INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

3RD Quarter Week 2 Learning Activity Sheet

Name: _______________________________________________ Date: ____________________________

Section: _____________________________________________
Lesson 3: The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit

What is in?

Limitations of the Human Person

Embodied Spirit, pertains to the biological body of a human person that symbolizes his/her identify. So
much so that when we asked the question “who is he/she?” the answer is in reference to the human body. The
physical appearance of a person is what makes a person limited. Human persons cannot breathe underwater
without the aid of breathing device. Human persons do not have the natural ability to fly. Moreover, the human
body makes us temporal beings meaning we are affected by the past, the present and the future. Our body is
limited on the now brought about by the past (what you are right now is who you are).

Limitations can lead to Possibilities

However the human person is not only composed of a body, a human person is an embodied spirit.
Although the human body is limited by the past and the present, the human person can go beyond and see
possibilities the future. As an embodied spirit, it provides us numerous opportunities to explore everything around
us and even within us. The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit has the ability to surpass limits is called
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.
We can transcend limitations because of our spiritual dimensions. Being physically limited in our abilities
does not prevent us from hoping for or aspiring to greater things. 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 (“who we are right now” does not
mean “who we will be tomorrow”)

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

Activity 1: DIRECTIONS: Complete the chart by rewriting your present limitations with reference to your answers in
the previous activities. Make an action plan towards transcendence.

MY LIMITATIONS PLAN TOWARDS TRANSCENDENCE

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
Activity 2: ESSAY: Answer the following questions.
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?