BICOL COLLEGE

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Cor. J. P. Rizal & R.F. TabuenaSts.
Daraga, Albay, Philippines 4501

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL (CORE)

1ST SEMESTER QUARTER 1

SELF LEARNING MODULE

Introduction to the
Philosophy of the Human
Person

Module 3
The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit Name:

____________________ Strand & Section: ___________

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 3: The Human Person as an Embodied
Spirit First Edition, 2020
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OVERVIEW
Good day learners! Congratulations on making it this far in Introduction to the Philosophy
of the Human Person. We continue now with the next topic at hand, the Freedom of the Human
Person. In this module, we will explore the concept of freedom and the different aspects
connected to it. Further, we will examine different situations in our life wherein the importance of
our choices is emphasized. Afterwards, we will test how far you have understood the lesson
through short tests as well as reflective activities.

Specifically, this module consists of the following lessons:

● Lesson 1: Human Person as an Embodied Spirit

 GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
For the teacher:
To facilitate and ensure the
students’ learning from this
module, you are encouraged
For the learners: to do the following (you may
To be guided in achieving the edit this part):
objectives of this module, do 1. Clearly communicate
the following: learning competencies
and objectives
1. Read and follow 2. Motivate through
instructions carefully. applications and
2. Write all your ANSWERS connections to real life.
in your PHILOSOPHY 3. Give applications
ACTIVITY NOTEBOOK. of the theory
3. Answer the pretest 4. Discuss worked
before going through the out examples
lessons. 5. Give time for
4. Take note and record hands-on unguided
points for classroom work and
clarification. discovery
5. Compare your answers 6. Use formative
against the key to assessment to give
answers found at the end feedback
of the module. 7. Introduce
6. Do the activities and extensions or
fully understand each generalizations of
lesson. concepts
7. Answer the self-check to 8. Engage in
monitor what you learned reflection questions
in each lesson. 9. Encourage
8. Answer the posttest after analysis through
you have gone over all
higher order thinking
the lessons.

Lesson The Human Person as an

Embodied Spirit
3
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”?

WHAT I NEED TO KNOW?

Let’s Do This!

1. Describe the taste of water?

2. Describe the color blue to a blind person?

3. How will you describe how wonderful the world is to a blind person?

4. Now, try this, from the tip of your elbow try to reach your chin.

So what now? What does the exercise tell us? It is difficult. Why? What if you don’t have a
body? THE HUMAN PERSON HAS LIMITS.

WHAT ARE MY GOALS?

By the end of this lesson, you are expected to:

1. Recognize one’s limitations and possibilities

2. Evaluate one’s limitations and the possibilities for their transcendence 3.
Recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities for transcendence 4.
Distinguish the limitations and possibilities for transcendence.

WHAT I KNOW?
Before we start with the module, let us check what you already know about this
course by answering this!

LOOK A PAIR! AND SHARE! Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper or in your
notebook and share it to your pair. Identify the category of limitation.
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. Words limit our communication with each other.
5. We cannot be in two places at the same time.
6. We cannot change our past decisions.
7. We face certain death in the future.
8. We are bound by space and time.
9. We cannot choose our race, age, and birthdate.

WHAT’S IN IT?

Lesson 3.1.
Human body imposes limits and possibilities for transcendence

Human Composition of Man:

What are the difference of the following terms?
a. Man
b. Person
c. Human Nature
c. Limitations of Human Person as an Embodied Spirit
d. Facticity
e. Spatial-Temporal Being
f. The Body as Intermediary

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.
Try saying these!

● I am a person.
● I am alive.
● I exist.
● I am here. I am present.
● I am living at this very moment.

Let’s examine!

● Little Jose is playing in the living room while his mom is in the kitchen. He accidentally
bumps into a table, causing a vase to fall. Upon hearing, his mom went to the living
room and saw him, standing near the broken vase. She asked, “Did you break the
vase?” What do you think Jose‘s answer will be?

