Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person- Tala Senior High School PDF

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person Week 5-6 ROBERT R. SAMONTE, MA, LPT  Lesson I: Limits the Human Body Imposes and Possibilities for Transcendence Most Essential Learning Competency Recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities for tr...

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person Week 5-6 ROBERT R. SAMONTE, MA, LPT  Lesson I: Limits the Human Body Imposes and Possibilities for Transcendence Most Essential Learning Competency Recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities for transcendence  Activity Sensitivity Check Directions: What are your views about the paragraph?  Ako ay Ako …Kaya kong itapon o wasakin ang hindi akma at panatilihin ang mga naakma At lumikha o kumatha ng mga bago, kapalit ng mga itinapon o winasak. Ako ay nakakikita, nakaririnig, nakadarama, nakaiisip, nakapagsasalita at nakagagawa. Ako ay may kakayahan upang mabuhay at maging malapit sa kapwa. Maging kapaki-pakinabang at makaimpluwensya sa mga tao at mga bagay. Ako ang nagmamay- ari sa akin, samakatuwid kaya kong pamahalaan ang aking sarili, Ako ay ako, at ako ay okay. Lesson I: Limits the Human Body Imposes and Possibilities for Transcendence The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit According to St. Thomas of Aquinas in his Summa Theologia, “the body is not of the essence of the soul; but the soul by the nature of its essence can be united to the body, so that, properly speaking, not the soul alone, but the “composite,” is the species. St. Thomas of Aquinas' View: St. Thomas emphasizes that the human person is a unique composite of body and soul. The body is not essential to the soul's existence, but they are united to form the human species. Inferior Intellectuality: Unlike angels, who do not require a body for their intellectuality, humans possess a lower grade of intellectuality and depend on their bodies for certain operations. Immortal Soul: Despite this, humans have an immortal soul, highlighting the spiritual and eternal aspect of their existence. The Union of Body and Soul Aristotle's View on Body and Soul: Aristotle believed that the soul is what animates a human being. He saw the soul as the source of various functions like nutrition, sensation, thinking, and movement. Importantly, Aristotle considered the soul as the form of the body, meaning that it gives the body its specific characteristics and abilities. However, he didn't think the soul was merged with the body; rather, it communicated with the body through various functions. St. Thomas Aquinas' Development of Aristotle's Ideas: St. Thomas Aquinas built upon Aristotle's ideas. He also saw humans as composed of both a spiritual (the soul) and a corporeal (the body) substance. Aquinas addressed several concerns about the nature of the soul: a. The Soul as the Body's Mover: Aquinas argued that the soul is the principle that moves the body. It's the animating force behind bodily actions. This suggests a close connection between the soul and the body's actions. b. Knowledge and Likeness: Aquinas addressed the idea that to know something corporeal, the soul doesn't have to be corporeal itself.. In other words, the soul can understand and know physical things without being physical This means that the soul can interact with the body in a non- physical, quality-based way. c. Contact and Incorporeal Influence: Aquinas differentiated between types of contact. While physical bodies contact each other through power, an incorporeal thing (like the soul) can influence a physical body through the contact of quality. This means that the soul can interact with the body in a non-physical, quality- based way. St. Thomas Aquinas' Conclusion: Based on his analysis, Aquinas concluded that the soul is not a body. He emphasized the distinction between the mover (soul) and the moved (body). The soul's role as the mover doesn't necessitate it being a physical body. The Significance of the Soul's Nature: Aquinas' exploration of the soul's nature was significant because, during his time, there was a prevalent belief that everything that existed was material or corporeal. Aquinas challenged this notion by asserting the existence of an immaterial soul, separate from the body. Thomas Merton's Perspective: Thomas Merton, a Trappist monk, adds a spiritual dimension to this discussion. He suggests that understanding who we are involves recognizing the divine image within ourselves.  