The Human Person as

an Embodied Spirit
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.
Human body imposes limits
and possibilities for
transcendence
 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.
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.
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
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!!!
ACTIVITY1: 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 paper.
ACTIVITY2: ONE’S LIMITATIONS AND POSSIBILITIES
DIRECTION: Answer the following questions in your 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?
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?
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
Activity
DIRECTIONS: Complete the chart by rewriting your present limitations with reference to your
answers in the previous activities. Make an action plan towards transcendence.