Senior

-
High School

Introduction to the
Philosophy of the
Human Person
Quarter 2 – Module 4 (Week 7 and
8)
Human Persons as Oriented
Towards Their Impending Death

Image Credit 1: Gleb Tsipursky

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 Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person for Grade 11
Quarter 2 – Module 4 (Week 7 & 8)

Human Persons as Oriented Towards Their

Impending Death
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Published by the Department of Education - CEBU CITY DIVISION

Region VII

Development Team of the Module

Complier/Contextualizer:
Edwin L. Perino, J.D., Apas National High School

Editors / Reviewers:
Alice Ganar, Public Schools District Supervisor SD 8, Officer-In-
Charge of Cebu City Senior High School
Vivian E. Emping, MT1, Apas National High School
John Paul D. Lesondato, Senior Education Program Specialist
Gerlie N. Alberio, MT1- Abellana National School

Management Team:
RHEA MAR A. ANGTUD, EdD
Schools Division Superintendent

DR. GRECIA F. BATALUNA

Chief, Curriculum Implementation Division

DR.LUIS DERASIN, Jr.

EPS- Araling Panlipunan/SHS Division Coordinator

VANESSA L. HARAYO,LLB
EPS-in-charge of LRMS

Department of Education – School Division of Cebu City, Region VII

Office Address: New Imus Ave., Barangay Day-as Cebu City
Telephone No: (032) 253 2559
E-mail Address: cebu.city@deped.gov.ph

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 Second Quarter
Week 4-Module 4 (Week 7 & 8)
Human Persons as Oriented Towards Their Impending Death

Content Standard : The learner understands human beings as oriented towards

their impending death.

Performance Standard : The learner writes a philosophical reflection on the meaning

of his/her own life.

Competency/Code : 1. Enumerate the objectives he/she really wants to achieve

and to define the projects he/she really wants to do in
his/her life; and,

2. Reflect on the meaning of his/her own life.

(PPT11/12-IIh-8.1) ; ( PPT11/12-IIi-8.2)

Learning Outcomes : 1. Write a Position Paper on five (5) chosen philosophies that
are personally practiced.
2. Write a Reaction Paper on life experiences with respect to
the meaning of life, suffering, and death.
3. Create a Placemat woven with paper strips of white and
assorted bright colors representing sad and happy
moments respectively.

Lessons 1. Logotherapy
2. On Suffering, Death, and Meaning of Life

Duration : Two Weeks

What I Know

MULTIPLE CHOICE: Choose the letter of the correct answer and write it on a separate
sheet of paper.

1. Who among the following sees death as not deserving of one’s worry because
when we are alive, there is no death to fear; when we die, either we are non-
existent or there is life after death.
A. Epictitus B. Phidippides C. Thales D. Epicurus

2. Physical suffering is experienced through the following physical sensations,

EXCEPT ___.
A. Discomfort B. Pain C. Hunger D. Loneliness

3. Which of the following views death as the separation of the body and the mind?
A. Zoroastrianism B. Scientology C. Buddhism D. Jainism

4. Money is a kind of good as it can buy you something. It falls under the category
of ___.
A. Noble good B. Useful good C. Pleasurable good D. Common good

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 5. Which of the following is a concept that is based on the premise that the primary
motivational force of an individual is to find a meaning in life and the belief that
humans are motivated by something called a "will to meaning," which equates to
a desire to find meaning in life.
A. Psychotherapy B. Epistemology C. Logotherapy D. Ontology

6. It is the essence of freedom which is the capacity to choose and act for oneself.
A. Imprudence C. Moral freedom
B. Intersubjectivity D. Self-determination

7. Which of the following considers happiness as an achievement and it must be gained

by living a productive and moral life?
A. Religious philosophers C. #hashtag YOLO
B. Ancient Greek philosophers D. Contemporary views

8. Human persons are beings oriented towards death. Which one explains this
statement?
A. Persons as social beings C. Persons as political beings
B. Persons as temporal beings D. Persons as sensual beings

9. If a noble good is one which is pursued for its own sake or it is good in itself, then
which of the following is true about it?
A. Love and family are its examples.
B. Money is good as it can buy you something.
C. Having a whole-body massage in your favorite spa.
D. A person befriending you for his own interests.

10. Which is an incorrect statement about mental suffering?

A. Your classmate, for failing in the test, is experiencing depression.
B. Your mother, after learning the passing of her mother, has been in grief.
C. Your brother screaming of pain when his decaying tooth was extracted by the
dentist.
D. Your neighbor is anxious that his swab test will result into a confirmed
COVID-19 positive case.

11. The following list of tenets represents basic principles of logotherapy, EXCEPT ___.
A. Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die!
B. Life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable ones.
C. Our main motivation for living is our will to find meaning in life.
D. We have freedom to find meaning in what we do, and what we experience, or
at least in the stance we take when faced with a situation of unchangeable
suffering.

12. Which of the following is not true about death?

A. Death can refer to the separation of body and spirit.
B. Death is the end of bodily functions which signals the end of person’s life.
C. Death presupposes the active functioning of the bodily parts of humans.
D. The human person as an embodied spirit, the body, being material, is bound
by the laws of time and space and is subject to growth, death, and decay, while
the spirit, being immaterial, will continue to exist even after the body has
passed.

