Senior High School

INTRODUCTION TO THE
PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN
PERSON

Department of Education - Republic of the Philippines

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INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF

THE HUMAN PERSON
QUARTER 1: Lesson Exemplar 1
Doing Philosophy
Lesson Exemplar 2
Methods of Philosophizing
Lesson Exemplar 3
Human Person as an Embodied Spirit
Lesson Exemplar 4
Human Person in their Environment

This Lesson Exemplar was written by Cris C. Macayaon, of Marinduque National

High School Senior High School at Boac, Marinduque. Parents, guardians, and other
stakeholders are encouraged to e-mail all their comments and suggestions to
crismacayaon@deped.gov.ph

Your comments and suggestions are important to us.

Department of Education - Republic of the Philippines

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 GRADE 11 – INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
Lesson Exemplar No. 1
Content:
Doing Philosophy
Content Standard: Performance Standard:
The learner understands the meaning The learner reflects on a concrete experience in a
and process of doing Philosophy philosophical way
Topics: Learning Competencies:
1. Difference between holistic 1. Distinguish a holistic perspective from a
thinking and partial point of view partial point of view. PPT11/12-Ia-Ia-1.1
1.a. Meaning of Philosophy 2. Realize the value of doing Philosophy in
1.b. Meaning of holistic thinking obtaining a broad perspective in life PPT
and partial point of view 11/12-Ib-1.3
2. Practical uses of Philosophy 3. Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete
2.a. Reasons why we situation from a holistic perspective. PPT
philosophize 11/12-Ic-1.4
3. Using reflection in doing
Philosophy

INTRODUCTION

Good day class! Today, we are going to start our lessons in the Introduction to the
Philosophy of the Human Person.

This lesson tends to give a better understanding about Philosophy and how important it is
in our daily living. This also includes the perspectives we can use in philosophizing and the
importance of reflection in our life. As a human being, we need to become open-minded in different
things we are encountering every day. This is the reason why we need Philosophy in our lives.

Since all of us have many questions in our life, we need to use philosophy to answer those
questions and problems we usually experiencing every now and then.

Holistic Thinking and Partial Point of View

In doing Philosophy, there are two perspectives in studying it, the holistic thinking and the
partial point of view.

Holistic thinking sees the whole situation. On the other hand, partial point of view looks on
a certain area of an event or situation. If a doctor immediately gave a pain reliever to patient
because his stomach is aching, we can consider that he used the partial point of view since he just
ask his patient’s illness. But if the doctor check all the symptoms, the lifestyle of the patient and
subject him in medical examinations before prescribing a medicine, the doctor used the Holistic
perspective.

Reasons why we need to philosophize

According to these philosophers we need to philosophize because of the following reasons:

1. Sense of wonder – according to Plato, man’s curiosity drives him to ask questions and this
will be the beginning on how he philosophize
2. Doubt – for Rene Descartes, there are several ideas that will lead us to confusion of what
is truth and will lead us to an argument
3. Experience – for Karl Jaspers, there is the so called limit situations (experience) and these
situations are often accompanied by feelings of helplessness, anxiety or dread. These are
caused by problems that we need to be solved.

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 4. Love for Wisdom – another reason why we need philosophy is because of our desire to
know the truth that is why we ask question, we probe and we discuss in order to get to the
bottom of things and this statement was coined by Socrates

Fields of Study related to Philosophy

Philosophy is helpful because this study is also applied to other fields.

Subfields of Philosophy

Logic

Logic is concerned to provide sound methods for distinguishing good from bad reasoning.
It helps us to assess how well our premises support our conclusions, to see what we are committed
to accepting when we take a view, and to avoid adopting beliefs for which we lack adequate
reasons. Logic also helps us to find arguments where we might otherwise simply see a set of
loosely related statements, to discover assumptions we did not know we were making, and to
formulate the minimum claims we must establish if we are to prove (or inductively support) our
point.

Ethics

Ethics takes up the meanings of our moral concepts—such as right action, obligation and
justice—and formulates principles to guide moral decisions, whether in private or public life. What
are our moral obligations to others? How can moral disagreements be rationally settled? What
rights must a just society accord its citizens? What constitutes a valid excuse for wrongdoing?

Metaphysics

Metaphysics seeks basic criteria for determining what sorts of things are real. Are there
mental, physical, and abstract things (such as numbers), for instance, or is there just the physical
and the spiritual, or merely matter and energy? Are persons highly complex physical systems, or
do they have properties not reducible to anything physical?

Epistemology

Epistemology concerns the nature and scope of knowledge. What does it mean to know
(the truth), and what is the nature of truth? What sorts of things can be known, and can we be
justified in our beliefs about what goes beyond the evidence of our senses, such as the inner lives
of others or events of the distant past? Is there knowledge beyond the reach of science? What are
the limits of self-knowledge?

