Introduction to Philosophy of the Human Person

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

• Transcendence: The ability to surpass limits. A subject is an observer, while an object is something observed.
• Intersubjectivity: The interaction between "Self" and "Other." This is the condition of a person among other people who are also subjects.
• Economic Efficiency: Prudence in using resources to minimize waste.
• Availability: Willingness of a person to be present and available to another.
• Speechifying: Talking at someone without listening to them.
• Authentic Dialogue: Interpersonal communication where individuals acknowledge being part of a greater whole.
• Biocentrism: The view that all living things (humans, animals, and plants) deserve moral consideration.
• Person: A human being granted rights, responsibilities, protection, and dignity.
• Social: The life of a group bound by common experiences and reactions.
• Social Influence: When one's emotions, opinions or behavior are affected by others.
• Prudence: Self-governance and discipline using reason. Good judgment in decision-making.
• Self-Awareness: Understanding one's thoughts, emotions, identity, and actions.
• Imposition: Telling another how they should act, behave, and respond.
• I-it: Experiences and sensations where objects are involved.

Human Person and Society

• I-Thou: A concrete encounter without objectification. The first level is awareness of the other.
• Voluntariness: Acting on one's own free will without external influence.
• Physical Freedom: Absence of physical constraints.
• Circumstantial Freedom: The ability to act without external obstacles.
• Metaphysical Freedom: The power to choose among genuine alternatives.
• Animal Domestication: A primary subsistence means for pastoralists.
• Hunting and Gathering: Earliest and most basic economic subsistence method.
• Virtual Society: Product of post-industrial society.
• Empathy: Understanding and sharing another's feelings.
• Industrial Society: Society based on specialized machinery, production, and goods/services.
• Feudal Society: Society with a strict hierarchical system based on land ownership.
• Purpose: Guiding life decisions, shaping behavior, and offering direction.
• Life: The process of existence, acting, reacting, evaluating, and evolving through growth.
• Death: Cessation of heartbeat and breathing; separation of the soul and body.
• Reincarnation: The belief in rebirth after death.
• Loneliness: Feeling of emptiness or hollowness within oneself.
• Happiness: A state of being, not just an emotion.
• Suffering: Discomfort, hunger, stress, and pain. A state of feeling discomfort, pain, depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness, and grief.
• Mental Suffering: Specific types of suffering like depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness, and grief.

Human Relationships

• Noble Good: Actions pursued for their own sake (e.g., love, friendship).
• Pleasurable Good: Qualities which provide pleasure (e.g., money).
• Happiness (First Level): Sensual gratification based on external things.
• Happiness (Deeper Level): A deeper, more impactful state of happiness.
• Intersubjectivity: Shared awareness and understanding between individuals.
• Dialogue: Deep and genuine relationship.
• Empathy: The ability to understand and share feelings.
• Communication: Individuals are part of a greater whole.
• Availability: Willingness to be present to and with another.
• I-IT Relationship: Seeing the other as an object to fulfill needs.
• I-Thou Relationship: Acknowledging the wholeness of the other; relational rather than transactional partnership.
• Self-Other Interaction (First Level): The awareness of the other's existence.
• Self-Other Interaction (Deeper Level): Awareness of oneself as seen by others.
• Physical Pain: Suffering from a physical source.
• Mental Pain: Discomfort, dysfunction, and distress of the mind.
• Emotional Pain: Suffering caused by actions of others; grief, regret, loss.

Philosophical Concepts and Society

• Psychological Suffering: Emotional distress due to stressors and demands.
• Aristotle's Happiness: The highest aim of human beings achieved through virtue.
• Epicurus and Happiness: Belief in happiness stemming from earthly dimensions.
• Nietzsche and Happiness: Happiness as a constant state of well-being, not related to superficial feelings.
• Hunting and Gathering societies: Small, egalitarian societies; low inequality.
• Horticultural societies: Societies based on simple tools to grow crops.
• Pastoral societies: Raise livestock primarily.
• Agricultural societies: Societies with advancements in farming techniques, using tools & animals.
• Feudal societies: Hierarchies based on land ownership.
• Obstacles to Dialogue: Perceived challenges to effective communication.

Death and Impending Death

• Death (Medical Definition): End of life; cessation of brain function (flat EEG).
• Suffering: Discomfort, pain, physical or emotional.
• Seeming: Deliberately portraying a desired image.
• Imposition: Directly telling someone how to act.
• Speechifying: Talking at someone without listening.
• Industrial societies: Feature factories, higher wealth, and individualism.
• Post-industrial societies: Focus on technology, higher education and service jobs.
• Social influence: Effects on one's opinions, emotions, and behaviors due to other people.