13. Useful good can be illustrated in the following statements, EXCEPT ___.
A. Your money is used to buy for your new laptop.
B. Your busy mother finds time to mentor you on difficult lessons of the module.
C. Your neighbor for failure to timely pay his electric bills asks for connection
though he used to be aloof before.
D. You sense that your new classmate, Walei Heiya, befriends you because you
spend for her food during lunch.

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14. The quote, “Only in reflecting on the reality of death can we begin to explore and
understand the meaning of our own existence” implies that ___.
A. Death is a scary topic and people abhor the thought of talking about it.
B. The end of bodily functions results into the death of a person.
C. Death takes place when there is a separation of the mind and body.
D. Accepting the fact that we have a limited time in this world allows us to
determine the course of our life – to paint a picture of how our life will progress
and how we envision it to end.

15. Which of the following statements is incorrect?

A. If you are willing to suffer through adversities and maybe even more suffer
cheerfully, it makes the pursuit of happiness even more worthwhile.
B. The reality of death means that your existence is unique and that you will not
always get another chance to do the things you want in this life.
C. Reflecting on the reality of death enables you to think of how you can best live
a meaningful life.
D. You have the tendency to form bond with others. The human nature of
forming bond with others means that you cannot find meaning in life.

What I Need to Know

This module entitled Human Persons as Oriented Towards Their Impending Death
attempts to discuss the temporal existence of persons, that they are beings who do not
exist permanently or for eternity. Students are enjoined to reflect on the limits and
limitations of human life. This can be done by way of thinking about the reality and
experience of death. A life might be limited because of death but this does not curtail or
prevent people from living more and for being alive along with others.

Living life might involve one in pursuit of happiness. This temporality should be used to
find answers as to how persons should live life before it finally ends. It could be finding
one’s meaning and purpose in his or her life. If so, how could it be done? Is it by doing
noble deeds, foster genuine relationships with others, or engage in productive activities?

The module contains the following lesson for discussion:

Human Persons as Oriented Towards Their Impending Death

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Write a Position Paper on five (5) chosen philosophies that are

personally practiced.

2. Write a Reaction Paper on life experiences with respect to the meaning

of life, suffering, and death.

3.Create a Placemat woven with paper strips of white and assorted bright
colors representing sad and happy moments respectively.

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 Human Persons as Oriented
Lesson
Towards Their Impending
4 Death

Suffering is universal. All creation suffers

(Romans 8:22). And in our interconnected
world, we know about suffering all over
the world. If we have compassion for those
we see, we suffer with them.

We ask in desperation, “If God is good,

why do I suffer? If God is all-powerful, why
doesn’t he deliver me?” We find it difficult
to reconcile the fact of our suffering with
our faith in God.

Image Credit 2: Alamy.com (2020)

What’s In

Have you ever wondered about how nothing seems to last forever? Objects get
worn out until they can’t be used anymore, food and drinks expire, and trends become
outdated after some time. Even more, what about the cycle of being born, growing up,
getting sick, and dying? These facts point to one very important reality about human
condition: we are temporal beings or “beings oriented towards death.”
Today, nobody can deny the existence of death because death has no secrets.
However, people avoid talking about it because it is eerie and terrifying. What we cannot
understand is that no matter how prepared we are, the thought of it always sends an
eerie feeling of fear, anxiety, and isolation through our spine. It should not be allowed
to threat us or horrify us. Death should remind us that the quality of time spent in
this life matters most, and not the quantity of years.

Death according to:

a) Buddhism views death as the separation of the body and the mind. During
this separation, there is a sequence of experience, more suitably described as
“visions” which appear when the experience of the various physical senses
diminishes and dissolves.
b) The Greeks see death as not deserving of one’s worry. For Epicurus, there is
no need to fear death because when we are alive, there is no death to fear;
when we die, either we are non-existent or there is life after death. For
Epictitus, the attitude a dying person should assume is that he or she is not
losing life but returning to God. Stoics (adherents of Stoicism) explain that
fear of death results from too much attachment to the world, as attachment
enslaves persons, to the extent that they refuse to give up things they do not
own.

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 c) The Christians view death not only as the end of earthly existence but also
the beginning of a new life, a spiritual one.

The very thought of death and the mystery surrounding it certainly cause a lot of
grief and anxiety to a person, but it is an essential element in the human condition
which definitely deserves attention. Only in reflecting on the reality of death can we
begin to explore and understand the meaning of our own existence.

Now, recall what has happened in your life lately. What moments brought you
great joy? What filled you with pain and sadness?

Activity 1: TRUE OR FALSE

Instructions: Write T if the statement is true, and F if it is false. Write your answers
on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Only in reflecting on the reality of death can we begin to explore and understand the
meaning of our own existence.

2. The Stoics explain that fear of death results from too much attachment to the world

3. For Epicurus, the attitude a dying person should assume is that he or she is not
losing life but returning to God.

4. Buddhism views death as not only as the end of earthly existence but also the
beginning of a new life, a spiritual one.

5. The quality of time spent in this life matters most, and not the quantity of years.

6. Humans are temporal beings or beings who are not bound by the laws of decay or
decomposition.

7. The cycle of being born, growing up, getting sick, and dying speaks of the temporal
nature of humans and that their time on earth is limited.

8. A meaningful life is not about accumulation of things, treasures, achievements, and

accolades, rather, a meaningful life is a life with others and a life for others.

