Senior High School

INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY

OF THE HUMAN PERSON
Quarter 1 – Module 3: THE
HUMAN PERSON AS AN
EMBODIED SPIRIT
Philosophy – Grade 11/12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 3: The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Writers: Arvin Derecho, Joana Doctor, James Lota

Editor: Amalia C. Solis, Education Program Supervisor

Reviewers: Michael S. Bernal, Paciano B. Ferrer, Gener C. Irinco,
Nastasia V. Besin, Ernie Ronel Tirol Mabahague (Content)
Marianne Carol Rodia Esteban (Language)

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MOST ESSENTIAL LEARNING COMPETENCIES:

After going through this module, you are expected to:

• Recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities for
transcendence
• Evaluate own limitations and the possibilities for their transcendence

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 What I Know
Here we go, let us remember and answer the following questions based from your
prior knowledge. Don’t be afraid, this one is set to get you ready on our topic. I know
you can do it! Let’s go!

MULTIPLE CHOICES

Directions: Read and analyze the questions and statements carefully. Encircle the
letter of your chosen answer.
1. It is the term commonly used to represent the entire human race.
A. Human being B. Human nature C. Man D. Person
2. It is a general term which refers to the deepest and natural behavior of a person
that distinguish human from animals. It consists of collective traits that formed
and considered the very essence of humanity.
A. Human being B. Human nature C. Man D. Person
3. It is the term used to describe humans who are not just mere humans different
from animals but with inherent birth rights and exact origin of his/her
classification.
A. Human being C. Human nature
B. Human creature D. Human person
4. Carlo is a tall person with brown hair and brown eyes. What aspect of the
human person is being described in the statement?
A. Cognitive Self C. Psychological Self
B. Physical Self D. Sociological Self
5. Marie is very cheerful and friendly to her classmates. What aspect of the human
person is being described in the statement?
A. Cognitive Self C. Psychological Self
B. Physical Self D. Sociological Self
6. Which of the following is NOT an essential component of the human person?
A. Conscience B. Mind C. Soul D. Spirit
7. Which of the following BEST describes the concept of embodiment?
A. Human person is essentially his/her body and nothing more.
B. Human person is essentially his/her spirit and nothing more.
C. Human person is essentially the unity of his/her body and spirit.
D. Human person is essentially a separate entity of the body and the spirit.
8. Which of the following experiences describe the concept of embodiment?
A. Joy attaches a sentimental value to a pair of rubber shoes which was given
by her mother.
B. Kim associates love with hypothalamus, a part of the brain that is
responsible for feelings.
C. Ivy recalls a happy moment in her life and still feel the same happiness he
felt at that moment.

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 D. Trina received a pat in her shoulder from her best friend and felt completely
relieved at that moment.
9. Vincent loses his arm and leg due to a car accident. He loses a part of his
physical body which makes up his physical identity. Which of the following
statements is true about the concept of embodiment?
A. Vincent can still be considered a human person despite losing a part of his
identity.
B. Vincent is not fully considered a human person since he lacks one aspect
of his identity.
C. Neither a nor b
D. None of the above
10. A criminal who have committed a heinous offense can still be considered
a human person despite of his cruelty and inhumane act. The statement is
.
A. True, the dignity is still retained in spite of his actions because it is his
inherent right.
B. False, the dignity of humans are removed once they don’t treat other people
just and right.
C. Neither a nor b
D. None of the above

Lesson
The Human Person as an
1 Embodied Spirit

Do you still remember those days when you were playing outside your home?
Playing with your friends or classmates all day long then waiting for a certain time for
afternoon’s anime or fictional movies like Slamdunk, Flame of Recca, Dragon Ball,
Princess Sarah, Cinderella and Snow White?

Maybe you are wondering as to why we need to remember those days when
everything was plain and simple. Our time after class were simply spent watching
movies and playing inside or outside our home with brothers, sisters relatives, friends,
friends of friends, classmates and schoolmates.

You might ask me why? Why do we have to go back and remember our childhood
days? What is the relevance of our childhood memories to our present times? You will
find out, later.

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 What’s In
Directions: Choose the BEST answer.
1. What is the branch of Philosophy that studies the method of acquiring and
validating knowledge?
A. Metaphysics C. Politics
B. Ethics D. Aesthetics
2. Who is the founder of Phenomenology?
A. Jean Paul Sartre C. Edmund Husserl
B. Martin Heidegger D. Simone de Beauvoir
3. What point of view is central to the phenomenological method?
A. First person point of view C. Third person point of view
B. Second person point of view D. Absence of any point of view
4. What is the proper order of logical thinking?
A. Concept-Perception-Inference-Proposition
B. Proposition-Inference-Perception-Concept
C. Perception-Concept-Proposition-Inference
D. Inference-Proposition-Concept-Perception
5. How do you know if a statement is true according to the Correspondence
theory?
A. If you believe that it is true
B. If philosophers believe that it is true
C. If a statement is based on facts of reality
D. If the statement is universally acknowledged to be true

You did a great job! Yes, you heard it! You have honestly and patiently answered our
review that could also help you understand our lessons ahead of you! Now you are ready
for another journey, let us start the ball rolling to know more about the Human Person and
to understand and recognize our human limitations and possibilities! What are you waiting for?
Let’s go!