Merton encourages a journey towards greater spiritual awareness and a move away from both inner and outer distractions (idols) that hinder this awareness. His perspective aligns with the Christian faith, emphasizing union with the divine. It explores the complex relationship between the soul and the body, drawing from the ideas of Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas. It ultimately affirms the existence of an immaterial soul while recognizing its profound influence on the body. Thomas Merton's perspective extends this discussion into the realm of spirituality and the quest for self-awareness. Existentialism (Sartre): Bad Faith and Authenticity: Existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre's concept of "bad faith" suggests that living an authentic life is challenging because it requires transcending the feeling of "nothingness." Authenticity involves recognizing one's freedom and taking responsibility for one's choices. Freedom as Autonomy: Sartre emphasizes that true freedom involves autonomous choices and taking responsibility for them. Blaming others for one's actions is not compatible with authentic freedom. Condemned to Be Free: Sartre's famous quote, "I am condemned to be free," underscores the idea that humans are inherently free but must navigate the responsibility that comes with it. Hinduism: Quest for Absolute Truth: Hinduism revolves around the quest for absolute truth, seeking unity between the individual soul (Atman) and the Absolute Soul (Brahman). Dual Nature of Humans: Hinduism acknowledges the duality of human existence: the spiritual, immortal essence (soul or Atman) and the empirical, mortal life. The soul is considered the ultimate reality, while the body is seen as illusory. Karma and Liberation (Moksha): Hindus believe in the law of karma, where actions in this life impact future lives. Liberation (moksha) is the ultimate goal, freeing the soul from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Transmigration of Souls: Hinduism introduces the concept of souls passing into different bodies through reincarnation or transmigration based on their karma. Good karma leads to higher forms of life, while bad karma results in lower forms. Buddhism: Gautama's Teachings: Gautama Buddha's teachings focused on inner cultivation, self-discipline, and liberation from suffering. He rejected the idea of appealing to gods or relying on rituals. Four Noble Truths: Buddhism's core tenets are the Four Noble Truths, addressing the nature of suffering, its causes (desires and cravings), the possibility of its cessation, and the Eightfold Path leading to liberation. (1) life is full of suffering; (2) suffering is caused by passionate desires, lusts, cravings; (3) only as these are obliterated, will suffering cease; (4) such eradication of desire may be accomplished only by following the Eightfold Path of earnest endeavor. The Eightfold Path: This path consists of right belief, aspiration, speech, conduct, means of livelihood, endeavor, mindfulness, and meditation. It guides individuals toward enlightenment and Nirvana. (1) right belief in acceptance of the “Fourfold Truth”; (2) right aspiration for oneself and for others; (3) right speech that harms no one; (4) right conduct, motivated by goodwill toward all human beings; (5) right means of livelihood, or earning one’s living by honorable means; (6) right endeavor, or effort to direct one’s energies toward wise ends; (7) right mindfulness in choosing topics for thought; and (8) right meditation, or concentration to the point of complete absorption in mystic ecstasy. Nirvana: Nirvana represents freedom from all forms of attachment and suffering. It is a state of perfect insight, wisdom, and peace. Buddha's silence on questions about the existence of those who attain Nirvana after death reflects its transcendent nature. Middle Way: Buddhism advocates the Middle Way, avoiding extremes like excessive asceticism or hedonism. The enlightened individual neither remains absorbed in meditation nor is overly involved in worldly pursuits. It delves into existentialist ideas about authenticity and freedom, Hinduism's quest for spiritual unity and concepts like karma and reincarnation, and Buddhism's teachings on suffering, the path to enlightenment, Nirvana, and the Middle Way. These philosophies offer different perspectives on the human condition and the pursuit of spiritual awakening and liberation.  Evaluate Own Limitations and Possibilities for their Transcendence  Many of us would experience any of the following; for emerging from deep within and feeling a sense of being in tune with the mystery of our own being, and with the mystery of life that transcends us. Let us consider the following examples (Edwards 1983). A. Forgiveness – When we forgive, we are freed from our anger and bitterness because of the actions and/or words of another. On the other hand, the hardness of our heart is reinforced by whole series of rational arguments. B. The Beauty of Nature – There is perfection in every single flower; this is what the three philosophies believed. For a hug, for every sunrise and sunset, to eat together as a family, are our miracles. These kind of experiences can be truly moments of grace. They touch us deeply and the human hearts is spontaneously lifted. During this experience, we need to offer praise. C. Vulnerability- To be vulnerable is to be human. To be invulnerable is somehow inhuman. Supermen or superheroes are hiding from their true humanity. The experience that we are contingent, that we are dependent for our existence on another is frightening. To work in the office or study in the school, without acknowledging the help of others, is to live without meaning and direction. We need to acknowledge the help of other people in our lives. Such moments of poverty and dependence on others are not a sign of weakness but being true with ourselves. D. Failure – Our failures force us to confront our weaknesses and limitations. When a relationship fails, when a student fails a subject, when our immediate desires are not met, we are confronted with the possibility of our plans, and yet, we are forced to surrender to a mystery or look upon a bigger world. such acceptance of our failures makes us hope and trust that all can be brought into good. Even if we have sinned, as Augustine had, there is hope and forgiveness. E. Loneliness – Our loneliness can be rooted from our sense of vulnerability and fear of death. This experience is so common. However, it is our choice to live in an impossible world where we are always “happy” or to accept a life where solitude and companionship have a part..  