9. The dialectical relation between life and death highlights the necessity and
significance of death to life and life to death, that is, life is unintelligible without death
as the thinking about life is made possible only through thinking about death.

10. The writer of the book of Ecclesiastes puts the reality of human life poetically: For
everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be
born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.

Activity 2: WEAVING PAPER STRIPS TO MAKE A PLACEMAT

Instructions: Prepare one sheet of white paper, cut it into ten strips, and write your
sad experiences on each strip. Prepare a lightly colored strip of paper (construction
paper), cut it into ten strips, and write ten happy experiences. Then, weave the strips
like a mat. Process the questions on the box beside the sample placemat below. Each
number is worth five (5) points based on the substance of your ideas of three (3) points,
and the relevance of your thoughts to life situations of two (2) points. Use a separate
sheet of paper for your answers.

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Sample placemat
As you look at your work of art, think of
how events in your life-both happy and
sad, molded you into who you are now.
1.After weaving strips altogether like a
mat, did those happy and sad moments
help you become a better person?
2. Did they encourage you to live a more
meaningful life?
Now, remove some of the colored
strips.
3. Do your remaining strips still make a
beautiful mat?
4. What does this say about the meaning
of life?
Image Credit 3: Sehwag International School (2020)

What’s New

What is your view about physical or mental suffering? Do all people have the
tendency to suffer? Is it part of our existence? With suffering, does it enable us to grow
and improve as better persons? Or on the idea of death, have you come to terms that it
is an integral part of life? If death ends worldly existence, and dying for a Christian is
his final act of self-surrender to God, then, death no longer seen as evil to be feared, but
the desired release from the worldly exile.

Aside from happiness, can suffering and death give meaning to your life? Death
is inevitable. Suffering is part of human existence, too. These are inescapable facts. But
can we be forced to change ourselves, to face these facts squarely for the better or find
meaning of life in the midst of adversities?

Who was Viktor Frankl? Did he witness each day in Auschwitz (concentration
camps in Germany during the rule of Adolf Hitler) the hardships, suffering, and deaths
of millions of people? Did these ghastly sights stop him from being a source of
inspiration to others? What is logotherapy?

Man's Search for Meaning, a book written by Austrian

neurologist and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, who after his experience in the camps,
provided a brief overview of the theory that it is through a search for meaning and
purpose in life that individuals can endure hardship and suffering. In 1942, Frankl was
deported to a Nazi concentration camp along with his wife, parents, and other family
members. He spent time in four camps in total, including Auschwitz, from 1942 to 1945,
and was the only member of his family to survive from the Holocaust, the mass murder
of 6 million Jewish people under the German Nazi regime.

Frankl founded Logotherapy which was based on the premise that the primary
motivational force of an individual is to find a meaning in life. "Logos" is the Greek word
for meaning, and logotherapy involves helping a patient find personal meaning in life.
Frankl believed that humans are motivated by something called a "will to meaning,"
which equates to a desire to find meaning in life. He argued that life can have meaning
even in the most miserable of circumstances and that the motivation for living comes
from finding that meaning. Taking it a step further, Frankl wrote: Everything can be
taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's
attitude in any given set of circumstances.

His work was based on his experiences of suffering and his attitude of finding
meaning through suffering. In this way, Frankl believed that when we can no longer
change a situation, we are forced to change ourselves.

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 According to Frankl, "We can discover this meaning in life in three different ways:
(1) by creating a work or doing a deed; (2) by experiencing something or encountering
someone; and (3) by the attitude we take toward unavoidable suffering".
The meaning of life, or the answer to the question, "What is the meaning of life?",
pertains to the significance of living or existence in general. Many other related
questions include: "Why are we here?", "What is life all about?", "What is the purpose of
existence?", or "What is the meaning of my life?"
The following list of tenets represents basic principles of logotherapy:

• Life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable ones.
• Our main motivation for living is our will to find meaning in life.
• We have freedom to find meaning in what we do, and what we experience, or at
least in the stance we take when faced with a situation of unchangeable suffering.

Logotherapy consists of six basic assumptions:

1. Body, Mind, and Spirit

The human being is an entity that consists of a body (soma), mind (psyche), and
spirit (noos). Frankl argued that we have a body and mind, but the spirit is what
we are, or our essence. Note that Frankl's theory was not based on religion or
theology, but often had parallels to these.
2. Life Has Meaning in All Circumstances
Frankl believed that life has meaning in all circumstances, even the most
miserable ones. This means that even when situations seem objectively terrible,
there is a higher level of order that involves meaning.
3. Humans Have a Will to Meaning
Logotherapy proposes that humans have a will to meaning, which means that
meaning is our primary motivation for living and acting and allows us to endure
pain and suffering. This is viewed as differing from the will to achieve power and
pleasure.
4. Freedom to Find Meaning
Frankl argues that in all circumstances, individuals have the freedom to access
that will to find meaning. This is based on his experiences of pain and suffering
and choosing his attitude in a situation that he could not change.
5. Meaning of the Moment
The fifth assumption argues that for decisions to be meaningful, individuals must
respond to the demands of daily life in ways that match the values of society or
their own conscience.
6. Individuals Are Unique
Frankl believed that every individual is unique and irreplaceable.

Activity 3: FILL ME OUT!

Instructions: On column A are items that require responsive answers in sentence form
to be filled out on Column B. Each number is worth five (5) points based on the
substance of ideas of three (3) points, and clarity of thoughts of two (2) points. Use a
separate sheet of paper for your answers.

