Human Person and Human Dignity PDF Notes

The Human Person and Human Dignity - Summary Who is a Human Person? A human person is any individual being with a rational nature—meaning they can think, make decisions, and reflect on themselves. This rationality gives humans two key abilities: 1. Self-consciousness (knowing about oneself)....

The Human Person and Human Dignity - Summary Who is a Human Person? A human person is any individual being with a rational nature—meaning they can think, make decisions, and reflect on themselves. This rationality gives humans two key abilities: 1. Self-consciousness (knowing about oneself). 2. Freedom to act based on their choices. Body and Soul: The Human Composition Humans are made up of two main parts:  Body: Includes senses, physical traits, and temperaments (e.g., choleric, sanguine, melancholic, phlegmatic).  Soul: The spiritual part that brings life to the body and allows intellect (thinking) and will (choosing good). The concept of hylemorphism, from Aristotle, explains that humans are a blend of:  Matter (body): What makes us physically real.  Form (soul): What gives us life and purpose. Aristotle and Aquinas emphasized the inseparable relationship between body and soul. The soul doesn’t exist apart from the body, but it’s the principle that makes us alive. Three Types of Souls 1. Nutritive Soul: Found in plants; it allows growth and reproduction. 2. Sensitive Soul: Found in animals; it allows senses and movement. 3. Rational Soul: Found in humans; it adds intellect and reasoning on top of the others. Human Dignity Human dignity means every person is valuable, unique, and worthy of respect simply because they are human. Dignity is:  Intrinsic: A built-in part of being human.  Inalienable: Cannot be taken away.  Universal: Everyone has it, regardless of status, age, or ability. How is Dignity Violated? Dignity is often disrespected when people:   Discriminate against others.  Exploit or harm others.  Fail to recognize someone’s humanity. To restore dignity, we can:  Recognize and respect every individual.  Speak kindly and address people by their names.  Protect and support others through daily actions. Why is Dignity Important? It helps guide how we think, judge, and act in a way that reflects respect for ourselves and others. For example, understanding dignity can influence how we treat the poor, children, or anyone facing challenges. Being a Moral Agent Humans are moral agents because they can reason and choose. This means:  We are responsible for our actions.  We can strive to act in ways that reflect respect for dignity, both ours and others. Think of every person as special and priceless, like a one-of-a-kind treasure. You’re more than just your body or your brain—you’re a mix of feelings, thoughts, and a unique soul. That’s why we should treat everyone with kindness and respect, no matter who they are or what they look like. If someone’s dignity is hurt—like if they’re teased, ignored, or treated unfairly—it’s important to stand up for them. You can help by being kind, calling them by their name, and showing you care. What Are Virtues? Virtues are like good habits that make you a better person. They help you know what’s right, choose to do it, and do it well. Think of virtues like superpowers for being kind, brave, fair, and disciplined—they make life better for you and for others. Why Do We Need Virtues?  1. They help you make good decisions. 2. They make it easier to do the right thing without thinking too hard about it (like brushing your teeth without being told!). 3. They guide how we treat others and ourselves with respect. Two Main Types of Virtues 1. Theological Virtues (Faith, Hope, and Charity): o These connect you with God and help you live a good spiritual life.  Faith: Believing in God and His goodness.  Hope: Trusting that good things will happen because of God's love.  Charity: Loving God and other people more than yourself. 2. Cardinal Virtues (Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Fortitude): o These are the basic tools for living a good life. They work like a strong foundation:  Prudence: Knowing what’s right and making good choices.  Justice: Being fair and giving everyone what they deserve.  Temperance: Controlling your desires for things like food, fun, or stuff.  Fortitude: Being brave and strong, even when things are tough. Let’s Break Down the Cardinal Virtues (The Big Four) 1. Prudence (Wisdom): o This helps you figure out what’s the best thing to do in every situation. o Example: Deciding to study for a test instead of playing games because it’s the smart thing to do. 2. Justice (Fairness): o This is about treating everyone equally and giving people what they deserve. o Example: Sharing your snacks with a friend because it’s fair. 3. Temperance (Self-Control): o This helps you manage your wants and desires so they don’t control you. o Example: Eating one cookie instead of the whole box because it’s better for you. 4. Fortitude (Courage): o This is about being brave and strong, even when it’s scary or hard. o Example: Standing up for a friend who’s being bullied, even if it’s tough. How Do Virtues Work? When you practice virtues every day, they become part of who you are. For example:   At first, being patient might be hard, but the more you practice, the easier it gets.  Over time, these habits turn into your character, which is like the "real you." Why Are Virtues Important? 1. They help you make good choices. 2. They teach you how to be kind, brave, and fair. 3. They help you build strong relationships with others and God. 4. They prepare you to deal with challenges in life. What Happens Without Virtues? Without virtues, life can get messy:  People can become selfish, lazy, or unfair.  It’s harder to make good decisions or fix mistakes. Virtues are like a compass for your heart, always pointing you in the right direction. A Simple Way to Start Practicing Virtues:  Think: Is this the right thing to do?  Act: Do the good thing, even if it’s hard.  Repeat: Keep doing it until it feels natural. Virtues make you a better person every day, one small choice at a time! a) Why is the Period of Courtship Important? (10 marks) Courtship is the time when two individuals get to know each other better before committing to marriage. It is important because: 1. Understanding Each Other: It helps both individuals learn about each other’s personality, values, likes, and dislikes. 2. Building Trust: The couple develops mutual trust, which is essential for a strong relationship. 3. Compatibility Check: They evaluate whether they are compatible emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. 4. Planning for the Future: The couple discusses important matters such as family, finances, and goals.  5. Conflict Resolution: It provides an opportunity to see how they handle disagreements and challenges. 6. Moral Guidance: It is a time to set boundaries and practice virtues like patience, respect, and self-control. 7. Support from Families: Courtship allows families to get involved and provide guidance or blessings. 8. Avoiding Rush Decisions: It prevents impulsive choices, ensuring that the relationship is based on deeper understanding rather than just attraction. 9. Foundation of Love: It strengthens emotional bonds and helps the couple transition into a loving, committed marriage. 10. Preparation for Marriage: It allows time to reflect on the seriousness of the lifelong commitment they are about to make. b) Define Marriage and Explain Its Objective Ends Definition of Marriage Marriage is a lifelong union between a man and a woman, entered into freely, based on mutual love and commitment. It is recognized both socially and, in many traditions, spiritually, as a sacred bond. Objective Ends of Marriage 1. Procreation and Education of Children: o Marriage provides a stable environment to raise children. o Parents are responsible for nurturing and educating their children to become good members of society. 2. Mutual Support and Companionship: o Marriage is designed to provide emotional, physical, and spiritual support between the spouses. o It strengthens the bond of love, fostering unity and harmony. 3. Moral and Spiritual Growth: o Marriage helps individuals grow in virtues like patience, sacrifice, and selflessness. o It also encourages spiritual growth as spouses support each other in their faith. 4. Sanctification of the Couple: o In many religious contexts, marriage is seen as a way for the couple to grow closer to God by fulfilling their duties with love and dedication. Marriage combines these purposes to form the basis of family and society, making it a crucial institution.