With our loneliness, we can realize that our dependence on other people or gadgets is a possessiveness that we can be free from F. Love – To love is to experience richness, positivity, and transcendence. Whether in times of ecstatic moments, the love for a friend, between family members or a significant person, can open in us something in the other which takes us beyond ourselves. Life is full of risks, fears, and commitment, pain and sacrificing and giving up things we want for the sake of the one we love. In Buddhists view, the more we love, the more risks and fears there are in life (Aguilar 2010). Direction: You are a choreographer and a costume designer. Your task is to create a dance that represents the flight of an eagle. You are also to create a costume from recycled materials. The challenge is for you to represent through a dance the concept of “Man as freedom” as likened to the flight of an eagle. Your dance must creatively express the philosophy of Sartre by illustrating the following.. a. Man is free b. Man is not his past c. Man recognizes that there is in him a lack and he is constantly a consciousness which is a presence to himself Thank-you Card Making Show gratitude to the people who helped you most when you needed it by creating thank-you cards. The cards should be made by hand: avoid printouts or ready-made. Give this card personally to the person you are showing your gratitude to. Topic: Exploring the Nature of Human Freedom and Consciousness You are tasked with writing an essay that explores the philosophical ideas surrounding human freedom, the role of the past, and the consciousness of self. Your essay should reflect a deep understanding of these concepts and demonstrate your ability to articulate your thoughts clearly. Essay Prompt In this essay, you will explore the following three philosophical assertions: 1.Man is free. 2.Man is not his past. 3.Man recognizes that there is in him a lack, and he is constantly a consciousness which is a presence to himself. 1.Introduction: 1.Begin your essay with a strong introduction that outlines the importance of understanding human freedom, the relationship between a person and their past, and the concept of self-consciousness. 2.Briefly introduce each of the three assertions, setting the stage for a detailed exploration in the body of your essay. 1.Body: First Assertion: Man is free. 1.Discuss what it means for a person to be free. Consider how freedom is defined in philosophical terms and how it applies to human actions, choices, and responsibilities. 2.Provide examples or scenarios where human freedom is evident, and explore potential limitations or challenges to this freedom. Second Assertion: Man is not his past. 1.Analyze the idea that a person is not defined by their past. Consider the implications of this belief on personal growth, change, and the ability to shape one's future. 2.Reflect on how past experiences influence or do not influence present actions and identity, supporting your analysis with examples. Third Assertion: Man recognizes that there is in him a lack, and he is constantly a consciousness that is a presence to himself. 1.Delve into the concept of human consciousness and self- awareness. Discuss how individuals are aware of a certain "lack" within themselves and how this awareness influences their actions and choices. 2.Explore how this self-consciousness shapes a person’s understanding of their existence and relationship with the world around them. Conclusion: 1.Summarize your key points and reflect on the interconnectedness of the three assertions. 2.Offer insights on how these concepts can be applied to everyday life, encouraging personal reflection and growth. Essay Requirements: Length: Your essay should be approximately 800-1000 words. Format: Typed, double-spaced, with 1-inch margins, and using a 12-point Times New Roman font. Citations: If you reference philosophical texts or external sources, cite them properly using a recognized citation style (APA, MLA, etc.). Evaluation Criteria: Your essay will be evaluated based on the following: Understanding of Concepts: Demonstrating a clear grasp of the philosophical ideas presented. Depth of Analysis: Providing thoughtful and well-supported analysis of each assertion. Clarity of Expression: Writing in a clear, organized, and coherent manner. Originality: Offering unique insights and perspectives on the topic. Grammar and Mechanics: Ensure your essay is free from grammatical errors and follows proper structure.