Column A Column B
1. Basic principles of
logotherapy
2. How to discover the meaning
of life according to Frankl?
3. Man’s Search for Meaning
4. Holocaust
5. Freedom to Find Meaning

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 What is It

HUMAN PERSONS AS ORIENTED TOWARDS THEIR IMPENDING DEATH

Suffering and death are what most people do not like to talk about. However, they are
so real that human beings before us were compelled to search for their meaning.

Suffering according to:

1.Buddhism looks suffering in three ways:

a) Suffering of suffering which refers to pain, fear, and mental distress;
b) Suffering of change which is brought about by change such as disappearance of
happiness or death; and
c) The all-pervasive suffering that points to a fact that we always have the potential to
suffer or can get into problematic situations.

Hence, Buddha’s view of the essence of suffering is that we can only find temporary
happiness in this life.

2. Hinduism believes that the primary cause of suffering is the sensual attachment to
the material world and to the pleasure of the flesh.

Hence, Hindus believe on the concept of karma which conveys that suffering is part of life,
and it is the result of past thoughts and actions either in this life or a previous life. By
enduring suffering, a Hindu “pays for” or cancels past negative actions.

3. Paul O’Sullivan, O.P views that suffering as the great problem of human life, and
that the reason why suffering appears so hard that, first, we are not taught what
suffering is; second, we are not taught how to bear it; and, third, we are not taught the
priceless value of suffering.

Hence, O’Sullivan believes that suffering comes from God including suffering. When God
gives us suffering, he always gives us strength to bear it. Many, instead of asking for His
help, get irritated and angry. It is in this impatience that makes suffering difficult to bear.
To O’Sullivan, calmness, serenity, and patience help remove the sting of suffering.

1. WHY DO WE SUFFER?

Suffering takes place when we endure unpleasantness, discomfort, and pain. It

can come in the form of physical suffering, when we experience physical sensations
such as discomfort, hunger, distress, and pain. These are caused by injury, disease,
and the lack of basic needs. It can be in the form of mental suffering, which involves
emotional and mental states such as depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness, and grief.
This can be caused by sudden change in lifestyle, loss of employment, stressful
situations, and grief caused by the death of a loved one.

The experienced difficulties in life are often determined by our mindset regarding
suffering. Two views of suffering are:
a) Suffering is viewed as an undesirable condition, and that we naturally seek
pleasure and avoid pain. Those who adopt this perspective often focus on the
various means to avoid suffering, or eliminate it entirely from life.
b) Suffering is necessary because it helps existence. Without it, we are unable to
grow and improve, and our positive experiences lose meaning and significance.

Negative experiences are part of our lives, but we can be prepared to deal with it
so it does not break us. It is important to remember that difficulties are not without
reason. These can bring about good things even if we do not fully understand our
circumstances at present. More often, our hardships bring about realizations and
opportunities for us.

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Reflection on suffering:

1. What form of suffering have you mostly encountered in your life so far?
2. How did you deal with the suffering and the difficulties you experienced?
3. Do you believe that suffering is worthwhile? Why?
4. Were there instances in your life when adversities and negative experiences benefited
you as a person
5. Which of the two views of suffering give meaning of suffering?

2. HOW DOES THE REALITY OF DEATH DEFINE OUR LIVES?

Death is the end of bodily functions which signals the end of person’s life. Death
can refer to the separation of body and spirit. As mentioned in the topic, the human
person as an embodied spirit, the body, being material, is bound by the laws of time
and space and is subject to growth, death, and decay, while the spirit, being immaterial,
will continue to exist even after the body has passed.

It is true that a person’s spiritual nature allows him or her to transcend his or
her temporality and physical limits. However, we also cannot deny the material nature
of the person, that he or she is still bound by the same laws of nature and reality that
apply to all objects in existence. Everything that came to being will eventually come to
an end. We are born into human life, we grow and age, and we eventually die. This
paradox defines the uniqueness of human existence.

We are beings who are moving towards our impending death which makes a
person’s life limited in time. The focus on this limit has led to several attitudes towards
death like:
a) There are people who deny the idea of human decline and death. They rely on
anti-aging treatments and products that make them look, feel, and think that
they are younger than they really are.
b) Others focus on experiencing intense moments and feelings in order to feel alive
because no one really knows when life will end. Have you heard of expressions
like YOLO (You Only Live Once), and “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we
die!”
c) Others put importance to speed and efficiency, concerned about doing more
things in a shorter span of time so they can do more in a lifetime. Some find ways
and means to travel faster and do things more efficiently by spending less time
and energy because they wish to experience more of the world.

Are the afore mentioned attitudes bad? Do they prevent us from reflecting on the
reality of death? Can you embrace to the fact that death is an integral part of life and
come to terms with it? Is it possible that we must not focus not just on the quantifiable
aspects of life (e.g. years lived, material things owned) but also on its quality?

Ultimately, the acceptance of our temporality can bring about a sense of

freedom in us. That acceptance can give us a clearer purpose and focus on our activities,
since we cannot do everything in our lifetime, we must be able to reflect on what we
need to do and identify goals we need to achieve before death comes, so we can say that
we have lived a meaningful existence.

