Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person PDF

INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON QUARTER 2 - Week 5 (Day 1) Human Person in Society Review Objectives At the end of the lesson, you are expected to: distinguish between transactional and personal relations. demonstrate understanding of...

INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON QUARTER 2 - Week 5 (Day 1) Human Person in Society Review Objectives At the end of the lesson, you are expected to: distinguish between transactional and personal relations. demonstrate understanding of concepts such as society, social systems, social relationships and social transformation  Lesson 1 Social Interaction and Society Dramatization Questions Is there something wrong with the friend’s response to your mother’s hospitality? Is there something problematic about your friend asking for payment for her "loving presence"? Questions What makes these two reactions to the situations wrong? Why do you think it is wrong? Is asking for payment always wrong? When do you think is it appropriate? Different Social Relations and their Corresponding Interactions Jurgen Habermas Personal Relationships are personal where interactions are based on mutual regard for each other as persons. *Cooperation rather than by competition Jurgen Habermas Transactional Relationships are transactional where interactions are based on a regard for each other as means for attaining one's goals. *The atmosphere is competitive Two types of Interaction in society  Habermas' analysis of society is helpful here in pointing out that we need both transactional and personal social relations in our lives. *It means that not all forms of treating the other as an "object" are inherently evil. It also means that intersubjective relations also have limits in aiding development of persons and societies. Colonization of the lifeworld by the social systems Situation 1 Situation 2 Market, State, and Lifeworld Habermas' Social Theory Society is made up of three main spheres: The Social System of Money Economic System (the market) The Social System of Power Political System (the state) The everyday world of communicative relations Habermas' Social Theory Each sphere calls for different interactions. In the market and the state, relationships are more transactional, and so individuals view each other as means for a particular goal or end. *If social systems have a "language" that all participants understand, it would be Habermas' Social Theory At least one participant in a transactional relationship gets to be objectified for the attainment of a certain end. Social systems follow a logic of: having & not having (economic) commanding & obeying (politics) Habermas' Social Theory When we are within the confines of our homes or in our immediate communities, we naturally assume that all who are part of the community are persons, and must be consciously recognized and treated as such. *Lifeworlds thrive on mutual recognition  "So we live in two worlds: one characterized by social exchanges and the other characterized by market exchanges. And we apply different norms to these two kinds of relationships. Moreover, introducing market norms into social exchanges...violates social norms and hurts relationships. Once this type of mistake has been committed, recovering a social relationship is difficult." - Dan Ariely, Predictability Irrational Reflection Do you have relationships that have been compromised because of money and power? Have you been able to revert back to a purely personal relationship after that? How can you preserve and shield the relationships that matter to you most from the interest of money and power?  Lesson Ender For the development of individuals and society, however, we need both transactional and personal relations. Both of which have their specific functions and roles. And one should never encroach on the other. *Alienation (social systems colonize the lifeworld) *Social System become less efficient (personal relations is applied in business/political transactions) INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON QUARTER 2 - Week 6 (Day 1) Human Person in Society Review PERSONAL TRANSACTIONAL  Lesson 2 Social Interaction and the Development of Societies Picture Analysis Picture Analysis Picture Analysis Development of a Society Development of a Person Material reproduction It refers to the utilization and distribution of society's resources for the physical survival and welfare of all individual members. Symbolic reproduction It refers to the transmission and renewal of cultural knowledge, the establishment of solidarity and cooperation and the formation of identities of persons through Pre-industrial Societies Hunting and Gathering Society Recognized as the earliest and simplest form of society Nomadic Members are generally treated equally and decisions are based on consensus. Pastoral Society Characterized by the domestication of animals for food for a more stable and predictable food supply. Pastoral societies often produce surplus food and resources. Leads to the emergence of specialized tasks in the Horticultural Society Primarily engages in the small-scale cultivation of plants, fruits, and vegetables and the domestication of animals. Semi-nomadic The assignment of tasks and occupations was often based on gender. Agricultural society Involves large-scale and long-term cultivation of crops and domestication of animals. Characterized by improved technology and the use of tools to aid in farming. Give rise to a growing population and a more structured social Tribal Society The term "tribe" denotes a group of people living in a primitive setting under a leader or chief. Tribal societies are small in scale; bound to their spatial and temporal range of relations in terms of society, law, and politics; and possess a moral code, cult, and wide range of belief systems. Feudal Society Feudalism refers to the economic, political, and social system that prevailed in Europe from about the ninth to the fifteenth century. Due to the lack of an effective centralized government during this period, kings and lords granted land and provided protection to lesser nobles known as vassals.  