History of Philosophy

This field studies both major philosophers and entire periods in the development of
philosophy such as the Ancient, Medieval, Modern, Nineteenth Century, and Twentieth Century
periods. It seeks to understand great figures, their influence on others, and their importance for
contemporary issues. The history of philosophy in a single nation is often separately studied, as in
the case of American Philosophy. So are major movements within a nation, such as British
Empiricism and German Idealism, as well as international movements with a substantial history,
such as existentialism and phenomenology. The history of philosophy not only provides insight into
the other subfields of philosophy; it also reveals many of the foundations of Western Civilization.

Political Philosophy

This field concerns the justification—and limits—of governmental control of individuals; the
meaning of equality before the law; the basis of economic freedom; and many other problems
concerning government. It also examines the nature and possible arguments for various competing
forms of political organization, such as laissez-faire capitalism, welfare democracy (capitalistic and
socialistic), anarchism, communism, and fascism.

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Social Philosophy

Often taught in combination with political philosophy (with which it overlaps), social
philosophy treats moral problems with large-scale social dimensions. Among these are the basis
of compulsory education, the possible grounds for preferential treatment of minorities, the justice
of taxation, and the appropriate limits, if any, on free expression in the arts.

Philosophy of Religion

Another traditional concern of metaphysics is to understand the concept of God, including

special attributes such as being all-knowing, being all-powerful, and being wholly good. Both
metaphysics and epistemology have sought to assess the various grounds people have offered to
justify believing in God. The philosophy of religion treats these topics and many related subjects,
such as the relation between faith and reason, the nature of religious language, the relation of
religion and morality, and the question of how a God who is wholly good could allow the existence
of evil.

Practical Uses of Philosophy

1. Philosophy enables a person to engage in a critical analysis and interpretation of concepts,

definitions, arguments and problems
2. Philosophy also improves problem-solving and decision making
3. Philosopher also develops a good communicator who can communicate and adequately
present his or her ideas.
4. It enables a person to gain is wisdom so he/she can apply his/her knowledge to daily life
situation
5. Philosophy can contribute to self-development and for the betterment of a person.

Using Reflection in Doing Philosophy

Another way of doing Philosophy is through reflection. This act is part of doing philosophy
since it requires a person to examine one’s thoughts, feelings and actions and to learn more about
one’s life and experiences. It can be done during, before or after the action is done. If you think
what to do while you are doing something or fixing something, you already did a reflection. When
you think about the possible result before you decide or making decision, this is also a kind of
reflection. And another example is when you regret for something you had done, that is also a
reflection. This is the reason why reflection important in doing Philosophy.

EXPLORE

Activity 1: Graphic Organizer

Directions: What comes into your mind when you hear the word philosophy? Complete the graphic
organizer below.

Philosophy

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the importance of Philosophy to people?

2. Why is it called love of wisdom?

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Activity 2: Venn Diagram

Complete the Venn diagram below by writing the words/phrases from the box

Holistic Partial

considers large-scale patterns used in decision-making

focuses on specific areas to understand it used to solve problems

commonly used in giving immediate solution looking at the big picture

an ability to get general sense

Activity 3: Identification

Directions: Identify the following situation if the person/s used the Holistic Thinking or the Partial
Point of View. Write HT for Holistic Thinking and PPV for Partial Point of View.

1. A beggar picked up a wallet dropped from the woman’s bag and kept it.
2. A guidance counselor visited the house of a student who is often absent in their class before
giving the student a sanction.
3. A boy did not eat his food because he was scolded by his mother.
4. Evan solves their family problem without consulting her family.
5. A judge reviewed all the evidences before making his final decision.

FIRM UP

Activity 4: Guess Who?

Directions: Give the names of the following philosophers and identify their contributions in
Philosophy specially the reasons why we philosophize?

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Activity 5: Practical Uses Of Philosophy

Directions: Based from the reasons of the philosophers above, write the benefits and uses of
philosophy in our lives.

Practical Uses of Philosophy in our lives

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Answer the following questions:

1. In your own perspective, how can Philosophy help you as a student?

2. Can Philosophy help you in solving your problems? How?

DEEPEN

Activity 6: Reflection

Directions: What will you do when you are in the following situations? Try to solve the following
problems using reflection.

1. You heard that one of your friends was hurt in a fight with some students from a nearby
school. Your other friends approach you saying that they want you to go with them after
class to look for the students who hurt your friend.
2. You have been saving your extra allowance in order to buy a new pair of rubber shoes.
Your mother, however, is asking you to lend your money to your sister so she can buy a
new bag for school.

Activity 7: Decision Making

Directions: Recall a very complicated decision that you made in your life and answer the following
questions:

1. What is that decision you made?

2. How did reflection help you in making this decision?
3. What is the outcome of your decision?

TRANSFER

Activity 8: Family Discussion

Directions: Discuss with your family members a problem or issue important to your family. Write
down their views and use them as bases to come up with a solution based on a holistic perspective.
Use the table below as a guide in conducting the discussion.

Problem or Issue Important to our Family

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 My Mother’s Views My Father’s Views

My Brother’s/Sister’s Views My Own Views

Other important views or things to consider

Solution

Answer the following questions:

1. Do you have the same perspective as your family?

2. How did you and your family reflect on the issue or problem you stated?
3. What perspective did you use in solving your problem?