Reflection on death:

1. How does your freedom enable you to face the reality of death?
2. Which views on death do you find most acceptable?

3. HOW SHOULD WE LIVE LIFE BEFORE IT FINALLY ENDS?

Understanding the person as a being-towards-death brings us back to a very

important topic – freedom. The essence of freedom is self-determination or the capacity
to choose and act for oneself. While there is no freedom in the inevitability of death, a
person can still exercise freedom in choosing how to face the reality of death in their
lives. Also, human persons cannot stop themselves from growing old.

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Can they, however, choose to embrace aging gracefully by taking pride in their gray hairs,
wrinkles, and the fact that they have grandchildren? Or, can they take a different path
and use any means to mask their physical aging such as getting cosmetic surgery or
availing of “age-defying” treatments?

As biological beings bound by natural laws and the inevitability of death, we

cannot stop aging and the eventual decline of our bodies.

Can we, however, choose to spend life by doing good and reasonable things or even going
against what is good? Is a person the author and protagonist who determines the
development and the conclusion of his or life story?

The temporal existence of a person means that his or her life is temporary; he or
she is not a being who exists permanently and for eternity. Accepting the fact that we
have a limited time in this world allows us to determine the course of our life – to paint
a picture of how our life will progress and how we envision it to end. The key idea is that
we all have a vocation to live life in the best possible way that we can – by being excellent
persons. It would be nearly impossible to measure this, but look at how having a finish
line makes us appreciate the efforts of runners even more than if there was none in the
first place. Ordinarily, we celebrate the fastest runner, but we can also appreciate the
runner who improved the most given the same set of conditions.

Can our temporality challenge us to make choices that will be good for us and the people?
Is a person always in the present although his spiritual nature allows him to transcend
the present?

Whenever we make a choice, we cannot undo that choice because that present
moment has now gone into the past. On the other hand, the choices we make in the
present are not always confined to the here and now as they also have an impact on the
future. Past, present, and future are not exclusive and isolated moments in time, but
they are experienced together by the person because of the dynamism provided by being
an embodied spirit.

Is death the end of this life? Two ways to understand it:

a) Some philosophers view end as a terminus which means a full stop or end of a
line. For them, life ends and nothing follows.
b) Others consider end as telos which means “goal, purpose, or fulfillment.”
Although we are oriented towards death, death is not the goal of life. The human
person is not born so he or she could die. Man is put on this earth to live a
meaningful life, to be virtuous, and achieve excellence. With this in mind, we can
look at two experiences which make us reflect on the meaning of life: happiness
and suffering.

Reflection on how to live a meaningful life:

1. What does “living” a meaningful life mean to you?

2. What objectives do you feel you need to achieve before you can say that you have
lived a meaningful life?

4. WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY?

Ancient Greek philosophy considers happiness as an achievement and it must

be gained by living a productive and moral life. Religious philosophers consider
happiness as a union with God. Other contemporary views define happiness as “whole-
life satisfaction,” based on our evaluation of our overall life experiences. Various
philosophical views emphasize the importance of setting worthwhile goals in life to
achieve personal happiness. Happiness has a social element when we should not be
concerned about our own happiness, but also the well-being of others.

What brings you happiness? Is it the food you eat? The clothes you wear? The
gadgets you own? The achievements you reap as a student? The moments you spend
with your family and friends? Can things that are true and good make us truly happy?
On the other hand, can false and evil things make you unhappy?

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The goods or sources of happiness:

a) A noble good is one which is pursued for its own sake; it is good in itself. Love
and family are its examples.
b) A useful good is considered good so long as it serves as a means to an end; its
goodness is found only from what it can provide. For example, money is good as
it can buy you something.
c) A pleasurable good is good so long as it provides some form of pleasure, though
it does not have to be physical.

It must be understood that a specific good cannot be categorized strictly under

one kind. For example, friendship may be a noble good because it is good to be a friend
to someone. However, pursuing friendship with incorrect intentions (e.g., befriending
someone for academic career or career advancement) makes it only a useful good.

The kind of happiness that can be gained from a good is closely tied to its nature.
For example, material things may satisfy bodily needs and can somehow make a person
happy, but they cannot provide permanent happiness because what is material will fade
over time. On the other hand, friendship is a noble good and definitely provides a more
permanent kind of happiness.

Does happiness from material things diminish as you own it? Does happiness
gained from friendship grow as it progresses? Is real happiness found in more permanent
and meaningful things?

Reflection on what makes you happy:

1. What kind of goods have you been pursuing lately? How do these contribute to your
well-being and happiness?
2. What do you think brings about real happiness? What things in your life make you truly
happy?

5.WHAT DO SUFFERING, DEATH, AND HAPPINESS GIVE MEANING TO YOUR LIFE?

As you approach death, you experience both happiness and suffering. Although
these are distinct experiences, the two are not really meant to be complete opposites,
for there are instances when they enrich one another. The pursuit of happiness requires
that you go through the effort to achieve it. These efforts are often marked by difficulties
and discouragement.

For a person who wishes to pass his or her exams, will he or she spend time to
study and exert effort to perform well in his or her academic tasks? Are hardships in
training, injuries, and several setbacks must be experienced by athletes to become the
best in their sports? Look back at an achievement in your life which you consider your
most significant triumph. Certainly, that victory was coupled with trials and difficulties,
but that victory was made more significant and sweeter by the fact that you were able
to surmount the challenges you faced.