Notes to the Teacher

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 What’s New
Direction. On the blank spaces, analyze the concentric circles and write a short
interpretation based on your understanding.

BODY
MIND
SPIRIT

What is It
Are you aware that majority of us could recognize, define and use a certain word
every day without knowing its role and true meaning? Do you believe that there is a
big difference between MAN, PERSON, and HUMAN not only with the definition but
its usage to the society as a whole? Yes, I know that these words are very common to
us but this is the right moment for us to know more about it! Are you with me? Are
you ready for our new journey? Let’s go!

The time has come! Let’s get started! Today’s journey will help us identify and
understand the Human Person as an Embodied Sprit has something to do with
defining Man, Human, Human Being, Person, Personhood and Human Nature
(Abella, 2016).
By definition, it is generally and commonly define to
Man represent the entire human race.

A term used to refer for various classifications and species. For

Human a living man, human is under the classification of Mamalia.

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 A term used to separate man from other Human Classifications
Human Being like animals.

Refers to an individual who possess self-awareness, self-

determination, rational mind, and the capacity to interact with
Person other and with himself/herself.

A general term refers to the state of being a person with unique,

Personhood sacred and ethical status within him/herself.

A general term refers to the deepest and natural behaviour of a

person that distinguish human from animals. A collective traits
Human Nature that formed and considered the very essence of humanity.
Nobody can be considered man without human nature.

What is Human Person? Let’s find out!

From the definition provided above, the human and the

person, respectively, are defined with classified origin of
species and persons with birth rights. Human person is
someone with an exact origin of his/her classification. From
the biblical perspective, we came from Adam and Eve. For
Science, we came from an Ape under the Class: Mamallia. Photo from: https://www.quora.com/Are-
souls-real- What-is-a-
soul?no_redirect=1

Human person from time after time learned how to live beyond what was
traditional through the various human evolutions from Hominid to Homo Sapiens
or the Modern Man people learn the concept of power, politics and economics.
These reasons served as basis which led to a more structured political and
economic system. Thus, rights of an individual is considered. A human person is
typically with a body which is tangible and has a three components composed of
SOUL, MIND and SPIRIT. Also, he or she is entitled and granted rights and
privileges by the state which he or she legally belong.

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 There are two general kinds to distinguish a human person: The Cognitive Self
and the Physical Self. The Cognitive Self (something within and cannot be physically
seen) is the essential components of a human persons that deals with THE WHAT
OF A PERSON which includes human persons’ belief, desire, dreams, and
intentions. The other is one is the Physical Self (something can be seen in his/her
physical appearance) which deals with the essential features of the human way of
life or THE WHO OF A PERSON which includes his/her body type, strength and
appearances.

What is Embodied Spirit? Let’s find out!

Embodied spirit is an animating core
living within each of us. It is known to be the
driving force behind what we actually think, do
and say. It is indeed the reflections of our total
being by which our sensations lead to our
human feelings, emotions and decision. The
usual and known connotation that comes to our
mind when we hear the word “embodied” is
always materialized or became flesh (with
Photo from:
https://angelsandcelestials.tumblr.com/post/10312 physical form). Thus, when we say
2385263/22- signs-that-you-are-embodying-your-

“embodied spirit”, we normally believed and conclude of a spirit becoming flesh.

In the context and views of Christian philosophy, the embodiment of the spirit
particularly refers to the inseparable union of human body and soul. Inseparable
which also means the body and soul work together at all times. Hence, we can
safely say that “embodied spirit” that the body is not separate from the soul, just
as the soul is not separate from the body.

What is Human Person as Embodied Spirit? Let’s find out!

As an embodied spirit human beings demonstrate these following qualities
(Abella, 2016):

1. “Self- awareness refers to person having a clear perception of oneself,

including his or her thoughts, emotions, identity, and actions (Abella,
2016).” It is the ability of one’s consciousness to look inward thus
discovering the presence of a self.

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 The self is the subject that thinks, feels and acts. It is your I amness (Wilber,
2006). The self enables a person to experience an inner world of dreams,
thoughts, imagination, fantasy (Abella, 2016). Thus, the self represents
man’s interiority (loob in Filipino).

