
can always imagine myself living like a rock star, but I will never really know how it is
to be a rock star unless I become one myself. I can never be you, or you can
never be me.” Which category of limitation and transcendence is this
example?
A. Facticity C. Body as Intermediary
B. Spatial-Temporal
D.
Transitional
5. It
gives us the chance to be more connected to one another. We should always
appreciate what is present in our space because sometimes we only appreciate
things or people when it’s already gone.
A. Facticity C. Body as Intermediary
B. Spatial-Temporal
D.
Transitional
6. What
is the nature that enables us to become persons?
A. Spirit
C. Free will
B. Transcendence D. Boundaries
7. What
enables us to do actions whenever we want we want to or and makes self- determination
possible?
A. Spirit
C. Interiority
B. Self
D.
Free will
8. Why
is the human person an embodied spirit?
A. Both
body & spirit define human nature & experiences B. The body is irreplaceable or
indispensable
C.
Through the spirit, he or she can explore and surpass his or her
limits. D.
Allow the human person to possess an awareness of the self
9. What
do you call the ability to surpass limits?
A. Interiority C. Free will
B. Transcendence D. Boundaries
10. What
do you call an imaginary point beyond which a
person cannot do?
A. Interiority C. Free will
B. Transcendence D. Limitation
Answer Key
Pre-Assessment
I- Multiple
Choice
1. A
2. D
3. A
4. C
5. D
6. C
7. A
8. A
9. C
10. B
II-
Identification
1. Self-determination
2. Dignity
3. Externality
4. Self-awareness
5. Self-determination
Assessment
1. C
2. A
3. A
4. C
5. B
6. A
7. D
8. A
9. C
10. D
II-
Identification
1. Self-awareness
2. Self-determination
3. Self-determination
4. Dignity
5. Externality
References
Abella, Roberto D. M.Div.
2016. Introduction to the Philosophy of
the Human Person. Quezon City: C&E Publishing Inc.
Sioco, Maria Paula G. and Vinzons, Ignatius H. 2016. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person. Quezon
City: Vibal Group, Inc.
Embodied Subject 
Illustrator and Layout Artist: Artist: Gaspar S. Cantere,
Jr., Cyndi Pauline O. Apas, and Paul Y. Badon 
