Philo 1 Lesson 3: The Human Person

Understanding the Human Person

• Different terms define the human experience: Man represents all humans, Human distinguishes humans from animals, and Human being points to the unique qualities of humans.
• Person denotes individuals recognized for their rights, dignity, and responsibilities, highlighting their awareness and capacity for self-interaction.

Concepts of Personhood and Human Nature

• Personhood signifies the status of being a person, while Human nature encompasses traits like thinking and feeling, essential to distinguishing humans from other creatures.
• Characteristics are integral to the essence of humanity; lacking them may hinder one's classification as a human person.

Attributes of a Person

• A person possesses self-awareness, self-determination, the ability to interact with others, and inherent dignity.

Self-Awareness

• Self-awareness is a comprehensive recognition of thoughts, emotions, identity, and actions, transcending mere perception and reaction to the environment.
• It involves conscious participation in one’s own experiences, acknowledging the significance of these moments.

Inner World and Creativity

• Self-awareness fosters a unique "self" that engages with reality, allowing individuals to explore personal thoughts and ideas.
• Interiority promotes creativity, enabling individuals to envision goals and dreams that may manifest through their activities.

Affirmations of Existence

• Affirmations of being: "I am a person. I am alive. I exist. I am here." encourage acknowledgment of one’s presence and existence.

Self-Determination

• Self-determination refers to the ability to make independent choices based on personal preferences while maintaining goal orientation and self-direction.
• Free will permits individuals to actively control their actions and recognize themselves as the origin of their decisions.

Consequences and Morality

• Actions have consequences, and moral evaluations assess the goodness or badness of behavior.
• Philosophical perspectives suggest that human actions reveal true nature, with actions being a reflection and fulfillment of personal potential.

Affirmations of Action

• Statements affirming personal agency: "My actions are my own and made freely. I know that my actions have consequences," reinforce recognition of accountability.

Externality

• Externality represents the human capacity to connect and engage with others and the environment, emphasizing the social nature of humans.
• Humans thrive in relationships, underscoring the importance of social interactions for survival and personal growth.

Impact of Relationships

• Interpersonal interactions significantly shape the experience of personhood and contribute to personal development.

Affirmations of Connection

• Statements like "I value others. I interact meaningfully" reflect the significance of relationships and their role in growth as a person.