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THE HUMAN PERSON AS AN EMBODIED SPIRIT
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives
Student Name: ________________________________________ Year & Section: ____________
Date Answer Sheets were Submitted: _____________________ Teacher: Dr. Eric Agustin____
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person:
An Examined Life is (Perhaps) Worthwhile
MODULES 5 & 6 for WeekS 5 & 6:
THE HUMAN PERSON AS AN EMBODIED SPIRIT
MELC-based Weeks 5 & 6
A. Learning Objectives (What a student needs to know)
In this module’s content standards, the student (“YOU”) should understand the human person as an embodied spirit. Likewise, under this module’s performance standards, the learner should distinguish his/her own limitations and the possibilities for transcendence.
The most essential competencies are for you to:
(3.1) recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities for transcendence and
(3.2) evaluate own limitations and the possibilities for transcendence.
A. Lesson Proper (What’s new?)
Introduction
What is a Human Person?
A human is a living being with consequent death. Stated briefly, it possesses all the characteristics of having individual, physical, physiological, social, moral, spiritual and other similar constitutions. As a human person, he/she does not only exist physically, but also socially (that is, “no man is an island”), with all the accompanying roles and responsibilities, which brings us to the adage: “Easy to be human, more so to be a humane (person).” (In Filipino: “Madaling maging tao, lalo na ang maging mabuting tao (ang magpakatao).”
What is an Embodied Spirit?
As the majority of people believe, a human being has both body and soul (mind or spirit). The body houses the spirit and the two become integral (that is, a living soul). Apart from each other, the body is lifeless whereas the spirit lingers on – so to believe. Such a belief is what most individuals would consider a human body with a spirit – or short for, an embodied spirit. Some philosophers have the notion of spirit (spiritual body/entity, mind or consciousness) in a vat or vessel (physical body). The significance of the duality/dichotomy (or oneness, for some individuals) is somewhat both problematic and unsolvable since the body can be seen while the spirit is invisible. For some religious philosophies, when the body still breathes, it still has life (that is, spirit). Whatever that maybe, some philosophers also claim that since individuals have embodied spirit, it is thus a “finite person.” Nevertheless, whatever a person claims to be true in the aforesaid statements may always be suspect and subject to further philosophizing, such as the belief concerning the “inseparability of mind [spirit, italics mine] and body.”
What is Transcendence?
Transcendence originated from the Latin prefix ”trans” meaning “beyond” plus the term “scandare” meaning “to climb;” hence, “beyond [what an individual has] to climb (or to achieve or accomplish).” Rephrased similarly, to transcend is to surpass what is ordinary human experience or overcome obstacles to reach your goal in life. Individually, physically, socially, financially, spiritually, and so forth, a human person can achieve greater heights, sometimes, unimaginable to mediocre individuals. Albeit, all things being equal, some individuals were simply born great, talented, entitled, and so on. Nonetheless, by transcendence, a human person may achieve higher standards unlike those that are common to the majority of other people his/her age, status, abilities, and so forth.
A Human Person’s Limitations and Possibilities
Without a doubt, each human person has its own limitations. The word human person itself entails inherent limits, weaknesses, disadvantages, and infirmities. Since a human person has a physical body, the physical senses (vision, smell, etc.) themselves, for example, are evidently their own set limits despite the myriad uses they have for an individual to perceive the world around him/her. In other words, with a physique comes its accompanying weaknesses. Concretely, you can eat, but not extremely much. You can hear sound, but not so much volume that it may immediately and definitely damage your eardrums. Concisely, all human senses impose limits unto themselves and to the individual himself/herself. The same can be said otherwise, that is, no sense means a limitation not to perceive the world.
Individually, a human person is unique and with limitations. Whether you like it or not, without resort to external technological breakthroughs and scientific advances, you have to live with your own individuality and uniqueness throughout your life as a human person. You might hate some of your unique traits for they seem peculiar to other individuals, but you have to learn to love them for the rest of your life because each person has his/her own limitations.
In relation to the above statements on individuality, uniqueness, and physicality, no matter how you look at things at a holistic perspective, a human person has either to accept, tolerate or reject outright his/her limitations. However, aspects of being a human person and its accompanying limitations are matters of utmost considerations and discretions depending on one’s individual choice, preference and liking as long as you are also considerate and tolerant of other people’s choices, preferences, likings, and – more importantly, human limitations, differences, and inabilities, too. In many cases, a person may be his/her worse limiter.