Activity 9: Essay

Directions: Do you agree or disagree with this quotation, “Broadening your perspective can be life
enhancing”? Explain your answer.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Abella, R.D, Div, M.,Min, D. (2016). Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person Textbook.
Quezon City: C & E Publishing Inc.

Constance C. Meinwald. Author of Plato's Parmenides and other. Retrieved from

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Plato

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cogito,_ergo_sum

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Hans Saner. Author of Karl Jaspers and others. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Karl-Jaspers

The Ethics Centre (2017, October 26). Big Thinkers + Explainers. Retrieved from
https://ethics.org.au/big-thinker-socrates/

Pixabay20. Retrieved from https://pixabay.com/illustrations/question-mark-question-response-

1019820/

Liam Geraghty. (2020, April 08). Retrieved from https://www.bigissue.com/latest/covid19/how-the-

worlds-homeless-population-is-facing-covid-19/

Department of Education. (June 2016). Retrieved from

https://www.depedrovcatanduanes.com/files/11-Intro-to-Philo-AS-v1.0.pdf

American Philosophical Association. Retrieved from

https://www.apaonline.org/page/undergraduates

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 GRADE 11 – INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
Lesson Exemplar No. 2
Content:
Methods of Philosophizing
Content Standard: Performance Standard:
The learner demonstrates various ways The learner evaluate opinions
of doing Philosophy
Topic: Learning Competencies:
1. Importance of knowing the truth 4. Distinguish opinion from truth PPT11/12-Ic-
or what is true. 2.1
2. Ways to determine if something is 5. Realize that the methods of Philosophy lead
true. to wisdom and truth PPT11/12-Id-2.3
3. Methods of Philosophy lead to 6. Evaluate truth from opinions in different
wisdom and truth situations using the methods of
4. How to distinguish truth from philosophizing PPT11/12-Ie-2.4
opinion using the methods of
philosophizing

INTRODUCTION

As a human person, we are struggling just to gain knowledge and go further for wisdom.
Enable for us to have this is to know the truth or what is true.

This topic will allow you to distinguish truth from opinion by using the methods of
philosophizing. One of the objectives of Philosophy is to reveal the truth or what is true so that it
will lead us to gain wisdom. The question is how can we know if something is true?

What is truth and why is it important?

Before we discuss truth, it is important to clarify knowledge, since it is through knowing that
we are able to determine what is true. Knowledge is the clear awareness and understanding of
something. It is the product of questions that allow for clear answers provided by facts. Our
knowledge is comprised of ideas and beliefs that we know to be true. Propositions or statements
which are observed to be real or truthful are considered facts. Philosophy has various views that
can help us tackle the concepts of knowing the truth, and arrive at a reasonable assessment if a
statement, idea, or event is believable.

How to determine if something is true

As we grow up, we want to be satisfied if what we believed is true. Because the things we
heard can be just a hearsay, an invented story, a joke from a friend, etc. These are the reasons
why Ancient Greek philosophers approached the problem of truth by looking at the nature of
knowledge and how we know what we know because we usually assume that everything we know
about this world is true.

According to Philosophy, these are the basis in determining truth:

1. A belief is true if it can be justified or proven through the use of one’s senses (sight, hearing,
smell, taste and touch).

2. A belief or statement is true if it is based on facts. Like for an example, we assumed that
what is stated in the definition in the dictionary is the actual meaning of the word.

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 3. People agree on a common belief. If many people believe that the statement or belief is
true can also determine truth. Let’s say a herbal medicine was used by our ancestors to
cure their illness and until now they are using it because it is effective.

4. Truth can also be proved through an action. You cannot say that you are a good cook if you
do not cook. You can only prove it if you will demonstrate and do it in front of other people.
5. Claims and beliefs should also be subjected to tests to determine truth. We can say that it
is better to take medicine if this underwent in an experiment or test by the specialists so that
it can surely cure diseases.

Fallacies and Biases

Different opinions can result to an argument, a form of statements that are either claims of
facts and are phrased in such a way that they seem reasonable. We have the right to give our own
opinion but it can also lead to a misunderstanding since other opinions are opposite to your opinion.
There are arguments that are based on faulty reasoning or the person stating it has the intention
to convince other people that what he/she is saying is acceptable and true. These kinds of
arguments are called fallacies.

The following are examples of fallacies:

Fallacy Characteristics Example

attacking the person
presenting the argument
ad hominem
instead of the argument
itself
using the threat of force or
appeal to force an undesirable event to
advance an argument
appeal to using emotions such as pity
emotion or sympathy
the idea is presented as
appeal to
acceptable because a lot of
tradition
people accept it
the idea is acceptable
appeal to
because it has been true for
tradition
a long time
assuming the thing or idea
begging the to be proven is true; also
question known as “circular
argument”
assuming a “cause and
cause-and-effect effect” relationship between
unrelated events
assuming that what is true
fallacy of
of a part is true for the
composition
whole
“Of course he believes that the
government is flawed, he is a rebel
and a Communist!”
If this peace agreement will not be
signed by the government, then we
will have no recourse but to go on
war.”
“All these charges are baseless; this
is just plain harassment – can’t you
see how this is affecting my family?”
“Every boy your age already has a
girlfriend, you should go find one!”
“Marriage should be between a man
and a woman. It has been so for a
long time in this country; it should
remain so today and in the future.”
“I have a right to free speech,
therefore you cannot stop me from
talking”.
“Ever since you bought that sweater,
everything has been going wrong in
your life. You should get rid of it”.
“These cases of robbery in this
district have convinced me that the
city has become a den of thieves
and criminals”.