2. A human person is able to connect and interact with another person, an

animal or an inanimate object. We call this externality. So even though
human beings have interiority they are not trapped inside their heads. They
are able to go beyond their limited selves and embrace others.

3. We are not determined by others. Because we have interiority; we can direct

the course of our own life. This is what we call self-determination which is
“the capability of persons to make choices and decisions based on their own
preferences, monitor and regulate their actions, and be goal oriented and
self-directed” (Abella 2016) Thus human beings are free.
However since our actions are based on our decisions we have to realized
that every decision has a consequence(s). There are some actions that are
good because they lead to good consequences and some actions are bad
because they lead to bad consequences. The result of our freedom is morality
which is “the goodness or badness of an act” (Abella 2016)

4. Finally a human person has an inherent value and importance. This is what we
call dignity. That is why no amount of money can equal the value of a human
life. This is also the reason why individual rights are absolute (Rand 1964). The
American Founding Fathers called rights as “inalienable” because it cannot
be separated from our humanity. If we are stripped off of our rights we are
stripped of our humanity. That is why slaves (who have no rights) are not
being treated as human.

Human Transcendence

St. Thomas Aquinas, a philosopher and one of the greatest theologian in the
Catholic Church in the 13th century, said that “of all creatures, human beings have the
unique power to change themselves and things for the better.” (Ramos, 2016). We have
encountered persons who complain of any given situations or accept the reality or
status in life as God-given thing. We heard a man sighing on TV during the

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early stage of Covid-19, “mahirap maging mahirap.” Though it is true that poverty is
not just personal but also structural, as an individual person you know that you can
do something to change the situation. This power is your ability to surpass your limits. This
is the definition of Transcendence. You are able to transcend your limit through your physical and
mental abilities. (Abella, 2016).

Religion and philosophy teaches human beings to overcome our limits. In

technological parlance, humans can upgrade themselves. Take for example,
Buddhism. Buddha realized that all people suffers. Maybe in your case you just accept
your own suffering as part of life but not for Buddha. This reality ignited his curiosity
to examine and understand the word suffering. He left his royal life in the palace and
spent his life for 6 years in the wilderness to find answers for his questions. And when
he sat under the Tree of Enlightenment for 40 days, voila he finds the answers. The Four
Noble Truths and Eightfold Paths. For example, “The Eightfold Path” of Buddhism shown
below:

1. Right view- a correct understanding of the

nature of things, specifically the Four Noble
Truths;
2. Right intention, eliminating thoughts of
attachment, detestation, and harmful
intent,
3. Right speech, abstaining from verbal
offenses such as lying, divisive speech,
unforgiving speech, and irrational speech, Photo from: https://buddhaweekly.com/the-noble-eightfold-path/

4. Right action, refraining from physical offenses such as murdering, thieving,

and sexual misbehavior,
5. Right livelihood, evading trades that directly or indirectly damage others, such
as trading slaves, weapons, animals for butchery, intoxicants, or poisons,
6. Right effort, forsaking undesirable states of mind that have already arisen,
preventing undesirable states that have yet to arise, and sustaining positive
states that have already arisen.
7. Right concentration, single-mindedness.
8. Right mindfulness, consciousness of body, feelings, thought, and phenomena.

If you notice this is a universal principle being taught not just by Buddhism?
These are the values what human person needs to succeed. These are examples of

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the power mentioned by St. Thomas to change ourselves. If you can do the eightfold
path even if you are not a Buddhist, you can transform yourselves from your present
situation and transcend to what you desire you would be. Just believe in yourselves. As
the Star Struck of GMA7 adheres: Dream, Believe and Survive.

What’s More
It seems that you had fun knowing and exploring new or familiar ideas on
today’s lesson. Right? I know that knowing ourselves require enough time. As they
said, it takes a village to raise a child just like knowing yourself. For you to enjoy
more of discovering new ideas, let us continue exploring the world of surprises!
Are you ready? Let’s go!

Activity 1: I Recognize Myself

DIRECTIONS: Kindly fill up all the information needed to complete the table.

I know you can do it! You have the time to remember your past experiences
and chance to look forward on the future. Don’t worry, nobody will judge you! I
am with you and at the back to give my full support!

Strengths Weaknesses Desires

Abilities Talents Fears Hesitations What can I do
(I can) (I always do) (I can’t) (I am afraid) more?

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ACTIVITY 3: I KNOW WHAT TO DO
DIRECTIONS: Kindly answer and complete the sentence being asked to you.

I have known that…..

I realized that…….

What I Can Do
On this part, you are expected to showcase your ability from what you have learned
from our journey. Are you excited? Let’s go!

ACTIVITY 4: MYSELF, MY FAMILY, MY COMMUNITY!