On the other hand, in terms of a human person’s possibilities, to be a human person is to realize your individual possibilities. With human possibilities, one has to consider what he/she is capable of doing despite his/her obvious limitations. Believing that you can self-harness your potentials into possibilities is a human and humane approach. Realizing that there are simply things people can and can’t do, you have to stick with what you can accomplish. That way, you become more self-fulfilled and a productive citizen. Hence, what possibilities are, are simply things you can materialize and even spiritualize to your advantage. Thus, some philosophers are even of the proposition that although a human person possesses a material body, that inside him/her is an immaterial entity able to transcend physical reality and is therefore divine (that is, more than just the material body is the spiritual dimensional side).
Overcoming Limitations and the Possibilities for Transcendence
Transcendence is a choice, an action, and the future. You can achieve greater heights only if you constantly willed and acted upon it; in which case, your future depends, though not entirely, on your past and present accomplishments. Although transcendence may not be just composed of decisions and actions, it must therefore consist of vision of a better future. It may not occur any moment in time to achieve every goal you have to undertake because of your innate limitations, but it is ever-present and therefore attainable for some people. Hence, for transcendence to become a possibility, an individual needs a realistic, positive outlook and the will to self-actualize his/her potentials into possibilities. Learning despite your infirmities (committing mistakes) and keeping your focus to reach your goal is the apropos thing to do. Learn from your mistakes, let bygones be bygones, take advantage of the present, and constantly create a clear vision (of your future) is the surefire way to go.
B. Written Task(Quiz)
Instruction: Choose the correct or “best” answer by encircle your letter of choice.
1. Based on the readings above (lesson in this module), what is an ‘embodied spirit’?
a. A living soul b. Inseparable physical body and a soul/spirit
c. A finite/limited material body, but with an undying spirit d. Any/all of the above
2. Concerning what different people claim it to be about the “human person,” choose the most probable answer hereunder:
- A human person is a humane being that lives then dies (and beyond/after death depends on one’s conviction).
- A human person is a unique social being with all the other attributes belonging to him/her.
- A human person is an individual with limitations, possibilities, and aspirations.
- Any/all of the above and depending on other things, as well.
3. What is the meaning of the word “transcendence”?
a. Beyond what a human person can achieve b. Beyond what a human person cannot accomplish
c. Beyond what a human person has already attained d. Beyond what you can or cannot actualize
4. Is transcendence attainable by every human person?
a. Yes b. No c. Maybe d. Not only attainable, but more than that
5. Which one of the following individuals has achieved transcendence?
- A happy-go-lucky family person.
- A person who excels in his/her endeavor despite having made mistakes and learnt from them.
- A person with a unique and gifted, yet without vision.
- A differently-abled person whose main purpose in life is to become “normal” as everyone else.
6.-10. (5 points). Answer the one sentential question that you have written down on the Pre-Assessment question above about “the human person, limitations, and transcendence.” No word limit required. …After you provided your answer below, grade/score your own answer. Note: For this portion of the post-assessment, lowest score is 0 and highest score is 5. If you give yourself 4 to 5 points, other post-assessment takers will obtain a score of 3, except you; on the other hand, if you assigned a score of 3 points (but less than 3 points) to yourself, you will get an individual score of 3.5. No worries, your self-grade/score will remain anonymous.
C. PERFORMANCE TASK
POSTER MAKING
Direction: Create a POSTER showing your holistic understanding of “overcoming limitations and achieving transcendence.” Use a separate sheet for this activity.
Rubric: Relevance to the topic = 50 points; Creativity = 40 points; and, Neatness = 10 points (Total = 100 points)
Bibliography
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“HD Wallpaper: Asphalt, Tarmac, Human, Person, Road, Dirt Road, Gravel, Walking | Wallpaper Flare.” 2017. Wallpaperflare.Com. 2017. https://www.wallpaperflare.com/asphalt-tarmac-human-person-road-dirt-road-gravel-walking-wallpaper-exmim.
“HD Wallpaper: Life Choices Meaning Possibility Route And Alternative, Choose | Wallpaper Flare.” 2017. Wallpaperflare.Com. 2017. https://www.wallpaperflare.com/life-choices-meaning-possibility-route-and-alternative-choose-wallpaper-agyqv.
johnhain. 2015. “Awakening Emergence Transcendence – Free Image on Pixabay.” Pixabay.Com. March 17, 2015. https://pixabay.com/illustrations/awakening-emergence-transcendence-676386/.
