INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON LECTURE NOTES - THE THIRD QUARTER

Philosophy derives from the Greek word “Philo and Sophia” which means LOVE OF WISDOM.

According to Tenorio, philosophy is the science and art of the ultimate reasons, causes, and principles of being.

BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY

Epistemology sources and origin of Knowledge and Truth.

Metaphysics is also known as the study of the existence of something beyond the physical aspect or attribute of that
something.

Ontology is also known as the study of the essence of reality.

Aesthetics explores the creation and appreciation of beauty through critical analysis and reflection/ discusses one’s
perception and experience of beauty.

Logic is the study of the methods and principles used to distinguish correct from incorrect reasoning.

2 Types of Perspective/ Point of View

A holistic point of view - refers to a perspective that considers large-scale patterns in systems.

Partial Point-of-view - is an important component of analytical thinking, as an individual focuses on certain areas or
aspects of a problem to understand it.

Plato a Greek Philosopher traces man’s need to philosophize to his sense of wonder.

Rene Descartes is French Philosopher traced man’s need to philosophize to doubt.

Karl Jaspers a 20th Century Swiss- German Philosopher traced man’s need to philosophize because of experience.

The need to philosophize is driven by the love of wisdom, this means that we must have an insatiable desire for truth
because Philosophy itself is a distinct area of knowledge with its own goals, concerns, and ways of doing things.

Practical uses of Philosophy in our lives:

Philosophy requires a person to engage in the analysis and interpretation of concepts, definitions, arguments, and
problems.

Problem-solving and decision-making are important aspects of life that can benefit from a knowledge of philosophy.

A philosopher is also a good communicator who can clearly and adequately present his or her ideas.

Philosophical Reflection is the process by which a person undergoes a reflective state or evaluates his or her
experiences before making any related action.

Reflection is an important activity that man should consider to be able to see the deeper meaning of life, actions, and
decisions.

Wisdom is one intended product of philosophizing, and this refers to a person’s ability to apply the correct knowledge to
daily life, particularly in making sound choices and judgments in the practical aspects of life.

Truth – in metaphysics and the philosophy of language, it is the property of sentences, assertions, beliefs, thoughts, or
propositions that are said, in ordinary discourse, to agree with the facts or to state what is the case.

Opinion- is a belief that is conscious of being insufficient both subjectively and objectively.

METHODS OF PHILOSOPHIZING

The Socratic Method is a form of cooperative argumentative dialogue between individuals, based on asking and
answering questions to stimulate critical thinking.

The Dialectical Method - A debate between two people trying to find the truth.

-​ discourse between two or more people holding different points of view about a subject but wishing to establish the
truth through reasoned argumentation.
●​ Originated by Socrates.
●​ This Socratic method primarily relies on questioning assumptions.
●​ Aims to cultivate the "good life" through clear awareness of word meanings.
●​ Exposes ignorance and contradictions to arrive at truth.
●​ Faced opposition from Athens' ruling elites, leading to Socrates' demise.
●​ also called Hegelian Dialectics
●​ Proposed by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, a German philosopher
●​ It is a discourse between two or more people holding different points of view about a subject but wishing to establish
the truth through reasoned argumentation.
●​ Fallacies – are arguments based on faulty reasoning.
Pragmatic/ Pragmatism Method- Choosing the best tool for the job, based on practical needs.

Emerged in 19th-century America, focusing on solving real-life problems.

●​ The pragmatic approach emphasizes that truth is determined by practical consequences and utility.

●​ Tests beliefs based on practical consequences, emphasizing successful experiences as the verification process of
truth.

●​ Spearheaded by Pierce, popularized by James, and institutionalized by Dewey.

The Methodic Doubt was a way of looking for certainty and doubting everything that could be doubted.

The Phenomenological Method deals with human experience and how people experience it. This method examines
structures of conscious experience as experienced from the first-person point of view.

●​ Developed by Husserl, aiming to build a bias-free philosophy by returning to immediate experience.

●​ Counters the naturalistic tendency of science through phenomenological epoch, or bracketing.

●​ Ensures that only facts derived from immediate experience influence philosophical inquiry.

●​ Phenomenology in research deals with human experience and how people experience it. This method examines
structures of conscious experience as experienced from the first-person point of view (subjective standpoint).

●​ Experience, in phenomenological inquiry, contains not only the relatively passive experiences of sensory
perception but also volition, thought, imagination, emotion, desire, and action. In other words, experience includes
everything that we do or live through.

●​ The primary focus is the direct conscious experience

Analytic Method

-​ Looking at a situation from two perspectives – one focusing on facts, the other on deeper meaning.

Primary and Secondary Reflection

- Breaking down a puzzle to understand how each piece fits together.

Critical Thinking is a careful, reflective, rational, and systematic approach to questions of every general interest.

-​ Helps to evaluate ideas and reasoning logically

Rene Descartes – “Father of Modern Philosophy”

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel- proposed the Hegelian Dialectics known as the Dialectical Method.

Fallacies- arguments based on faulty reasoning.