Tribal Leaders Monarchs Tribal leaders and monarchs had control over the social systems of economy and politics. At the same time, they had control over the symbolic reproduction of society. Their word is law Little understanding of individual rights Lives were defined by their loyal service Mechanistic Model This model indicates that a person's individual consciousness is very much aligned with the collective consciousness. What was important was the oneness of the community. No clear sense of individuality among members of society.  The downside of this model of solidarity is that it did not encourage individual critical thinking. We still find contemporary examples of this kind of solidarity such as fraternities, cultic religions, or other similar groups where individuals who question or criticize their groups are banished or sanctioned. INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON QUARTER 2 - Week 6 (Day 2) Human Person in Society Modern Industrialized Societies Industrial Society Based on the use of specialized machinery in the production of goods and services. “Industrial Revolution” Technological advances in this period resulted in improved trade and commerce. Work is done in factories. Leading to greater inequalities in Modern Industrialized Societies Markets gradually gained independence from Political Control. The scope of authority of political systems gradually narrowed down to the protection of the rights of individuals and the redistribution of wealth in societies. The power that they held was no longer absolute. Modern Industrialized Societies Culture, social values, and personal identities were no longer merely dictated or imposed on individual members of societies by a dominant power. The absence of an overarching dominant power enabled the awareness of a person's own individuality and autonomy. Modern Industrialized Societies Current Situation Free movement of trade in the economy, with moderate regulation from the state. Political systems have become more democratized. Lifeworld culture, values, and personalities have become more dynamic. Modern Industrialized Societies Organic Solidarity (Durkheim's model) It begins with a recognition of the differences among members with awareness of their co-dependence. Harmonious functioning without them having to sacrifice their individual identities. Contractual Solidarity Modern Industrialized Societies Organic Solidarity (Durkheim's model) This form of solidarity heavily depends on individual motivation. The motivation to cooperate with others in society depends solely on our human rationality and not on some external dominant power breathing down our necks. Therefore, it becomes more difficult for individuals to create ties of solidarity with others is society. Mechanical Solidarity Organic Solidarity Application: Compare and contrast rural from urban societies. What are the advantages and disadvantages of living in urban societies and living in rural communities? What are the differences in social relationships between those living in rural areas as opposed to those in urban areas? Is it better to go back to the tribal and feudalistic forms of society where the sense of community is stronger? Explain your answer. Application: Draw a table comparing mechanical solidarity as opposed to organic solidarity, their strengths, and weaknesses. Give examples for each strength and weakness. Explain how individuals form societies and how individuals are transformed by societies. INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON QUARTER 2 - Week 7 (Day 1) Human Person in Society Review We have seen in our brief overview that as societies evolved gradually throughout history, the mode of our social relationships has evolved as well. The direction of social evolution indicates a trend: Where individualities are less prioritized, societal bonds seem stronger but critical thinking is discouraged. Where individualities are encouraged and recognized, critical and independent voices are heard, but societal bonds tend to be weakened. Mechanical Solidarity Collectivism is Stronger Individualism takes primacy Organic Solidarity Individualism Collectivism Individualism It is how we describe a society that champions the freedom of individual persons. It gives primacy to the protection and recognition of individual freedoms. This encourages selfishness, insofar as members' concern is confined to their self- interests. Solidarity = Sacrifice, Unity = Plagued Collectivism It is observed in societies that give priority to unity over the recognition of one's individual freedom. Norms and authorities are pre- established rather than signed up for through a social contract or agreement. Discourages individual dissenting voices, and as such, curtails critical thinking.  It is often said that choosing between individualism and collectivism leaves us with a dilemma, which literally means "two horns" because both are partly favorable and partly a hindrance to something good. Martin Buber (I-Thou) He points out that we do not need to choose one over the other. It is not a matter of choosing between individual freedom and collective unity, but a matter of valuing the in-between (the relationship between persons) "Relation is the true starting point for personal integration and wholeness and for the transformation of society"  An individual cannot be an individual without collectivity. "Our sense of identity is largely formed by those who have been in close relationships with us." "Individuality is formed through intersubjective processes. As such one need not choose individuality over the collective intersubjective world.  A collectivity cannot be formed without the cooperative accomplishment of individuals. "A collectivity that does not recognize the individuality of its members is not a community but a monolith" "Collectivities can find stability not through the silencing of the voice of individuals, but by providing channels for cooperative dialogue.  I-Thou relationship is at once a celebration of individualism and collectivism. As I participate in an intersubjective relationship with another, I am made aware of both my subjectivity and the other's subjectivity, my individuality, and the others.