If you are willing to suffer through adversities and maybe even more suffer
cheerfully, it makes the pursuit of happiness even more worthwhile. As a result, you not
only attain the happiness that you want, but you also become better persons in the
process. The reality of death means that your existence is unique and that you will not
always get another chance to do the things you want in this life. Therefore, you should
not give up on the pursuit of good things. Reflecting on the reality of death enables you
to think of how you can best live a meaningful life. You can strive to leave behind a
legacy either in the form of an inheritance, a reputation, or a significant achievement.

You have the tendency to form bond with others. This is your nature as human
persons. This also means that you can also find meaning in life when you open
yourselves to others. Therefore, you have the opportunity not only to enrich yourself but
also touch others’ lives. When you have a genuine relationship with others, you not only
share in each other’s happiness but you also bring happiness to others. We also share
in each other’s suffering and help each other in difficult times. We eventually become
part of someone else’s life, and we are able to live on in them in the same way that those
whom we hold dear live on in our lives.

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 Because of your freedom, how you choose to live your life is entirely upon
yourself. Against the backdrop of death, you are now called to use your freedom in the
best way possible to bring you closer to your happiness and bring happiness to others
as well.

Note: Your life is a work in progress, a story in the process of being written, and
a song that is about to be sung. Life is a gift to each person and it is important to
turn this into a gift for others as well.

6. MEANING OF LIFE ACCORDING TO DIFFERENT PHILOSOPHERS

PHILOSOPHY FOUNDER/S PHILOSOPHY IN ACTION

Platonism from Greek philosopher is to learn more
Plato
Aristotelianeism from Greek philosopher to be good
Aristotle
Cynicism from Antisthenes, the to be self-sufficient,
student of Socrates holding that
the purpose of life is to
live a life of virtue in
agreement with Nature
(which calls for only the
bare necessities required
for existence

Hedonism from Epicurus, Jeremy have pleasure now, only

Bentham, and John Stuart pleasure or pain
Mill motivates us

Epicureanism from Greek philosopher free yourself from pain.

Epicurus It teaches that the
greatest good is to seek
modest pleasures in
order to attain a state of
tranquility, freedom
from fear and absence
from bodily pain.
Stoicism founded by Zeno of Citium, be logical and do not
Cyprus suffer
Classical liberalism these ideas were first to defend individual
unified by John Locke who liberty
is regarded as the father of
modern liberalism
Kantianism from German philosopher do as you’d have others
Immanuel Kant do (do your duty)

Nihilism from German do anything (life has no

philosopher Friedrich meaning). Nihilism is
Nietzsche often associated with
extreme pessimism and
a radical skepticism
that condemns
existence. A
true nihilist would
believe in nothing, have
no loyalties, and no
purpose other than,
perhaps, an impulse to
destroy.
Pragmatism from Charles Sanders “on what brings the most
Peirce and his close friend good to humans”, where
and colleague William a person can be a
James pragmatist when he or
she deals with problems
or situations by focusing
on practical approaches

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 and solutions—ones that
will work in practice, as
opposed to being ideal in
theory.

Theism one of its founders was follow God’s will with a

Ralph Cudworth view that He is the
creator and sustainer of
the universe and is
unlimited with regard to
knowledge
(omniscience), power
(omnipotence), extension
(omnipresence), and
moral perfection

Existentialism from Søren make decisions and

Kierkegaard and Martin always be positive
Buber
Absurdism from Albert Camus and stop making sense of
others life, just live
Humanism from Desiderius Erasmus, act in self-interest and
and many others common good

Legal Positivism from Jeremy life has no meaning until

Bentham and John Austin you give it one
Natural Pantheism popularized by care for nature
philosopher Baruch
Spinoza
Mohism from the teachings of Mo Ti characterized by an
emphasis on
equalitarian universal
love (love people
impartially)

Confucianism from China’s Confucius live an ordinary life

Legalism the ideals originated in learn practical things

about 3,000 to 4,000 years
ago, from judicial officials
of the Xia and Shang
Dynasty in the history
of China

The meaning (logos) is how something or someone is defined, as well as an intention

or reason for doing something; while purpose (telos) is the fulfillment or consummation
of the meaning. One intends, the other accomplishes.
How would you react, if asked what is the meaning and purpose of your life?
Now, if you use Aristotelianeism, how will you put meaning and purpose of your life?
Wittingly or unwittingly, you have practiced some of the above stated philosophies
on the meaning of life. What if you strive to learn more in life, to always be good, or do
follow God’s teachings? Do you find meaning in your life if you care for nature, too?

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 What’s More

Activity 4: IDENTIFICATION

Instructions: Identify what is asked by the following statements. Write your answers
on a separate sheet of paper.

1. It refers to the separation of the soul and the body.

2. It takes place when we patiently endure unpleasantness, discomfort, and pain.

3. It refers to how our lives are temporary.

4. It is a kind of good that is good so long as it provides some form of pleasure.

5. According to Greek philosophy, it is an achievement and must be gained by living a

productive and moral life.

6. It is a kind of good that is pursued for its own sake.

7. It is the essence of freedom which is the capacity to choose and act for oneself.

8. It is a kind of good that is considered good so long as it serves as a means to an end.

9. It is kind of suffering that refers to discomfort, hunger, stress, and pain.

10. It is a kind of suffering that includes depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness, and grief.

Activity 5. A SHOULDER TO LEAN ON

Instructions: Give pieces of advice to the following people in various situations written
on column A by writing them in responsive statements on column B. Each number is
worth five (5) points based on the substance of your advice of three (3) points, and
persuasive element of said advice of two (2) points. Write your answers on a separate
sheet of paper.