According to Rene Descartes, clear and distinct ideas alone can become the foundation of all knowledge.
 DIFFERENT FALLACIES

Argumentum ad Hominem (Attacking a Person)- Attacking the person instead of the argument.

Argumentum ad Baculum- Using threats or force to win an argument.

Argumentum ad misericordiam - Appealing to pity to persuade someone-

Hasty Generalization - Making a conclusion based on insufficient evidence.

Fallacy of Composition- Assuming what is true for the parts is true for the whole.​

Transcendence is the state of being or existence above and beyond the limits of material experience.

Spatial-temporal being. As temporal beings, our most obvious limitation is our finitude - our finite quality or state. ​

–​ For example, Walang forever, pero meron talaga.

As spatial beings, we are limited by our bodies to be present in two or more places at the same time. We are limited by
space (spatial) and time (temporal). Our spatial-temporal situation sets our preconditions for understanding.

Externality refers to the capability of a person to reach out and interact with others and the world.

Dignity refers to the innate right to be valued and respected. Philosophers consider all humans as having an inherent
worth or value. “You’re worthless!” is an insult since it attacks the very notion of a person having value or worth.

Self-awareness refers to a person having a clear perception of oneself, including his or her thoughts, emotions, identity,
and actions (Abella, 2016).” One’s consciousness can look inward thus discovering the presence of a self.

HUMAN BEING- A term used to separate man from other human classifications like animals.

PERSON- Refers to an individual who possesses self-awareness, self-determination, rational mind, and the capacity to
interact with others and with himself/herself.

HUMAN PERSON- humans who are not just mere biological beings but possess inherent rights and rationality

TRANSCENDENCE

Transcendence originated from the words:

Trans, meaning “go beyond”, and scandare, meaning “climb”.

In the example, fulfilling a dream requires transcendence because it opens a state of thinking and feeling that there is
something more in life than just physical and material things. Much like Abraham Maslow’s self-actualization concepts,
transcendence is a state of being intrinsically satisfied with life regardless of physical and tangible factors.

Limitations and Possibilities of Transcendence

Here are some limitations and possibilities for transcendence:

- may not occur to everyone

- does not come at a specified period

- varies across all people

- may coincide with physical limitations of the body

- developing a positive outlook on life

- working towards reaching a goal

- learning from experience

Possibilities for Transcendence

It is also important to know that transcendence may be applied to present worries by living in the present. This means that
life is lived from moment to moment in a carefree and cheerful manner where concerns for stress are reserved for the
future, and regrets or guilt feelings are kept in the past

The Human Body in Imposing Limits and Possibilities

From a biological and physical standpoint, it can be recognized that the human body, although it can perform many
functions, also has limitations. Limits in the environment, demographics, and society may also hinder a person from
reaching transcendence.

Bodily Limitations

- mental and emotional disorders (e.g. anxiety, intellectual disability)

- disabilities (e.g. amputated leg, deafness)

- disease and illnesses (e.g. hypertension, cough)

- failures and experiences (e.g. failing a subject)

Social and Environmental Limitations

socioeconomic status

- location of the neighborhood (e.g. armed, disorganized, or violent neighborhood)

- abusive relationships (e.g. emotional abuse)

- negative influences (e.g. drug use)

Overcoming Limitations

Bodily limits can be tested by trying new experiences and working on challenges with increasing levels of difficulty. The
human body, if given enough exposure to any situation, can attain a goal with efficiency.

Social and environmental limitations are more difficult to overcome than bodily limitations because they involve the
influence of other people and the external world.

However, with a proper mindset, clearly defined goals, and motivation to rise above challenges, one may successfully
overcome his or her limitations.

The Human Person as Embodied Spirit

Nature of Human Personhood

1.​ Plato’s Dualism

Dualism – a theory that states that the mental and the physical – or mind and body or mind and brain- are distinct and
separable modes.

“Human being is his soul”

-Soul resides in the world of ideas.

Plato’s Division of Soul

A life ruled by appetite: It would be a life enslaved by desires

2. If Spiritedness: life would be ruled by feelings and emotions

“Emotions must not dictate our actions/ life”

3. Reason must be the overruling over other parts. (Knows what is good)

2. Aristotle’s Monism

Monism - a theory/belief that states that the mind and the brain are in a state of singleness. It is usually contrasted with
the dualist position that mind and matter are deeply different.

“Soul cannot exist apart from the body”​

The soul cannot exist independently of the body.

●​ Aristotle’s Division of Soul

Nutrition:
-​ Powers of Growth / Reproduction
Sensation:
-​ Utilize faculties/senses (touch – most universal faculties)
-​ Perceive the world around us (Soul of perception)
Intellection:
-​ Power of Reason & Thought

What is a Human Person?

●​ Humans and persons are defined by the origin of species and birthrights.
●​ A human person has a specific origin classification.
●​ Biblically: We came from Adam and Eve.
●​ Scientifically: We evolved from apes under the class Mammalia.
●​ Over time, humans evolved from Hominids to Homo sapiens (Modern Man).