“K to 12 BASIC EDUCATION CURRICULUM SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL -CORE SUBJECT.” n.d. https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/SHS-Core_Introduction-to-the-Philosophy-of-the-Human-Person-CG.pdf.
“K to 12 Most Essential Learning Competencies with Corresponding CG Codes.” n.d. https://commons.deped.gov.ph/K-to-12-MELCS-with-CG-Codes.pdf.
“Limitations – Keyboard Image.” 2020. Picpedia.Org. 2020. https://www.picpedia.org/keyboard/l/limitations.html.
PHILO-notes. 2020. “The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit – Aristotle.” YouTube Video. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ENFOjMRzDJk.
“Were I to Have a Blog… » Struggle with the World: How We Come to Share in the Attributes of Divinity.” 2020. Harvard.Edu. 2020. http://blogs.harvard.edu/jordanlee/2007/04/18/struggle-with-the-worldhow-we-come-to-share-in-the-attributes-of-di/.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
While the concept of an embodied spirit may resonate with some, I find it to be an overly simplistic and unsubstantiated claim. The author provides no concrete evidence to support the existence of a spirit separate from the physical body. Until such evidence is presented, I remain unconvinced by this metaphysical assertion.
Skeptical Sam, you make a good point! It’s a complex question, and I’m not trying to prove anything. I just find the idea intriguing, such as spirits having no flesh and bones. So, look at it in an entirely new way, such as spiritual eyes to see spiritual matters. Sounds a bit more intriguing, isn’t? 😊
This article raises some interesting questions about the nature of human existence. I’ve always been fascinated by the idea that we may have a spiritual component that transcends our physical bodies. I’m curious to learn more about the author’s perspective on this topic and how it might be supported by scientific or philosophical research.
Curious Cat, you’ve touched upon a deeply philosophical topic! Exploring the concept of a spiritual aspect is a journey of introspection and exploration. The author may not provide scientific evidence, but they invite reflection and consideration of different perspectives on the nature of human existence.
Oh, so we’re all embodied spirits now? How convenient for those who want to avoid taking responsibility for their actions by blaming it on some ethereal force. I’ll stick to my belief in science and reason, thank you very much.
Ironic Iggy, your point about avoiding responsibility is valid! The concept of an embodied spirit is a complex and open to interpretation. Perhaps the author’s intention was to spark conversation about the potential spiritual dimension of human experience, rather than to shift blame.
A thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the human condition. The author eloquently articulates the interconnectedness of our physical and spiritual selves, emphasizing the importance of nurturing both aspects for a balanced and fulfilling life. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of their own existence.
Wise Owl, we appreciate your thoughtful and insightful feedback! Exploring the interconnectedness of our physical and spiritual selves is a deeply personal and profound journey. What aspects of the article resonated most with your own exploration of these ideas?
I strongly disagree with the author’s claim that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. This is a narrow and dogmatic view that excludes those who do not adhere to a particular religious belief. Furthermore, the author’s assertion that we are all called to be saints is both unrealistic and oppressive. It places an undue burden on individuals and fails to recognize the diversity of human experiences and aspirations.
Argumentative Andy, thank you for sharing your perspective! It’s important to have respectful discussions about different beliefs and values. While the author’s view may be rooted in a particular faith tradition, it’s crucial to acknowledge the diversity of human experiences and aspirations.
Wow, this article is a real eye-opener! So, basically, we’re all just glorified ghosts floating around in meat suits? I guess that explains why I’m so clumsy – my spirit keeps tripping over my body!
Sarcastic Sally, you’re a funny one! Exploring the concept of an embodied spirit is certainly a thought-provoking exercise. Perhaps the author’s intention wasn’t to literally suggest we’re ghosts in suits, but rather to spark conversation about the complex relationship between our physical and spiritual selves.
If we’re all embodied spirits, does that mean we can do cool stuff like fly through walls and shoot lasers out of our eyes? Because that would be totally awesome!
Comical Chris, that’s a fun thought experiment! While the article might not be exploring the literal ability to fly or shoot lasers, it does invite us to consider the potential for human abilities to extend beyond the physical realm. Who knows, maybe someday we’ll discover new ways to tap into our potential!