Column A Column B
1. Your father temporarily lost his job
due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
Providing food and other
necessities for the family used to be
his responsibilities. You often see
him in his lonesome with sights of
depression and anxiety.
2. Your best friend is dating a married
man. Despite her family’s
disapproval, she does not want to
break up with him. She says that
he is the only one who makes her
very happy.
3. Your classmate is going through
tough times. His parents died in a
car accident, his family is
experiencing financial difficulties,
and his long-time girlfriend broke
up with him. He constantly talks
about taking his own life to end his
problems.
4. Your cousin is battling a terminal
disease. She has a loving and
helpful support system comprised
of family and friends, yet her fear of
dying is getting worse. She feels

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 depressed and loses sleep over the
idea of passing away soon.
5. Your brother is an overachiever.
Being on top of the class is what
makes him feel fulfilled. However,
for this quarter, he got grades lower
than usual. He is extremely
saddened by this and becomes
withdrawn and aloof.

What I Have Learned

Activity 6: CONCEPT MAPPING

Instructions: Sprouting from the main circle are three interlinked circles with items
that require your responses in sentence form. These responses can include the
definition, illustration by way of examples, and conversion of negative thoughts to
positive ones. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.

Ways to
Suffering live a
meaningfu
HUMAN
l life
PERSON
USING
FREEDOM

Death Happiness

Activity 7: THE SOURCES OF HAPPINESS

Instructions: Supply words to complete the following introductory phrases to make
full and responsive statements. Each response is worth five (5) points
based on substance of three (3) points and clarity of thoughts of two (2)
points. Use a sheet of paper for your answers.

1. The three kinds of good and their definition

_________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.

2. Material goods can

_____________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________ .

3. Real happiness has something to do with

__________________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________________ .

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 What I Can Do

Activity 8: MEANINGFUL LIFE

Instructions: Draw a symbol of your idea of a meaningful life and explain it in at least
three (3) responsive statements. This activity is worth ten (10) points based on the
relevance of the chosen symbol of five (5) points, and persuasive element of your
responses of five (5) points. Use a separate sheet of paper for the drawing of your symbol
and the accompanying explanation.

Example: My chosen symbol is a river. River is the symbol of calmness and uncertain
things happening in life. The calm water of river represents peace and a
strong river stream means challenges around me. In simple terms, to dream
about river means uncertain issues related to life. These could be the obstacles,
changes, and challenges that make me a better, a stronger person.

Activity 9: MY BUCKET LIST

Instructions: Write a personal “Bucket List” of what you wish or accomplish in life. To
be a future social scientist, political scientist, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker,
guidance counselor, teacher, university professor, human resource head, economist,
historian, geographer, or a lawyer can be those running in your list. Or, having a family
in ten years? A millionaire in fifteen years? Write at least ten (10) of the things you want
to accomplish on a separate sheet of paper and be able to answer the following
questions:

1. Why did you choose these things to be in your “Bucket List”?

2. Which among these do you feel is the easiest to accomplish in your lifetime?
3. Which would be the most difficult to do?
4. If you were to leave behind a legacy in this world, what would it be?

Assessment

MULTIPLE CHOICE: Choose the letter of the correct answer and write it on your paper.

1. “Have pleasure now, only pleasure or pain motivates us,” can be the philosophy in
action true to ___________ .
A. Hedonism B. Platonism C. Absurdism D. Nihilism

2. Which of the following believes that the primary cause of suffering is the sensual
attachment to the material world and to the pleasure of the flesh?
A. Buddhism B. Hinduism C. Taoism D. Judaism

3. Who among the following views suffering as the great problem of human life, and that
the reason why suffering appears so hard that, first, we are not taught what suffering
is; second, we are not taught how to bear it; and, third, we are not taught the priceless
value of suffering.
A. Auguste Comte B. Paul O’Sullivan C. Martin Buber D. Max Weber

4.The sudden change in lifestyle, loss of employment, stressful situations, and grief
caused by the death of a loved one can be a _________.
A. Physical suffering C. Mental suffering
B. Positive reinforcement D. Negative reinforcement

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5. Temporal beings can be understood to mean as _______.
A. Beings as embodied spirits C. Beings to live in perpetuity
B. Beings oriented towards death D. Beings in their proprietary capacity

6. Oppor Tunista, your new classmate, befriends you. There was no single instance that
she failed to copy your answers during examinations, or copy your assignments as
well. Which of the following will you categorize her friendship with you?
A. Useful good C. Noble good
B. Pleasurable good D. Common good
7. Which could be the meaning of self-determination, as the essence of freedom?
A. The capacity to choose and act for oneself.
B. The temporal existence of a person means that his or her life is temporary.
C. He or she is not a being who exists permanently and for eternity.
D. We have a limited time in this world which allows us to determine the course of
our life.

8.Which statement is not true about death?

A. It is the end of bodily functions which signals the end of person’s life.
B. Death can refer to the separation of body and spirit.
C. Death proves that humans are not subject to the natural law of decline or
decomposition.
D. Human persons are bound by the laws of time and space and is subject to growth,
death, and decay.