DIRECTIONS: Answer the real-life questions provided to you. No wrong answers, just
give your best!

1. As a student, how can you conquer the challenges posed by this pandemic?

2. How did the present crisis make you realize the reality of human limitations,
uncertainties and possibilities?

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 Assessment
This portion will measure your acquired knowledge based from the lessons learned
in our module.

MULTIPLE CHOICES

DIRECTION: Read and analyze the questions and statements carefully. Encircle the
letter of your chosen answer.
1. Marie is very cheerful and friendly to her classmates. What aspect of the
human person is being described in the statement?
A. Cognitive Self C. Psychological Self
B. Physical Self D. Sociological Self
2. A criminal who have committed a very heinous offense can still be considered
a human person despite of his cruelty and inhumane act. The statement is
.
A. True, the dignity is still retained in spite of his actions because it is his
inherent right.
B. False, the dignity of humans are removed once they don’t treat other people
just and right.
C. Neither a nor b
D. None of the above
3. Carlo is a tall person with brown hair and brown eyes. What aspect of the
human person is being described in the statement?
A. Cognitive Self C. Psychological Self
B. Physical Self D. Sociological Self
4. Which of the following BEST describes the concept of embodiment?
A. Human person is essentially his/her body and nothing more.
B. Human person is essentially his/her spirit and nothing more.
C. Human person is essentially the unity of his/her body and spirit.
D. Human person is essentially a separate entity of the body and the spirit.
5. Which of the following experiences describe the concept of embodiment?
A. Joy attaches a sentimental value to a pair of rubber shoes which was given
by her mother.
B. Kim associates love with hypothalamus, a part of the brain that is
responsible for feelings.
C. Ivy recalls a happy moment in her life and still feel the same happiness he
felt at that moment.
D. Trina received a pat in her shoulder from her best friend and felt completely
relieved at that moment.
6. It is the term commonly used to represent the entire human race.
A. Human being B. Human nature C. Man D. Person

13
7. Vincent loses his arm and leg due to a car accident. He loses a part of his
physical body which makes up his physical identity. Which of the following
statements is true about the concept of embodiment?
A. Vincent can still be considered a human person despite losing a part of his
identity.
B. Vincent is not fully considered a human person since he lacks one aspect
of his identity.
C. Neither a nor b
D. None of the above
8. Which of the following is NOT an essential component of the human person?
A. Conscience B. Mind C. Soul D. Spirit
9. It is the term used to describe humans who are not just mere humans different
from animals but with inherent birth rights and exact origin of his/her
classification.
A. Human being C. Human nature
B. Human creature D. Human person
10. It is a general term which refers to the deepest and natural behavior of a
person that distinguish human from animals. It consists of collective traits that
formed and considered the very essence of humanity.
A. Human being B. Human nature C. Man D. Person

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REFERENCE
Books:

Abella, Roberto D. (2016). Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person.

Quezon City: C& E Publishing

Bulaong, Christopher. (2018). Foundation of Moral Values. Quezon City: Quezon

City: Rex Publishing House.

Maboloc, Christopher Ryan. (2013). Philosophy of Man: The Existential Drama.

Quezon City: Rex Publishing House.
Ramos, Christine Carmela R.PhD. (2016) Introduction to the Philosophy of the
Human Person. Rex Bookstore: Manila, Philippines.

Rand, Ayn (1964). The Virtue of Selfishness. New York: Signet.

Tiempo, Alex. (2015). Social Philosophy: Foundation of Values Education. Quezon

City: Rex Publishing House.

Wilber, Ken (2006). Integral Spirituality. Boston: Integral Books.
Websites:

Jhagiani, Rajiv. (2015). The Cognitive Self: The Self-Concept, Retrieved from

https://opentextbc.ca/socialpsychology/chapter/the-cognitive-self-
the-self-concept/

Olson, Eric. (2002). A Materialist Metaphysics of the Human Person, Retrieved

from https://ndpr.nd.edu/news/a-materialist-metaphysics-of-the-
human-person/

Steph. (2020). The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit, Retrieved from

https://philonotes.com/index.php/2018/12/01/the-human-person-
as-an-embodied-spirit/

Singh, Sanjay. (2002). The Concept of Physical self in Pschology, Retrieved from
https://www.all-about-psychology.com/the-concept-of-physical-self-
in-psychology.html

Photos:

Angels and Celestials. (2013) 22 Signs That You are Embodying Your Higher Self,
Retrieved from:

https://angelsandcelestials.tumblr.com/post/103122385263/22-
signs-that-you-are-embodying-your-higher-self
Buddha Weekly. (2019). 8 Rights: The Noble Eightfold Path — the Heart of the
Buddha’s Teaching, Retrieved from:

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