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.

Human persons cannot breathe

underwater without the aid of
breathing device.

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.

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?

NOW, FUTURE, PAST

Why do we hold on or
lament on something
which is no longer?
 It is the people closest to us
that we most often
neglect.
The Body as Intermediary

Intermediary means acting as a mediator. (Merriam-Webster). Having a body may

prevent us from revealing what we really want to express.

How do we communicate with each other? WORDS.

But can words really capture the things we want to express? But this limitation can
also be an advantage...

In most cases, words are not enough. EXAMPLE: Magbabago Na Ako Promise!!!, Mahal
na mahal kita, magdidiet na ako, di ko na uulitin.

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED?

ACTIVITY 3.1.1: One’s Limitations and Possibilities

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

WHAT CAN I DO?

ACTIVITY 3.1.2: One’s Limitations and
Possibilities

DIRECTIONS: Answer the following questions in your notebook.

 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?

Let’s check your learning’s? If so,

then you must be identifying
different limitations!

WHAT’S NEW?
LESSON 3.2: Limitations and Possibilities for Transcendence

Many people admire Mark Zuckerberg being a

co-founder and CEO of the social-networking website
Facebook,
which he started in his college dorm room at Harvard
University. He’s one of the world’s youngest billionaires.
in this generation.

● Like Mark, all people have dreams that they

want to fulfill.
If you were finally able to meet your dreams, how would
you feel?

● Do you think your perspective in life will change?

Let us find out the answers in this lesson!

The previous example talks about transcendence or a state of “existence above and
beyond the limits of material experience.”

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.

WHAT CAN I DO?

ACTIVITY 3.2: Limitations and Possibilities for
Transcendence

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

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED?

Discover and try it on the following questions and answer them briefly on your activity
notebook.

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?

You are
finally done with Lesson 3!

ASSESSMENT
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 c. Transformation
b. Transcendence d. Transgression
2. What does the term scandare mean?
a. “to exist” c. “to climb”
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 and 2 c.
Statement 1 d. Statement 2

Congratulations!

You have completed your journey in

this module.

You did great job!

It’s now time to go on the next

 adventure…

Goodluck!

REFERENCES
1. https://www.slideshare.net/kazekage15/the-human-person-as-an-embodied
spirit-limitations-and-transcendence
2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/41547202_What_Does_it_Mean_to
_Live_a_Fully_Embodied_Spiritual_Life
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man
4. https://padlet.com/cscjmnz/JimenezxJarilla
5. https://www.slideshare.net/LjJugo/human-person-as-embodied
spirit?qid=bbd9211d-d5d2-4e03-b8c6-
cd5579dd49e0&v=&b=&from_search=2
6. https://www.slideshare.net/mayoyoon/human-person-as-an-embodied
spiritdocx?qid=b1515286-d7cc-48f8-af96-
80e9bdfb32e6&v=&b=&from_search=3

7. https://www.slideshare.net/jeromecastelo/the-human-person-as-an
embodied-spirit-152689721?qid=b1515286-d7cc-48f8-af96-
80e9bdfb32e6&v=&b=&from_search=6
8. https://www.slideshare.net/kazekage15/the-human-person-as-an-embodied
spirit-limitations-and-transcendence?qid=b1515286-d7cc-48f8-af96-
80e9bdfb32e6&v=&b=&from_search=1
9. https://www.slideshare.net/PrmSalsag/the-body-as-limitation-and
transcendence
10.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QntjdDLcTrw
11.https://www.slideshare.net/jomarienel/lesson-3-the-human-as-an-embodied
spirit?next_slideshow=1
12.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lEojQSVMIZo
13.https://depedrovcatanduanes.com/files/11-Intro-to-Philo-AS-v1.0.pdf
14.https://www.slideshare.net/charinacastillano123/human-asanembodiedspiri
t 15.https://padlet.com/pasamontem/philoperftask
16.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBTnhWE

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