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 assuming that what is true “You come from a family of doctors
fallacy of
for the whole is true for its and intellectuals! Surely you can do
division
parts better in this course!”

In looking to an opinion, you should be aware of bias or the personal views of the person
presenting it. It is not necessarily errors in reasoning but refer to tendencies or influences that affect
the views of people.

The table below enumerates the most common biases.

Bias Characteristics Example

correspondence tendency to judge a person’s
bias or personality by his or her actions,
attribution without regard for external factors
effect or influences
tendency to look for and readily
accept information which fits
confirmation
one’s own beliefs or views and to
bias
reject ideas or views that go
against it
focusing on a certain aspect of a
Framing problem while ignoring other
aspects
the tendency to see past events
Hindsight as predictable , or to ascribe a
pattern to historical events
a person or group is connected to
conflict of
or has a vested interest in the
interest
issue being discussed
analyzing an event or issue
cultural bias
based on one’s cultural standards
“These soldiers who fought in
the war are all bloodthirsty
murderers!”
“How can I accept his view that
there is no God? I am a
Christian!”
“Preliminary evidence has still
not pointed out the actual
cause of the plane crash, but
investigators are currently
focusing on the possibility of
the pilot error.”
“Magellan’s assault on Mactan
Island was a foolhardy venture,
made by an overconfident,
careless man who
underestimated the valor of the
native Filipinos
“As the daughter of the
accused, I believe I have the
right to express my opinion on
the issue of his alleged corrupt
practices.”
“I do not agree with this
Western practice of placing
aged parents in retirement
homes. We Filipinos take care
of our family member.”

EXPLORE

Activity 1: Checklist

Directions: Check the pictures/images that you do believe real or true. You can choose more than
one picture.

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1. 2.

3. 4.

5.

Answer the following questions:

1. What makes you believe that the picture/s you checked is/are true?
2. Is there image/s that made you confused? Why is it confusing?

Activity 2: Think and Share

Directions: In this activity you will recall the beliefs you are believing during your childhood years
but were changed when you grew up. Enumerate those beliefs below.

1. 6.
2. 7.
3. 8.
4. 9.
5. 10.

Answer the following questions:

1. What did you feel while you were recalling those past beliefs?
2. How did these beliefs change?

FIRM UP

Activity 3: Matching Type

Directions: Match column A with column B to show how can man determines the truth using the
basis in determining what is true.

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 A B

___ 1. You want to know the real name of a. can be proved through one’s
senses
your new classmate b. can be proved based on facts
___ 2. How long is the effect of the new drug c. people agree on common belief
discovered by a chemist d. can be proved through action
___ 3. Your friend told you that he is good in e. can be proved through test
Playing basketball
___ 4. Education can cure poverty
___ 5. The food is very delicious

Activity 4: Reading of Article

Directions: Give information about the following topics below. Prepare 2 to 3 paragraphs for each
topic. You must also indicate the resources or references and make sure that you read the article
meticulously. You may use any resources you have.

1. Cease and desist order to ABS CBN

2. Online learning

3. Death penalty in the Philippines

Answer the following questions:

1. Do you agree with the author of the article? Why or why not?
2. Did you find the statements truthful? How did you say so?

Activity 5: Identifying Truth from Opinion

Directions: Tell whether if the following statements are based from truth or just an opinion. Write
T if it is true and O if it is an opinion.

____ 1. A ruler is 12 inches long.

____ 2. My sister is selfish because she ate the last piece of pizza.
____ 3. I can fly like a bird.
____ 4. All politicians are corrupt.
____ 5. Boat floats because of buoyancy.

Answer the following questions:

1. How did you identify if the statement is true or just an opinion?

2. Why is it important to distinguish truth from opinion?

DEEPEN

Activity 6: Analyze

Directions: Read each statement below about death penalty and answer the following questions.

Father Paul: Death penalty should not be implemented again because God is the only One who
can take away lives.

Amy: There are many crimes nowadays. Death penalty should be applied to gain justice.

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Rolly: My brother was brutally killed by an addict. Authority must implement again death
penalty.

Teacher: We can lessen crimes even without killing people.

Answer the following questions:

1. What can you say about the opinion of the people regarding death penalty?
2. Why do they have different opinions about death penalty?

Activity 7: Controversy

Directions: Read the commentaries about the issue of Scarborough Island Philippines vs China
and answer the following questions.

