The Human Person As An Embodied Spirit 1

The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit
In 1977 the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 space probes were launched on missions to explore the farthest
reaches of our solar system. By now, both have reached the borders of our solar system and are poised to
exit into interstellar space. They carry the Golden Record, a compilation of recordings intended as
messages to possible intelligent life forms in the cosmos. Included in
the Record are messages, images, and sounds of the Earth, and a description of humans.
The following terms are related to the discussion of the human person:
Man is the general term commonly used to refer to the entire human race
Human refers to man as a species - Homo sapiens sapiens or modern human beings
The term human being is also used to distinguish man from other animals.
Person is a much more complex term which generally refers to a human being granted recognition of certain
rights, protection, responsibilities, and dignity, above all. Philosophers refer to the human person as the
totality of an individual, possessing awareness, self
determination, and the capacity to interact with others and with himself or herself.
Personhood refers to the state of being a person.
Human nature refers to the characteristics that distinguish humans from all other creatures. These traits are
assumed to arise independent of the influence of culture and society. Examples of these characteristics
include thinking, feeling, and acting.
What is the human person ?

The most basic definition of a human being relates to the nature of humans as animals. Philosophers,
however, believe that the human being is not just a mere animal. There is something in the human individual
that sets him or her apart from other beings. These special
traits make a human a distinct individual person
● Self Awareness
The first trait that defines a person is self - awareness. Self - awareness refers to the person having a
clear perception of oneself, including his or her thoughts, emotions, identity, and actions. Human awareness
goes beyond perception and reaction to the environment.
The human person is defined by a deeper awareness which is driven by rationality or human thought. A
person is aware of both his or her surroundings and himself or herself.
"self", which philosophers describe as the person who is actively aware that he or she is perceiving and
experiencing reality.
● Self - Determination
Another trait that defines a person is self-determination. This refers to 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.
Our free will enables us to do actions whenever we want to and makes self-
determination possible. Free will is the capacity to choose a course of action from
various alternatives. The existence of free will enables a person to act willfully, control his
or her actions, and recognize himself or herself as the source of action.
A discussion on self-determination and free will eventually leads to a discussion of

consequence. Consequence is the result or effect of an action or condition.
● Human Action
Human action is such an important aspect of the person that many philosophers
consider human action to reveal a person's true nature. Human acts complete the person,
as it is through his or her actions that his or her inner self 1s revealed to others, and it is
through action that a person can explore and fulfill his or her potential.
Another important trait that defines a human person is externality or the capability to reach
out and interact with others and the world.
● Human Dignity
The final trait that distinguishes the human person is dignity or the innate right to
be valued and respected.
Human dignity is rooted in the nature of the human being. This means that a human
person has dignity simply because he or she is human.
What is in our human nature that enables us to become persons?
This intangible element is the spirit which enables us to exercise thought, possess
awareness, interiority, and the capacity to reach out to the outside world and other
persons.
How does my human nature enable me to explore my limits?
The ability to surpass limits is called transcendence, Transcendence also means
overcoming oneself or being in control even if the body reminds us of certain tendencies.
Each individual carries within himself or herself the possibility of transcending his
or her limits. Most of our personal limits often involve facing a challenge or obstacle or
overcoming a weakness. These limits, however, can be overcome with enough effort and
perseverance. For us to experience transcendence, we must identity and race our own personal
limits.

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The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit

What is the human person ?

A discussion on self-determination and free will eventually leads to a discussion of

What is in our human nature that enables us to become persons?

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