2nd Slide – An Embodied Spirit
Now, let's start with the idea of embodied spirit.
When we say that the human person is an embodied spirit, it means we are made up of two parts: the body and the soul.
We're not just a body, and we're not just a soul. We are both, and they work together.
Think of it this way: your body allows you to walk, talk, eat, and interact with the world. But without your soul, your body would just be like a machine without power.
Meanwhile, your soul gives you thoughts, feelings, dreams, and a sense of right and wrong. But without your body, your soul wouldn't be able to express itself or connect with the world.
That's why we say the two are inseparable and interdependent. Your spirit works through your body, and your body is alive because of your spirit."
Different Beliefs About the Human Person
"Different philosophers and traditions have different beliefs about what makes us human. Let's look at some of them."
1. Plato's View: Dualism
Plato, a Greek philosopher, believed in something called dualism.
For him, humans are made of two separate parts:
• The body, which is our physical form and deals with basic needs.
• The soul, which is non-physical and is the source of thought, reasoning, and identity.
He said that the body and soul are different, but together they form who we are.
In short: the body helps us live in the physical world, but the soul is what makes us truly human.
2. Aristotle's View
"Another Greek philosopher, Aristotle, had a different idea.
He believed that man is made of a body and a rational soul.
Now, Aristotle also explained that there are three types of soul:
1. Vegetative Soul – This is found in plants. It gives them the ability to grow, reproduce, and absorb nutrients. Example: A tree that grows tall and produces fruits.
2. Locomotive Soul – This is found in animals. Aside from the powers of plants, animals can move and feel. Example: A cat can walk, sense danger, and feel pain.
3. Rational Soul – This is found only in humans. It includes all the powers of plants and animals, but with the added ability to think, reason, and make decisions. Example: A person can solve math problems, create art, or decide what is right and wrong.
3. St. Thomas Aquinas
"St. Thomas Aquinas, a Christian philosopher, combined these ideas.
He said: Man is an embodied spirit.
For him, the body and soul cannot be separated while we are alive. Both are essential.
In other words, you cannot say you are fully human if you only talk about the body or only about the soul—you need both."
4. Hinduism: Man's Dual Nature
"In Hinduism, man is seen as having a dual nature.
• On one hand, we are vulnerable—we get sick, we feel pain, we experience weakness.
• On the other hand, we are also resilient—we can recover, stand up again, and keep going despite challenges.
5. Filipino Philosophy
"In Filipino philosophy, there is a focus on hope.
It says that man must rely on hope beyond suffering in order to cope.
In other words, when life gets hard, what keeps us moving forward is our ability to hope. Hope gives us strength to endure suffering and find meaning even in pain."
6. Hinduism: Karma and Rebirth
"Finally, in Hinduism, there is the belief in the cycle of rebirth.
Life is a continuous cycle shaped by our karma, or the actions we do in this life. Good actions lead to good outcomes, while bad actions have consequences.
The ultimate goal is to reach Moksha, which means liberation—freedom from this endless cycle of rebirth.
So for Hindus, life is not just about the present moment—it's also about preparing the soul for its ultimate destiny."