1. What is the argument in the controversy?

2. What are the claims of the two countries?
3. Pick up some statements that you consider opinion.

TRANSFER

Activity 8: Debate

Directions: Complete the chart by writing the arguments that you usually had with the following
persons.

What are the common things you

Your opinion Your brother/sister’s opinion
usually argue with your siblings

What are the common things you

Your opinion Opinion of your friend
usually argue with your friends

Answer the following questions:

1. Did the opinion of other people changed yours?

2. How did you settle your argument?

Activity 8: Essay

Directions: Explain the quote below in three 3 to five 5 sentences.

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 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Abella, R.D, Div, M.,Min, D. (2016). Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person Textbook.
Quezon City: C & E Publishing Inc.

Faqih Fawaji. Retrieved from https://www.dafont.com/forever-2.font

Matthew Moulton. (October 2019) Retrieved from

https://www.amle.org/BrowsebyTopic/WhatsNew/WNDet/TabId/270/ArtMID/888/ArticleID/
1092/Dont-Give-Up-the-Ghost.aspx

JD. Retrieved from http://sourcesofinsight.com/lessons-learned-from-santa/

freepik. Retrieved from https://www.freepik.com/premium-vector/love-word-hand-drawn-lettering-

with-red-heart-vector-illustration_6534892.htm

Children’s Math. Retrieved from http://childmaths.weebly.com/multiplication.html

Department of Education. (June 2016). Retrieved from

https://www.depedrovcatanduanes.com/files/11-Intro-to-Philo-AS-v1.0.pdf

Jean Cocteau. Retrieved from https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/344455071478183046/

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 GRADE 11 – INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
Lesson Exemplar No. 3
Content:
Human Person As An Embodied Spirit
Content Standard: Performance Standard:
The learner understands the human The learner distinguishes his/her own limitations and
person as an embodied spirit the possibilities for his/her transcendence

Topics: Learning Competencies:

4. Meaning of Human Person
5. Philosophers definition of human
person
6. Relationship of human’s body
and spirit.
7. Human bodies limitations and the
possibilities for transcendence
7. Recognize how the human body imposes
limits and possibilities for transcendence PPT
11/12-Ih-3.3
8. Evaluate own limitations and the possibilities
for their transcendence PPT/11/12-Ig-3.2

INTRODUCTION

Good day! For our next discussion, let us start it with the question “am I a human person?”.
Class we all know that we are different from other creatures that is the reason why we need to
preserve and maintain our characteristics as a Human Person.

The learners in this topic will be able to understand why human person is composed by
body and spirit as well as the limitations of a human person and the possibilities for their
transcendence.

To begin with, let us now define the words related to the human person:

Man - is the general term commonly used to refer to the human race
Human – refers to man as a species such as Homo sapiens sapiens or modern human beings
Human being – also used to distinguish man from other animals
Person – is a more complex term which generally refers to human being granted recognition of
certain rights, protection, responsibilities and dignity, above all. Philosophers refer to the human
person as the totality of an individual, possessing awareness, self-determination and the capacity
to interact with others and with himself or herself
Personhood – refers to the state of being a person
Human nature – refers to the characteristics that distinguish humans from all other creatures.
These traits are assumed to arise independent of the influence of culture and society. These traits
are essential to humanity such as thinking, feeling and acting because without them, an individual
may not be considered a human person

In a philosophers’ perspective:

Philosophers believe that human being is not just a mere animal unlike the belief of others because
of their traits as a human.

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Traits that define human person:

1. Self-awareness

Refers to the person having a clear perception of oneself including his or her
thoughts, emotions, identity and actions. The human person is defined by a deeper
awareness which is driven by rationality or human thought. A person is aware of both his or
hers surroundings and himself or herself. Human person is also experiencing inferiority
which is the quality of being focused on one’s inner life and identity. It also enables a
persons to exercise creativity.

2. Self-determination

This refers to the capability of a human person to make choices and decisions
based on their own preferences, monitor and regulate their actions and be goal-oriented
and self-directed. Our free will enables us to do actions whenever we want to make self-
determination possible. Free will is the capacity to choose a course of action from various
alternatives. Our self-determination is also affected by consequence, which is the result or
effect of an action or condition. As a person, we must be aware of what possible things that
will happen if did something. In exercising self-determination, we also look at the good result
of our actions, and this goodness or badness of an act is called morality. We, as a human
person must think first before act if what we will be doing can have a positive effect to us
and to others.

3. Externality

It is the capacity of the human person to reach out and interact with things outside
ourselves. It also means that we should not only be aware of our self but also to other
human beings.

4. Dignity

The innate right to be valued and respected. This trait is inherent to all humans. This
is priceless, unrepeatable and irreplaceable. We, as a human being should not be treated
like animals or an object.

What is in our human nature that enables us to become persons?

Our body is not the only thing that defines us as a human person. Philosophers believe that
a person cannot be simply reduced to his or her physical body. If you describe yourself as someone
who is “hopeful,” “happy” or “friendly,” are these traits evident in your physical body? These
characteristics are very much part of us but are not seen in any physical trait we possess and are
only made evident through our actions.
Philosophers point out the other unseen aspect of the human person which, along with the
body, defines us as persons. This intangible element is the spirit which enables us to exercise
thought, possess awareness, interiority and the capacity to reach out to the outside world and other
persons.

