

 The human person is an embodied spirit, distinct from plants, animals, and other living
things.
 Rationality is the essential characteristic that sets humans apart from other beings.
 The human being comprises two important components: a body and a soul.
 The body and soul are inseparable, forming a union known as an embodied spirit.
 The concept of an embodied spirit does not refer to the materialization of a spirit, but rather
the unity of body and soul.
 Plato and Aristotle provide different perspectives on the nature of the human person.
 Plato believes the soul is separate from the body and survives death, while Aristotle sees the
soul as the principle of life that animates the body.
 René Descartes emphasizes the existence of the soul as more distinct and certain than the
body.
 Our limitations as human beings include spatial-temporal constraints and biases in
understanding.
 We are limited by our bodies in terms of communication and expression.
 Transcending limitations involves recognizing our freedom to define ourselves and
maximizing our possibilities.
 Facticity, the given circumstances of our lives, should not define our worth or limit our
potential.
 Appreciating the present moment, focusing on personal growth, and nurturing relationships
are key to a fulfilling life.
 Responsibility, patience, sensitivity, and creativity in communication contribute to meaningful
connections.
 Ultimately, the love of God endures beyond the fading aspects of life.

Plato's View:

- Plato believed that the human person is just a soul using a body.

- He described three parts of the soul: rational, spiritual, and appetitive.

- Plato viewed the body and soul as separate entities, with the soul being immortal.

Aristotle's View:

- Aristotle reacted to Plato's view and proposed that the soul and body are inseparable.

- The soul, as the principle of life, animates the body.

- Aristotle categorized different types of souls: vegetative, sensitive, and rational.

Descartes' Perspective:

- Descartes emphasized the distinction between the mind (soul) and the body.

- He argued that the existence of the soul is more certain than the existence of the body.

- The problem of how the soul is related to the body remains unanswered by Descartes.

Limitations and Transcendence:

- As embodied beings, we have limitations imposed by our bodies and spatial-temporal nature.

- Our understanding is limited by our biases and inability to fully experience others' perspectives.

- However, we can transcend limitations by recognizing our freedom to define ourselves.

Transcending Facticity:

- Facticity refers to the given circumstances or conditions in which we are born.

- We should not let our circumstances define us but strive to maximize our possibilities.

- Appreciating the present moment and looking towards the future help us transcend facticity.

Living a Meaningful Life:

- Blaise Pascal stated that the future alone is our goal, and we should not dwell solely on the past
and present.

- Cherish relationships, be responsible, patient, and sensitive in interactions with others.

- Remember that the love of God is eternal, so focus on nurturing spiritual connections.

 Plato identified three parts of the soul: the rational, the spirited, and the appetitive. The
rational soul resides in the head, the spirited soul in the chest, and the appetitive soul
governs desires and urges.
 Aristotle defined the soul as the principle of life. He categorized souls into three types:
vegetative (found in plants), sensitive (found in animals), and rational (unique to humans).
 Descartes focused on the thinking self, considering the soul as a distinct and clear existence,
more certain than the body.
 Spatial and temporal limitations: As embodied beings, we are limited by our physical
presence and cannot be in multiple places simultaneously.
 Cognitive limitations: We have biases and subjective perspectives, making it challenging to
fully understand the experiences of others.
 Communication limitations: Our bodies serve as intermediaries for communication, which
can restrict our ability to express thoughts and feelings accurately.
 Facticity limitations: Our given circumstances and past experiences can impose limitations on
our opportunities and possibilities.
 Mortality limitation: Being mortal means that our time on Earth is limited, and our bodies will
eventually cease to exist.