The Human Person as an Embodied religious, and theological perspectives.

It delves into how

different cultures and ideologies understand the essence
Spirit (Part I) of the human person as both corporeal and spiritual
Overview beings.
• Concept: The human person is not merely a body; The Body and Soul According to Theology
we are embodied spirits, a union of body and • The Soul: Considered a divine part of individuals,
soul. often seen as surviving bodily death.
• Current Context: Modern society often neglects • Diverse Beliefs: Various religions and
this idea, focusing on material wealth and philosophers propose different theories about
superficial happiness. the soul’s nature, relationship with the body, and
Key Themes its mortality.
True Self Egyptian Religion
• Our true identity transcends physical existence; • Ka and Ba:
it involves understanding our essence beyond o Ka: Represents vital essence; leaves the
societal perceptions. body upon death.
The Embodied Spirit o Ba: Reflects personality; travels to the
• Definition: An incarnate spirit; inseparable union afterlife when a person dies.
of body and soul. Chinese Beliefs
• Philosophical Inquiry: Fundamental question: • Two Souls:
“Who am I?”
o Po: Sensitive soul that ceases with death.
Philosophical Perspectives
Plato o Hun: Survives death and is revered in
• Dualism: Body (material, mutable, destructible)
ancestor worship.
vs. Soul (immaterial, indestructible). Abrahamic Traditions
• Three Parts of the Soul: • Hebrew Beliefs: Soul is not separate from the
1. Rational (Logistikon): Thinking and body.
reasoning. • Christian Influence: Body-soul dichotomy
2. Spiritual (Thumoeides): Emotions and influenced by Greek thought.
desires. • Islam: Soul exists simultaneously with the body
3. Appetitive (Epithumetikon): Basic and is independent thereafter.
instincts (hunger, thirst). Greek Philosophy
• Worlds: • Epicureans: Soul composed of atoms; not distinct
o World of Form: Source of soul and from the body.
intellect. • Platonists: Soul is immaterial, a part of the
o World of Matter: Source of the physical divine.
body. Western Philosophy
Aristotle • St. Augustine: Soul as a “rider” on the body.
• Unity: Rejects dualism; body and soul are
• St. Thomas Aquinas: Soul motivates the body;
inseparable. independent but reliant on it.
• Types of Souls:
• Spinoza: Body and soul are aspects of a single
1. Vegetative: Plants (growth,
reality.
reproduction).
2. Sensitive: Animals (sensation). • Kant: Soul is not rationally demonstrable;
3. Rational: Humans (thinking and necessary for ethics.
reasoning). • James: Soul as a collection of psychic
Plotinus phenomena, not a distinct entity.
• Transcendence: Humans can connect with higher Hinduism
intellect and the divine. • Atman: Universal self; individual soul (jiva)
• Embodied Spirit: A unifying principle aimed at imprisoned in the body.
fulfilling human potential. • Karma: Determines new existence post-death;
St. Augustine cycle of Samsara continues until perfection.
• MENS (Mind): The rational soul closest to God; Buddhism
encompasses self-knowledge and self- • Negation of the Eternal Self: No individual or
determination. universal eternal soul; perceived self is an
• Union: Mysterious relationship between body and illusion.
soul. Indic Philosophy
St. Thomas Aquinas • Samkhaya Philosophy: Mind as part of nature;
• Metaphysical Unity: Body and soul form a single spirit and matter are interdependent.
human person. • Gunas: Strands of substance affecting mind,
• Soul’s Role: Immortal, the source of higher body, and soul; requires balance.
functions distinct from animals. Development of the Soul
Reflection Questions • Soul develops through life stages; not altered by
1. What is the essence of music in relation to body/mind changes.
identity? • Distinction between physical and true identity.
2. What do the lyrics of “Who Am I” convey about Concepts of Artha, Kama, Dharma, and Moksha
self-perception? • Artha: Material aims; essential for survival.
3. Who does the song resonate with in terms of
personal identity struggle? • Kama: Sensual satisfaction; affects spiritual
well-being.
• Dharma: Virtue and morality; essential for
spiritual growth.
The Human Person as an Embodied
• Moksha: Ultimate spiritual fulfillment; requires
Spirit (Part II) balance of Artha, Kama, and Dharma.
Overview The Atman and Reincarnation
This document explores the intricate relationship
between the body and soul from various philosophical,
 • Cycle of Rebirth: Soul transcends the physical o Economic Efficiency: Minimize waste in
body; moral actions (karma) influence future resource use.
existences. o Environmental Equity: Ensure resource
• Bhagavad Gita: The eternal nature of the Atman; conservation for future generations.
emphasizes the indestructibility of the soul.
Catholic Doctrine on Human Person
• Embodied Spirit: No separation between body
and soul; both are integral to human identity.
• Image of God: Human dignity rooted in the unity
of body and soul.
• Creation of the Soul: Directly created by God;
does not perish at death, awaiting resurrection.\
The Human Person in Their Environment
Key Philosophical Views
Environmental Ethics
• Definition: Examines the moral relationship
between humans and the environment,
emphasizing awareness of ecological
deterioration.
Anthropocentrism
• Definition: Human-centered perspective; views
nature primarily as a resource for human
survival.
• Implication: Encourages exploitation of natural
resources.
Biocentrism
• Definition: Recognizes the intrinsic value of all
living organisms.
• Implication: Advocates for equal consideration
for all life forms.
Ecocentrism
• Definition: Nature-centered philosophy; values
ecosystems and biological communities.
• Implication: Promotes stewardship and
guardianship of the environment.
Environmental Aesthetics and Ethics
• Environmental Aesthetics: Maintains that
preserving the environment enhances its natural
beauty, which fosters well-being.
• Environmental Ethics: Analyzes human-induced
environmental problems and guides moral actions
toward nature.
Social Ecology
• Definition: Examines the connection between
societal issues and environmental challenges.
• Key Concepts:
o Climate Ethics: Focuses on moral
responsibilities regarding climate
change.
o Environmental Justice: Advocates for
fair distribution of environmental
benefits and burdens.
Case Studies for Reflection
1. Mining Corporation Negligence: Pollution due to
improper waste storage.
o Moral Choice: Prioritize environmental
safety over cost savings.
2. Subdivisions Over Farmland: Deforestation and
habitat destruction.
o Moral Choice: Consider the ecological
impact before development.
3. Local Official’s Conservation Efforts: Protecting
forested areas as watersheds.
o Moral Choice: Support initiatives that
preserve natural resources.
4. Animal Shelter’s Initiatives: Promoting pet
welfare and cruelty prevention.
o Moral Choice: Encourage community
engagement in animal rights.
Sustainable Development
• Definition: Balancing economic development with
environmental protection.
• Key Principles:
o Environmental Integrity: Maintain
ecosystem health.