How are the body and the spirit related?

Philosophers consider the human person as defined by the union of the body and the spirit.
The human person as embodied spirit. Not only are the body and spirit, but they are also
integrated with each other. This means that they are inseparable.

To give example, let us now talk about our experiences. Experience is a product of
embodiment. The human mind processes information through the senses which are experienced
through the body but aside from perceiving our surroundings, we also react to the things we
experience emotionally, that’s why we experience happiness, loneliness, anger, etc. This is how
body and spirit are related.

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 With human embodiment, physical acts are no longer purely physical acts, because the
body conveys something from a person’s inner world. These emotions and ideas are given to
another person who, because of interiority recognizes the thoughts that the other wishes to convey.
This explains why people who are in love with each other seem to communicate effortless without
words. The mere act of “holding hands” conveys a powerful message between lovers, as it is
through this act that they can express their affection toward each other.

How does human nature enable us to explore our limits?

Do you know your limitations? 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 still imposes limitations. It is true that the human person enjoys a number of advantages
compared to other beings (like animals and other creatures), but there are still a number of things
that humans naturally cannot do.
It can be said that the person is a very biologically deficient being. This means that we are
not equipped with the best physical attributes among all the beings in the world. Even though we
are greater being than animals, there are some activities that we cannot do. For example, we
cannot fly with our bare hands. We cannot also breathe underwater without the aid of a breathing
apparatus. Compared to other animals, we have limited capabilities with regard to strength, speed
and the use of our senses.

Transcendence

Despite these natural limitations of human person, we have used our intellect to devise
means to achieve several feats. We now use airplanes to fly, employ scuba gear to swim
underwater for extended periods and invented tools and machines to lift great weights and perform
other feats well beyond our physical capabilities. The ability to surpass limits by a human person is
called transcendence and it is also one important trait that distinguishes the human person from
other beings in existence. If we wanted to become better at something or to learn something new
we can do it using the process of transcendence. Our mind is an important tool that allows us to go
beyond many of our physical limits. As persons, we are able to exercise our imagination and
reflection to go beyond our own thoughts and experiences. Although we have physical limitations,
we can transcend them because of our spiritual dimension. Being physically limited in our abilities
does not prevent us from hoping for or aspiring to greater things.

It must also be understood that as human persons, we have natural tendencies or

inclinations. Some of these are felt bodily functions and they are experienced as a person goes
through life. The feeling of hunger reminds us that the body needs food and nourishment. The
feeling of fatigue is a reminder that the body has limits and needs to rest and recover.
Transcendence also 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. A person who has no control over his or her
eating habit eventually becomes unhealthy and develops an eating disorder; a person who allows
the pleasures of dangerous drugs to rule over him becomes a drug addict.

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 EXPLORE

Activity 1: A Human Person

Directions: Inside the figure, write something that relates to a human person. You can write as
many as you can.

Answer the following questions:

1. Can you see those nature or traits from other beings?

2. From the words that you had listed, what makes human person differ from other
being?

Activity 2: Graphic Organizer

Directions: Complete the table below by writing a situation/s that proves that human person have
self-awareness, self-determination, externality and dignity.
A PERSON...

has self-awareness

has self-determination

is able to reach out and interact with others

has dignity

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Answer the following questions:

1. Why are these human characteristics inherent to a human being?

2. Can you still consider a man as human person if he/she do not possesses one of
these traits? Explain your answer.

Activity 3: Knowing My Limitations

Directions: Complete the table below by writing the things you can do and the things you cannot
do.

I can … I cannot …

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

Answer the following questions:

1. What does the table shows?

2. What enable you to do the things you identified in the first column?

FIRM UP

Activity 4: Growing Older

Directions: Enumerate the activities you can do based from the age bracket below.

16
0-5 .

6-10 .

11-15 .
and
above

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Answer the following questions:

1. What are the changes that had happened to a human person which was shown in the
activity?
2. How are we different from other beings with regards to physical and mental
development?

Activity 5: Checklist

Directions: Analyze the following human activities. Check the activities you can do or you can
make better development.

_____ 1. Playing golf

_____ 2. Holding your breath underwater for 60 seconds
_____ 3. Be a computer wizard
_____ 4. Eat 3 cups of rice
_____ 5 Solve difficult mathematical problems
_____ 6. Drink 5 liters of water in a one day
_____ 7. Do not have any illness or sickness
_____ 8. Solve your own problems
_____ 9. Play basketball or volleyball for three consecutive days
_____ 10. Singing while studying

Answer the following questions:

1. What is the activity that you consider as the most difficult to do? Why?
2. Do you believe that someday, you can do it? How?

DEEPEN

Activity 6: Let’s draw

Directions: In a short bond paper, draw your ideal house using your non-dominant hand.
Follow the instruction honestly.

Answer the following questions:

1. What did you feel while you are drawing your ideal house?
2. Can you make a better picture next time you draw it again? How did you say so?

