THE HUMAN

PERSON AS AN
EMBODIED SPIRIT
Part 1
Prepared by:
Michelin G. Danan
 Hello!!!
We are the
Humans of Earth.
 Introduction
• The HUMAN PERSON is an important subject
in Philosophy
• Understanding of the nature and condition of
the person---goal of the discipline
• What it means to be human?
• What set us apart from other beings
and things in existence?
 HUMAN PERSON
• MAN
– General term commonly used to refer to the entire
human race.
– Humanity, mankind, and humankind
• Human – refers to man as a species
• Human being – used to distinguish man from
other animals.
• PERSON
– Is much more complex term which generally refers to
a human being granted recognition of certain rights,
protection, responsibilities and dignity, above all.
• Personhood – state of being a person
 HUMAN PERSON
• HUMAN NATURE
– Refers to the characteristics that distinguish
humans from all other creatures. These traits are
assumed to rise independent of the influence of
culture and society.
– Thinking, feeling, and acting
– These traits are considered to form the essence of
humanity and without them, an individual may
not be considered a human person.
 What is the HUMAN PERSON?
• Philosophers refer to the HUMAN PERSON as
the totality of an individual, possessing
awareness, self determination, and capacity to
interact with others and with himself or
herself.
 What is the HUMAN PERSON?
• Am I a rock?
• Am I a Lamp?
• Am I a dog?
 What is the HUMAN PERSON?
• You put clothes on your pet.
• You give your pet toys to play.
• You make it live in your house.
• You teach it to behave properly.
• You celebrate its birthday

By doing these things, do you make your pet a

HUMAN PERSON?
 What is the HUMAN PERSON?
• Is your pet truly aware of what is happening
around it?
• Can your pet truly feel emotions in the same way
that you do?
• Is your pet capable of reflection?
• Can your pet reflects on its actions and behavior?

• There are certain things that we posses as Human

Person – traits and capabilities that are not found
in other organism.
 TRAITS defining a PERSON
1. SELF-AWARENESS
 Refers to the person having a clear perception of
oneself, including his or her thoughts, emotions,
identity and actions.
 I am a person.
 I am alive.
 I exist.
 I am here. I am present.
 I am living at this very moment.
 Rationality – Deeper awareness
 “SELF”
 Interiority – inner world
 TRAITS defining a PERSON
2. SELF-DETERMINATION
 Refers to the capability of a person to make
choices and decisions based on their own
preferences, monitor and regulate their actions
and be goal-oriented and self-directed.
 Example - “Raising Hand”
 Free-will – enables us to do actions whenever we
want to
 Consequences – result or effect of an action
 Morality – goodness or badness of an act
 TRAITS defining a PERSON
3. EXTERNALITY
Refers to the capability of a person to REACH
OUT and interact with others and the world.
Social Being
No man is an Island
Remember: Our interactions with others
define our existence as a person.
 TRAITS defining a PERSON
4. DIGNITY
Refers to the innate right to be valued and
respected.
“You’re worthless” or “You’re priceless”
No person is interchangeable
You have dignity simply because you are
human.
Human dignity drives us to seek good. Why?
 How will you uphold the dignity of the
human person in the following situations?
1. Your classmates are teasing your crossed-eyed
classmate because they find her funny-looking.
2. Your friend confided in you that his GF told him that
she’s pregnant. He is asking your advice on what to
do?
3. You discover that your 4-year-old sister likes to draw
and daydream. She shows you of a green flying
elephant which she tells you is her friend.
4. Your teacher invites you to join him in an outreach
program where you will be spending the whole
summer break helping impoverished communities.
5. Your bestfriend told you, he is gay. (lesbian)
 GROUP ACTIVITY
• Show in a 5-minute role play the 4 traits of a
Human person.
• A representative (not the leader) must explain
after the play.