Week 3

What I need to know?

Lesson 3: The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit

Content: The learner understands the human person as an embodied spirit
Performance Standards: The learner distinguishes his/her own limitations and the
possibilities for his/her transcendence
Learning Outcome: By the end of this lesson, you are expected to:
1. Recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities
2. Evaluate own limitations and the possibilities for their transcendence demonstrate
the

What is new?
One of the leading subjects in the course Introduction to the Philosophy of the
Human Person is the idea that the human person is an embodied spirit. So, what do we
exactly mean by “embodied spirit”?
Before we continue, let us check your knowledge about the topic by answering the pre-
test below.
PRE-TEST. Directions: Read each item carefully and choose the letter of the correct
answer. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper or in your notebook.

1. What do you call the state of being or existence above and beyond the limits
of material experience?
A. Transition
B. Transcendence
C. Transformation
D. Transgression

2. What is Spatial-temporal being?

A. Spatial-temporal being is limited by our bodies to be present in two or more places at the
same time.
B. Spatial-temporal being is a feeling of being freeman that can do everything he/she can
do.
C. Spatial-temporal being is being unlimited by space and the time and sets our
preconditions of understanding.
D. Spatial-temporal being is a psychological state of looking good at oneself in times of
hardship.
3. Which of the following statement is correct?
A. Human nature defines as the nature of humans especially the fundamental
characters of psychological state of mind
B. Human nature defines as the nature of humans especially the aspect of body and
mind and how it works.
C. Human nature defines as the nature of humans especially the fundamental
characters and traits of humans
D. Human nature defines as the nature of humans especially the fundamental
characters of instinct used by humans in decision making.

4. It refers to the person having a clear perception of oneself, including his thoughts,
emotions, identity and actions.
A. Self-Absorbed
B. Self-Intuition
C. Self-Determination
D. Self-Awareness

5. It refers to the innate right to be valued and respected.

A. Dignity
B. Respect
C. Self-Proclaimed
D. Authority

6. Which of the following statement is correct?

A. Personhood refers to development of one’s body.
B. Personhood refers to the state of being a person.
C. Personhood refers to understanding humans and its necessities
D. Personhood refers to coping up with challenges and resiliency.

7. What are the examples of bodily limitations?

A. Psychological disorder
B. Physically challenge individual
C. Mentally challenge individual
D. All of the above

8. Which of the following can be remember when someone is going beyond one’s own
limitations?
A. The body and mind might not be connected.
B. Challenges are learning opportunity
C. Fear might be a hindrance to your goal
D. Thinking outside the box might be risky
9. Why do some people fail to experience transcendence?
A. They have a feeling that it will not occur.
B. They are not meant to experience it.
C. They are not hardworking.
D. They have a goal that is too challenging for them to achieve.

10. It refers to man as species and also used to differentiate man from other animals.
A. Race
B. Ethnicity
C. Human
D. Nation

What is it?

Lesson 3.1: Recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities

Learning Task 3.1.

Direction: Please respond to the following questions by placing a check mark (√) in the
answer box that corresponds to your answer.

Statement Yes No
1. We have a limited life span.
2. We cannot choose our biological family
3. We cannot teleport instantly to another location in an
instant.
4. We are bound by space and time.
5. We cannot change our past decisions
6. Words limit our communication with each other
7. We cannot choose our race, age, and birthdate.
8. We face certain death in the future
9. We cannot be in two places at the same time.
10. We face uncertainty in our life.

HUMAN COMPOSITION OF MAN

MAN (from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) The English term “man” is derived
from a Proto-Indo European root *man - (see Sanskrit/Avestan Manu-, Slavic mǫž
"man, male"). It is the general term commonly used to refer to the entire human race.
Other related terms, humanity, mankind, and humankind.
 HUMAN refers to man as species – HOMO SAPIENS or MODERN HUMAN
BEINGS. The term human being is also used to differentiate man from other animals.

PERSON is the personality of a human being so called “SELF”. Refers to a

human being granted recognition of certain rights, protection, responsibilities and
dignity above all. Philosopher refers to the human person as the totality of an individual,
possessing awareness, self-determination and capacity to interact with others and with
himself/herself. Personhood refers to the state of being a person.

HUMAN NATURE defines as the nature of humans especially the fundamental

characters and traits of humans. It refers to the characteristics that distinguish humans
from all other creatures. These traits are expected to arise independent of the influence
of culture and society. EXAMPLES: THINKING, FEELING AND ACTING.

What is the human person?

Self-awareness refers to the person having a clear perception of oneself,

including his thoughts, emotions, identity and actions.

Self-determination refers to the capability of persons to make choices and

decisions based on their own preferences, monitor and regulate their actions, and be
goal-oriental and self-directed.

Consequence is the result or effect of an action or condition. Philosophers

believe that a person acts freely and with due regard for the consequences of his
actions.