9. Which of the following views of suffering is philosophically correct?

A. Suffering will make us unable to grow and improve.
B. Suffering is viewed as an undesirable condition, and that we naturally seek
pleasure and avoid pain.
C. Some people often focus on the various means to avoid suffering or eliminate it
entirely from life.
D. Suffering is relevant to our existence. Without it, we are unable to grow
and improve, and our positive experiences lose meaning and significance.

10. Which of the following is an incorrect statement?

A. It is true that a person’s spiritual nature allows him or her to transcend his or
her temporality and physical limits.
B. Some things that came to being will not eventually come to an end.
C. The material nature of the person presupposes that he or she is still bound by
the laws of nature and reality that apply to all objects in existence.
D. We are born into human life, we grow and age, and we eventually die.

11. Hindus believe on the concept of karma. Which of the following conveys this
concept?
A. Everything including suffering is God-given.
B. Death is certain as all are bound by the laws of nature.
C. Life is linear, that is, at the moment of death, that is the end of everything.
D. Suffering is part of life, and it is the result of past thoughts and actions either
in this life or a previous life.

12. Buddhism looks suffering in three ways, EXCEPT ___.

A. Suffering of suffering which refers to pain, fear, and mental distress.
B. Suffering of change which is brought about by change such as disappearance of
happiness or death.
C. The all-pervasive suffering that points to a fact that we always have the potential
to suffer or can get into problematic situations.
D. The essence of suffering is that we can find perpetual happiness in this life.

13. Mental suffering involves emotional and mental states such as depression, anxiety,
fear, loneliness, and grief. Which of the following statements is not responsive to
this statement?
A. The pandemic has resulted to cases of suicide on few people.
B. The bus driver who rammed the ambulance was severely injured.
C. Due to loss of business opportunities, some capitalists have decided to close
shop.
D. Many are affected by job retrenchment as their employers could not keep them

Page 19 of 23
 far longer.

14. Which of the following statements is incorrect?

A. A noble good is one which is pursued for its own sake; it is good in itself.
B. A useful good is considered good so long as it serves as a means to an end; its
goodness is found only from what it can provide. For example, money is good as
it can buy you something.
C. A pleasurable good is good so long as it provides some form of pleasure, though
it does not have to be physical.
D. A common good is shown to benefit only the interests of the few rather than the
greater number of people.

15. Which of the following attitudes is admirable?

A. There are people who deny the idea of human decline and death.
B. They rely on anti-aging treatments and products that make them look, feel, and
think that they are younger than they really are.
C. Others adopt the philosophy of, “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die!”
D. Some choose to embrace aging gracefully by taking pride in their gray hairs,
wrinkles, and the fact that they have grandchildren.

Additional Activities

Activity 10: PRACTICING THE MEANING OF MY LIFE THROUGH POSITION

PAPER WRITING

Instructions: Choose at least five (5) statements or phrases of the meaning of life
according to various philosophers enumerated under lesson 6 of What Is It. Write
persuasive statements explaining your position across each chosen philosophy. Each
number is worth five (5) points based on the content of ideas of three (3) points and the
clarity of thoughts of two (2) points. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers.

Philosophers Choice and Justification in sentence form

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Activity 11: REACTION PAPER WRITING

Instructions: Respond to the following life experiences in question form by writing a

Reaction Paper that must contain a strong opening paragraph, then, state your
supporting ideas and examples in the body paragraph, and for conclusion, briefly
summarize your thoughts. This is worth fifteen (15) points where each number is graded
with five (5) points based on the substance of ideas of three (3) points, and clarity of
thoughts of two (2) points. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers.

1. What is that one thing that, if taken from you, would take away the meaning of your
life?
2. How would you have turned out as a person if you have not experienced happiness?
How about if you have not gone through any suffering?
3. Have you experienced dealing with the death of a loved one? How did you cope with
the situation?

Page 20 of 23
REFERENCES

Books:

1. Philosophy of the Human Being. University of Cebu: Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
2. Abella, R. M. Div., D. Min. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person. 1st
edition.
Quezon City: C & E Publishing, Inc. 2016

Images:

1. Tsipursky, G. (2014). What is the Meaning of Life for You?, 12-20-2020,

https://intentionalinsights.org/what-is-the-meaning-of-life-for-you/
2.Alamy.com (2020). Suffering word cloud concept pain,12-20-2020,
https://www.google.com/search?q=photos+of+the+meaning+of+suffering&tbm=isch&v
ed=2ahUKEwja2LmAltvtAhWHEKYKHV1ZAygQ2-
cCegQIABAA&oq=photos+of+the+meaning+of+suffering&gs_lcp=CgNpbWcQA1CA-
jNYnKw0YPGyNGgDcAB4AoABjAaIAfQvkgENMS4yLjMuMi4yLjUuMZgBAKABAaoBC2d
3cy13aXotaW1nwAEB&sclient=img&ei=I4neX5q7EIehmAXdso3AAg&bih=615&biw=13
68#imgrc=6UgaYZrZBjtuyM
3. Sehwag international School (2020). How to make placemats by weaving strips of
paper, 12-20-2020, https://sisj.in/blog/how-to-make-placemats-by-weaving-paper-
strips/

Online Sources:

1. Oasis International (2020). Why do we suffer – or more importantly, how?, 12-

20,2020,https://oasisinternational.com/why-do-we-suffer-or-more-importantly-
how/20

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