Activity 7: A Better Me

Directions: Complete the chart by writing the limitations you are experiencing right now in the
first column. Next column, you will write your action plan for transcendence.

MY LIMITATIONS PLANS TOWARD TRANSCENDENCE

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 TRANSFER

Activity 8: Essay

Directions: Answer the question below.

What makes us a human person and how transcendence helps us to become a better person?

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Abella, R.D, Div, M.,Min, D. (2016). Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person Textbook.
Quezon City: C & E Publishing Inc.

Department of Education. (June 2016). Retrieved from

https://www.depedrovcatanduanes.com/files/11-Intro-to-Philo-AS-v1.0.pdf

ColoringSky. Retrieved from https://www.coloringsky.com/human-body-outline-drawing-coloring-

pages/

23
 GRADE 11 – INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
Lesson Exemplar No. 4
Content:
Human Person In Their Environment
Content Standard: Performance Standard:
The learner understands the interplay The learner is able to demonstrate the virtues of
between humans and their environment prudence and frugality towards his/her environment

Topics: Learning Competencies:

8. Meaning of environment
9. Person’s relationship with the
environment
10. Development of Ethical Views
Regarding the Environment
11. The virtues of prudence and
frugality towards environments
a. Notice things that are not in their proper place
and organize them in an aesthetic way
(PPT11/12-Ii-4.2)
b. Show that care for the environment
contributes to health, well-being and
sustainable development (PPT11/12-Ij-4.3)
c. Demonstrate the virtues of prudence and
frugality towards environments (PPT11/12-Ij-
4.4)

INTRODUCTION

A pleasant day to everyone! Our discussion for this week is all about the relationship of
human person to his/her environment. We all know that we are living in our environment. But the
question is “Do we know how to be with our environment?” or “The proper treatment of human
person to their environment?” As human, we should know how to take care of our environment.

As we can see, our environments need a good caretakers so that it can also survive like
the entire humanity.

Definition of Environment

Environment is a place where different things are such as a swampy or hot environment.
It can be living (biotic) or non-living (abiotic) things. It includes physical, chemical and other natural
forces. Living things live in their environment. They constantly interact with it and adapt themselves
to conditions in their environment. In the environment there are different interactions between
animals, plants, soil, water, and other living and non-living things.

To compare it with nature, the latter talks about the natural resources and things such as
mountains, rivers, trees, etc. that we can see in our surroundings.

Person’s Relationship with their Environment

Philosophy seeks to explore the relationship between humanity and the environment.
Environmental philosophy or environmental ethics is the discipline in philosophy that studies
the moral relationship of human beings with the environment and its non-human contents.
Environmental philosophers tackle issues such as humanity’s role in the natural world, the
interaction between nature and human activities and humanity’s response to environmental
challenges.

Philosophers believe that the person has a special relationship with nature. Unlike other
organisms that are merely part of ecosystems and exist to perform certain biological roles, the
person has the ability to change the environment to suit his or her purposes. For example, man

24
can transform forests to farmlands; mountains were mined for minerals and metals; rivers and lakes
were converted to yield more resources for mankind.

This is also one important thing that man should always consider, to transform our
environment to become better and not to have destruction. Because disorder can arise to several
problems and challenges for humankind. As a rational being, the person is not only capable of
transforming the world, but also of understanding the laws which govern nature. A person may also
view the environment as something that envelopes and surrounds him or her and thus key have a
special and unique relationship with it. Like in arts, our environment must be designed carefully so
that it can reveal its true beauty.

Major views regarding the Relationship between Humanity and the Environment

Anthropocentrism

The view that focuses on the significant role of humankind in the world and considers nature
as the means by which humans are able to meet their needs and survive. The view believes that
humans are the most important species on the planet and they are free to transform nature and
use its resources. Building infrastructures in different places is one of its evidences.

Biocentrism

On the other hand, this view believes that humans are not the only significant species on
the planet and that all organisms have inherent value and should be protected. Many laws
nowadays were passed just to protect animals as well as plants.

Ecocentrism

This view believes that humankind is part of greater biological system or community and
that we have a significant role as stewards or guardians of nature. This view also promote the idea
that order and balance in nature brings about stability and beauty. Even in the world’s creation,
humans are assigned to be the caretaker of his or her surroundings.

Environmental Aesthetics

It is a philosophical view that believes maintaining order in the environment will bring out
the natural beauty of the surroundings and contribute to the well-being of the people and other
organisms living in it. Because of this view, we are challenged to put everything in order to maintain
the beauty and safety of our environment.

Environmentalism

This perspective advocates to address the growing environmental problems. Philosophy

has significant role in the development of environmental awareness and action. This is also a view
that tries to solve environmental challenges specially in our generation.

Environmental Ethics

This is a moral approach that analyzes the relationship of between humans and the
environment. It also discusses environment problems caused by human activities and social issues
that impact our environment. This will help humans to understand how they will deal with their
environment.

Environmental ethics developed varied views:

Social Ecology

Applies an ecological and ethical approach in analyzing society and sees a relationship
between social problems and environmental problems. It states that society should implement
changes to address issues regarding environment.