Externality refers to the capability of a person to reach out and interact with
others and the world.
 Dignity refers to the innate right to be valued and respected. Philosophers
consider all humans as having an inherent worth or value. “You’re worthless!” is an
insult since it attacks the very notion of a person having value or worth.

Limitations of the Human Person

Human persons are naturally deficient
beings. This means that we are not prepared
with the best physical aspects among all the
beings Human persons do not have the natural
ability to fly.

https://www.slideshare.net/AllanBasuga/t he-
human-person-as-an-embodied-spirit160195332

Human persons cannot breathe

underwater without the aid of breathing
device.
http://www.planctondiving.cat/en/diving/

LIMITATIONS CAN LEAD TO POSSIBILITIES

Transcendence is the ability to change, be
dynamic, and continually redefining one’s self which
works with our facticity to create change.

How do limitations lead to transcendence?

Facticity refers to the things in our life that are
already given. EXAMPLE: LIFE
We are free to define who we are and who we are
to be. http://theworldbestquotes.blogspot.com/
2016/07/if-you-were-born-poor-its-
notyour.html
Spatial-temporal being. As temporal beings, our most obvious limitation is our finitude
- our finite quality or state. For
example, Walang forever, pero meron
talaga. As spatial beings, we are
limited by our bodies to be present in
two or more places at the same time.
We are limited by space (spatial) and
the time (temporal). Our spatial-
temporal situation sets our
preconditions of understanding.

Why do we want to be in a hurry to

achieve or have something which is
not yet? It is the people closest to us
that we most often neglect.

Lesson 3.2. Evaluate own limitations and the possibilities for their transcendence

Transcendence originated from the words Trans, meaning “go beyond”, and
scandare, meaning “climb”.
In the example, fulfilling a dream requires transcendence because it opens a
state of thinking and feeling that there is something more in life than just physical and
material things. Much like Abraham Maslow’s self-actualization concepts,
transcendence is a state of being intrinsically satisfied with life regardless of physical
and tangible factors.

LIMITATIONS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR TRANSCENDENCE

Here are some limitations and possibilities for transcendence:
- may not occur to everyone
- does not come at a specified period
- varies across all people
- may coincide with physical limitations of the body
- developing a positive outlook in life
- working towards reaching a goal
- learning from experience
POSSIBILITIES FOR TRANSCENDENCE
It is also important to know that transcendence may be applied to present worries
by living in the present. This means that life is lived from moment to moment in a
carefree and cheerful manner where concerns for stress are reserved for the future,
and regrets or guilt feelings are kept in the past.

THE HUMAN BODY IN IMPOSING LIMITS AND POSSIBILITIES

From a biological and physical standpoint, it can be recognized that the human
body, although it can perform many functions, also has limitations. Limits in the
environment, demographics, and society may also hinder a person from reaching
transcendence.
Here are some examples:
BODILY LIMITATIONS
- mental and emotional disorders (e.g. anxiety, intellectual disability)
- disabilities (e.g. amputated leg, deafness)
- disease and illnesses (e.g. hypertension, cough)
- failures and experiences (e.g. failing a subject)
SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITATIONS
- socioeconomic status
- location of neighborhood (e.g. armed, disorganized, or violent neighborhood)
- abusive relationships (e.g. emotional abuse)
- negative influences (e.g. drug use)

OVERCOMING LIMITATIONS - Bodily limits can be tested by trying on new

experiences and working on challenges with increasing levels of difficulty. The human
body, if given enough exposure to any situation, can attain a goal with efficiency. Social
and environmental limitations are more difficult to overcome than bodily limitations
because they involve the influence of other people and the external world. However,
with a proper mindset, clearly defined goals, and motivation to rise above challenges,
one may successfully overcome his or her limitations.

RECOGNIZE AND EVALUATE OWN LIMITATIONS AND POSSIBILITIES FOR

TRANSCENDENCE
Even though you are still young, you are not prevented from further understanding
yourself. Transcendence is even more possible when you begin to understand that you
can go beyond your limitations if you set your mind on your goals.

SOME POINT TO REMEMBER WHEN GOING BEYOND YOUR LIMITS

- you are connected to the external or eternal world
- challenges are learning opportunities
- your goal is more important than your fears
- think outside the box
- recognize that everyone has fears

TIPS
The terms “transcendent” and transcendental” should not be used interchangeably.
According to Immanuel Kant, “transcendent” is a term used to refer to God, while
“transcendental” refers to all other matter. While transcendence may not occur for
everyone, all people have the capacity to experience it regardless of any
sociodemographic, biological, or personal factors.
Learning Task 3.2
Direction: Complete the chart below. Make sure that you ask or consult your parents
or any adult who have witnessed your development and reflect before you write your
answer. Copy and fill out the chart in your notebook.
AGE Things that I can do Things that I cannot
do