Two General Kinds to Distinguish a Human Person

1.​ Cognitive Self -(something within and cannot be physically seen) which includes human persons’ beliefs,
desires, dreams, and intentions.
2.​ Physical Self - (something that can be seen in his/her physical appearance) which includes his/her body type,
strength, and appearance.

WHAT IS A HUMAN PERSON AS AN EMBODIED SPIRIT?

Has awareness of self, which refers to the person having a clear perception of oneself, including his thoughts, emotions,
identity, and actions. (Abella, 2016)

In externality, a person can reach out and interact with others. (Abella, 2016)

Has, the capability of people to make choices and decisions based on their preferences, monitor and regulate their
actions, and be goal-oriented and self-directed; we are persons because we act and we are aware of our actions. (Abella,
2016)

Has dignity refers to the innate right to be valued and respected, Philosophers consider all humans as having an innate
worth or value.

“You’re worthless!” is an insult since it attacks the very notion of a person having value and worth. (Abella, 2016)

Limitations and Transcendence

1. Facticity – Things in our life that are already given
●​ Givens that were acquired through birth
●​ Details that surround us in the environment (ex. Language, decisions, etc.
2. Spatial Temporal Being
●​ Time Bounded
Finitude – finite quality of state of existence (“we cannot live forever”)
- Younger Age: So many not yet (accelerate time)
- Advanced Age: So many no longer (decelerate time)

●​ Spatial-Temporal Being
- Spatial Bounded
The physical body is subjected to the physical laws of the universe
We are set to be at one place at a time.
. Spatial-Temporal Being
-​ Preconditions of Understanding
-​ The spatial Temporal nature of the body dictates the way perceives and understands things.
-​ Lack of objectiveness = subjective perception

3. Body as Intermediary

Body – an intermediary between us & the physical sense world

“I experience the world as my world”

The body limits our experience of the world to OUR world which results in limitations in communication & expression.

TRANSCENDENCE
Transcendence - refers to the relation of the self to the object-oriented world, as well as our concrete relations with
others.
Transcendence originated from the words Trans, meaning “go beyond”, and scandare, meaning “climb”.

1. Facticity
-​ Historicity – humans are history-making creatures & are not ultimately bound by facticity

“Hindi kasalanan ang maging mahirap, kasalanan ang mamatay na mahirap”

2.​ Spatial-Temporal
●​ Time-bound
-​ Why do we need to hastily achieve or have something which is not yet?
-​ Why do we hold on to or lament something which is no longer?

Give present its due worth & simply appreciate it

2. Spatial Temporal
●​ Spatial bound
-Value people & things around us.
-Make the most out of our lives

3. Body as Intermediary
-We are active, not passive entities in the world
-We always experience the world as my world
-We learn how to be patient, sensitive, understanding others
 THE HUMAN PERSON AND THEIR ENVIRONMENT

Environmental Philosophy- is the discipline that studies the moral relationships of human beings with the environment
and its non-human contents.

Payne's two frameworks were Humans Related

Anthropocentric Model - Based on the anthropocentric model, humans are superior and central to the universe, thus, it
is human-centered.

Eccentric Model- It is the ecological or relational integrity of humans that provides meaning to our morals and values
and it is nature-centered.

HUMAN BEING’S PERSPECTIVE ON THE ENVIRONMENT

●​ Human beings see and consider the environment as an erratic and disorderly thing that needs to be analyzed,
reformed, and reshaped through the cultural tools of science and technology in the service of the human self.

The environment is considered as a commodity or property to be used and disposed offer one’s welfare

HUMAN BEING’S APPROACHES TO THE ENVIRONMENT

1.​ Instrumental Approach - In this approach to the environment, human beings affirm the protection of the
environment as long as it possesses value or importance for human beings. He/she takes care of the
environment because it is a medium for establishing his/her society and civilization.
2.​ Axiological Approach - In this approach to environment, human beings recognize the intrinsic value of
the environment. This demands him/her to protect and take care of it. Beauty can be seen as the
external expression of such intrinsic value.
3.​ Anthropological Approach- In this approach, the primary concern of a human being is to unveil his/her
being as human or what being human ought to be.
-​ The focus of establishing a relationship with the environment is not the environment itself, but his/her “being”.
-​ Consequently, he/she sees the importance of protection, care, and respect for the environment. The human
being is the one who determines the intrinsic value of it.
4.​ Utilitarianism- This approach focuses on the consequences of human action, whether it is wrong or
right.
-​ Our action is ethically right when it produces the greatest happiness for a greater number of people, otherwise,
the action is ethically wrong.

FRUGALITY- is the act of using money or other resources wisely

and practically.
●​ the quality of being thrifty,
●​ sparing or economical in the consumption of resources
●​ and avoiding waste, lavishness, or extravagance

PRUDENCE - defined as the ability to have good judgment that allows avoidance of dangers and risks.
●​ covers good judgment,
●​ considering the
consequences of an action,
●​ using common sense and discretion,
●​ exercising caution,
●​ and conforming to reason and decency