25
Environmental Justice

Which refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits, as well as the burden of
meeting environmental challenges. Advocates of environmental justice emphasize equity and the
meaningful involvement of communities and governments in addressing environmental challenges
and in planning and implementing environmental policies.

Environmental Aesthetics

It began in twentieth century concerned primarily with natural beauty in the context of
maintaining order and balance in the environment. For its adherents, knowledge about nature will
not only enable humans to appreciate nature’s innate beauty but will also help them relate more
effectively with the environment.

Regarding environmentalism, one of its major concepts is sustainability or sustainable

development. This concept focuses on reconciling human activities and economic development
with the protection of the environment. One of the major ideas of sustainability is that we must make
wise decisions regarding the use of natural resources to ensure that there is still enough left for
future use.

Sustainability relies on Three Important Principles:

Environmental Integrity

It refers to maintaining the state of environment. This means that human activities should
not unduly disrupt the ecosystems and human communities in the area. Care should be taken that
the surrounding landscape is not drastically impacted by human activities.

Economic Efficiency

Refers to prudence in decision-making regarding the use of resources to ensure that there
is a minimum to zero waste.

Equity

It demands that we use our natural resources in such a manner that these are conserved
so that the next generation will be able to use them.

Virtue of Prudence and Frugality

Prudence is the ability to regulate one’s actions and behavior while frugality is being thrifty
with the use of one’s resources. Both virtues must be used as a tool in preserving the natural beauty
of our environment. Like for example, a simple way of turning of the lights when no in used, putting
trash in their trash bin, using glass of water while brushing your teeth. These acts shows that a
person is applying the virtue of prudence and frugality and it surely give a good impact to our
environment.

EXPLORE

Activity 1: My Ideal Environment

Directions: Draw your ideal environment where you want to live and answer the questions below

26
Questions:

1. Describe environment that you have drawn.

2. Can you have this kind of environment?

Activity 2: Let’s Talk

Directions: Conduct an interview with the oldest person in your family. Be guided by the
following questions:

1. What are the things that you can remember in your environment when you were my
age?
2. What are the things that you like doing when you were young?
3. What are the positive and negative changes in the environment?

Activity 3: My Insight

Directions: Answer the following questions using the ideas from your previous interview.

1. What I’ve learned from the person I’ve interviewed?

2. How do I feel about the things that I learned?
3. Will this knowledge gained from the interview help me in understanding the role of the
environment in my development as a person?

FIRM UP

Activity 4: 4 Pics One Word

Directions: Guess the word below by knowing the similarities of the four pictures below.

___ i ___ ___ r ___ e ___

27
Answer the following questions:

1. What is the word you got from the activity?

2. Is it happening in our environment nowadays?

Activity 5: Let’s Investigate

Directions: List down all the disordered things and places inside your house and even in your
backyard.

Disorder in the Environment

1. 6.

2. 7.

3. 8.

4. 9.

5. 10.

Answer the following questions:

1. Did you recognize easily the disordered things and places in your house? How?
2. What are the impacts of these disorders to you and to your family?

DEEPEN

Activity 6: Dear Future Generation

Directions: Watch the video entitled Dear Future Generation, Sorry. An Earth Day Apology by
Prince Ea. Use this link https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dear+future+generations

Dear Future Generation, Sorry

28
Answer the following questions:

1. What is the video clip all about?

2. What did you learn from the video clip?

Activity 7: Government Laws to Protect Environment

Directions: List down all the laws you know protecting our environment. Please indicate the title
of the law and a short definition of the law.

Laws Protecting our Environment Purpose

1. What do you think is/are the reason/s why the government implemented those laws?
2. Can we still save and protect our environment? How?

TRANSFER

Activity 8: A Responsible Person to My Environment

Directions: Complete the chart below by writing all the activities you do every day where you can
apply the virtue of prudence and frugality.

Virtue of prudence and frugality in my actions

1. 6.

2. 7.

3. 8.

4. 9.

5. 10.

Activity 9: My Tribute to Our Environment

Directions: Make a short vlog showing how people conserve and preserve our environment. You
can use the virtue of prudence and frugality in your short video presentation. A softcopy should be
submitted on the agreed schedule.

29
 BIBLIOGRAPHY

Abella, R.D, Div, M.,Min, D. (2016). Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Textbook. Quezon City: C & E Publishing Inc.

Department of Education. (June 2016). Retrieved from

https://www.depedrovcatanduanes.com/files/11-Intro-to-Philo-AS-v1.0.pdf

Simple English Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Environment

World Health Organization (WHO). Retrieved from
https://www.who.int/features/factfiles/environmental-disease-burden/en/
Human Diseases and Conditions. Retrieved from http://www.humanillnesses.com/original/E-
Ga/Environmental-Diseases.html
Lazaro, Ramon Efren R.,. abrenian.com. Retrieved from
https://news.abrenian.com/2013/11/11/slash-and-burn-farming-can-be-avoided-by-
applying-certain-farm-technologies/

30