0–3

4–7

8 – 11

12 – 15

16 up

Learning Task 3.3

Direction: Answer the following questions in your notebook or in a paper.
1. What are your limitations as a person? What are the things that you consider as
difficult or hard for you to accomplish or believe in?
2. What are your strengths? What are the possible things or status that you can reach
or achieve in the future?
3. What are the factors affecting your limitations? How about possibilities?
4. Do you see yourself improving in 5 – 10 years’ time? How can you say that you
are improving?
5. How can you go beyond your current limitations?
 What is more?
Learning Task 3.4
DIRECTIONS: Complete the chart by rewriting your present limitations with reference
to your answers in the previous activities. Make an action plan towards transcendence.
Copy the chart in your notebook.

MY LIMITATIONS PLAN TOWARDS TRANSCENDENCE

Learning Task 3.5

Discover and try it on the following questions and answer them briefly on your activity
notebook or in a paper.
1. The world continues to change quickly. Nowadays, the generation gap can easily be
seen in everyday life because of new technological advances being introduced at a
fast pace.
In your personal experience, does technological advancement limit or improve the
possibility for transcendence? Why? Why not?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

2. Look around you. Observe the environment and identify possible factors that may limit
transcendence. You may also put yourself in the position of those who experience such
limitations. Identify ways on how you may overcome those challenges.
 What do you think? Is reaching transcendence always a good thing? Why?
Why not?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

What I have learned?

Learning Task 3.6. Direction: Read each item carefully and choose the letter of the
correct answer. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

1. What do you call the state of being or existence above and beyond the limits of
material experience?
A. Transition
B. Transcendence
C. Transformation
D. Transgression

2. What does the term scandare mean?

A. “to exist”
B. “to impart”
C. “to climb”
D. “to deduce”

3. According to this philosopher, the human person is an embodied spirit. Who is he?
A. Socrates
B. Aristotle
C. Immanuel Kant
D. St. Thomas

4. Which of the following is a biological limitation for transcendence for a student

whose goal is to be a valedictorian?
A. Joining a dance troupe
B. Being absent for a week due to fever
C. Watching videos over the internet
D. Criticism from his teacher on his science project
5. Which of the following is not a possibility for transcendence?
A. Looking for help
B. Having a positive outlook
C. Working to reach a goal
D. Learning from experience

6. Magie is a poor 17-year old girl whose ultimate dream is to finish her studies. What
can she do to make her dream possible?
A. Join the school choir to lessen her stress in her studies
B. Start on organization that fights for human rights
C. Work during her free time to gain extra money for school
D. Read books on her own

7. Why do some people fail to experience transcendence?

A. They have a feeling that it will not occur.
B. They are not meant to experience it.
C. They are not hardworking.
D. They have a goal that is too challenging for them to achieve.

8. Which of the following statement is true?

1. Transcendence is for younger ages.
2. Transcendence is similar to self-actualization.
A. Statement 2
B. Both statements 1 and 2
C. Neither statement 1 nor 2
D. Statement 1

9. How does the human body play a role in transcendence?

1. The body has its limitations.
2. The body functions against transcendence.
A. Statement 2
B. Statement 1
C. Both statement 1 and 2
D. Neither statement 1 nor 2

10.Which statement about transcendence is true?

1. It only starts during old age
2. All personal limitations are clearly defined.
A. Both statement 1 and 2
B. Neither statements 1 nor 2
C. Statement 1
D. Statement 2
 Key To Correction

10. C A 5.
9. A D 4. √ 10. We face uncertainty in our life.
8. B C 3.
√ 9. We cannot be in two places at the same time.
7. D A 2.
6. B B 1. √ 8. We face certain death in the future
√ 7. We cannot choose our race, age, and birthdate.
PRETEST √ 6. Words limit our communication with each other
√ 5. We cannot change our past decisions
√ 4. We are bound by space and time.
in an instant.
10. A 10. A
9. B 9. D √ 3. We cannot teleport instantly to another location
8. A 8. D √ 2. We cannot choose our biological family
7. A 7. C √ 1. We have a limited life span.
6. C 6. B
No Yes Statement
Learning Task 3.6
Learning Task 3.1

Rubrics for Short Answer

2 3 4 5
Correct answer but Correct answer Correct answer Correct answer
not in a sentence written in a written in a written in a
sentence but no sentence with 1 sentence with 2
supporting detail supporting detail supporting details
from the text from the text

References

Introduction To the Philosophy of a Human Person by Christine Carmela R. Ramos, Ph.D.,

REX Publishing House
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1- Module 1: The Meaning and Method of Doing Philosophy First Edition,
2020 Lovella D. Tompong, Department of Education-Division of Misamis Oriental
https://www.slideshare.net/kazekage15/the-human-person-as-an-embodiedspirit-
limitations-and-transcendence