Lesson 3: Intro to Philosophy Study Guide PDF

Lesson 3 - Human Person as an Embodied Spirit CONCEPT OF HUMAN BEING: PLATO, ARISTOTLE, AND DESCARTES Plato's Perspective: o Plato, a Greek philosopher, viewed human beings as immortal souls temporarily residing in physical bodies. o He believed in the ex...

Lesson 3 - Human Person as an Embodied Spirit CONCEPT OF HUMAN BEING: PLATO, ARISTOTLE, AND DESCARTES Plato's Perspective: o Plato, a Greek philosopher, viewed human beings as immortal souls temporarily residing in physical bodies. o He believed in the existence of a higher realm of perfect Forms, where the true essence of everything, including human beings, exists. o According to Plato, the soul is eternal and preexists before birth, acquiring knowledge through recollection (anamnesis) rather than learning from experience. o He emphasized the importance of reason and believed that cultivating virtues leads to the harmonious development of the soul. Aristotle’s Perspective: o Aristotle, another Greek philosopher and Plato's student, had a more empirical approach to understanding human beings. o He viewed human beings as rational animals, emphasizing the integration of body and soul. o Aristotle believed that the soul is the form of the body and inseparable from it, making humans unique in their capacity for reason and rational thought. o He stressed the importance of the development of practical wisdom (phronesis) to achieve eudaimonia, a state of flourishing and fulfillment. Aristotle divides the soul into three functions: Rational Soul, Vegetative Soul, and Sensitive Soul. o Vegetative Soul – is found in Plants and all other plant species. o Sensitive Soul – can also be found in animals and humans respectively (capable of sensation). o Rational Soul – Dominantly found in Human Beings. (capable of thinking). Descartes' Perspective: o René Descartes, a French philosopher, approached the concept of human beings through a dualistic perspective. o He believed in the existence of both material bodies and immaterial minds (res cogitans). o Descartes famously stated, "Cogito, ergo sum" (I think, therefore I am), emphasizing the certainty of human existence through the act of thinking. o He regarded the mind as separate from the body and proposed the concept of interactionism, where the mind and body interact to influence human experiences and actions. HUMAN AS AN EMBODIED SUBJECT Human as an Embodied Subject means that humans are not just minds or spirits existing independently of the physical body. Instead, humans are a unity of mind and body, and our experiences and actions are shaped by our physical existence. This perspective emphasizes the importance of the body in human life. Our bodies influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in countless ways. Marcel's Philosophy: Embodiment: Tell the students this example: Dancing. When you dance, you become an active participant in the world. Your body movements express your feelings and thoughts, making dancing more than just physical activity. It's like your body and mind are working together to tell a story through dance. This idea is similar to what Gabriel Marcel called "Embodiment," where your body is not just a tool, but a way to experience and connect with the world around you. o Views human beings as embodied subjects.  o Humans are not just passive entities but active participants in the world, engaging with others and the environment through their bodies. o Our bodies are essential in shaping our encounters with others and influencing how we experience the world. o Marcel's philosophy highlights the profound interconnectedness between the mind and body, making our physical experiences and emotions integral to our understanding of the world and ourselves. Heidegger's Philosophy ("Being-in-the-World"): Tell the students this example: Imagine yourself playing your favorite sport. When you're fully engaged in the game, you're not just thinking with your mind, but your body is also responding with quick moves and actions. This is what Martin Heidegger called "Being-in-the-World." You are not separate from the game; you're fully involved and connected with it. It's like your body and mind are one, working together to play the sport. o Human existence is grounded in everyday experiences and practical involvements. o Heidegger's philosophy rejects a detached or abstract view of human existence and emphasizes the significance of our lived experiences. o Our bodies are central to how we navigate the world and our place within it, and our practical engagement shapes our understanding of ourselves and the world. o Heidegger's perspective encourages a holistic understanding of human existence, recognizing the inseparable connection between the mind, body, and the world we inhabit. LIMITATIONS AND TRANSCENDENCE As embodied subjects, we have limitations because our physical existence is bound by certain constraints and conditions. These limitations are an inherent part of being human and shape our experiences and interactions with the world. Three kinds of limitations in Philosophy: Facticity: o Facticity refers to the inherent limitations and conditions that individuals are born into, such as their biological traits, family background, cultural context, and historical circumstances. o These limitations are part of our human condition, and they shape our existence and experiences in significant ways. o However, despite these limitations, humans have the capacity to transcend their facticity through self-awareness, reflection, and making choices that shape their lives and future. Spatial-Temporal Being: o As spatial-temporal beings, humans are bound by the constraints of time and space. o Our existence unfolds within a specific time frame, and we occupy a particular physical space, which sets boundaries and limitations to our actions and experiences. o Nonetheless, human beings can transcend these limitations by developing a sense of meaning, purpose, and significance within their temporal and spatial constraints. The Body as Intermediary: o The body serves as the intermediary through which human beings engage with the world and interact with others. o While the body is a medium for our experiences and actions, it also imposes limitations, such as physical capabilities and vulnerabilities. o Transcendence occurs when individuals use their bodies as vehicles for expression, creativity, and meaningful connections with others, going beyond mere physical limitations. In summary, the concept of limitations and transcendence in philosophy acknowledges the inherent constraints of the human condition. Despite these limitations, individuals have the capacity to rise above their circumstances through self-awareness, meaningful actions, and embracing their embodied existence. Transcendence involves going beyond the limitations of facticity, spatial-temporal being, and the body, seeking higher levels of understanding, self-realization, and connectedness with the world and others.