Philosophy of the Human Person Social Science & Philosophy Dept.

1st Semester, 2018-9 College of Arts and Sciences

Roland L. Aparece, MA PM, MAT PH, LLB University of Bohol
lancmfxt@gmail.com 411-3484 loc. 37

PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

I. Course Description:
This course introduces the students to weave a philosophical investigation on the
meaning and dynamisms of human existence. The first part of the course deals with the
metaphysics of Person and Being. The second part initiates the students to the nature and
act of philosophizing as differentiated from the scientific approach. After a brief survey of
the different philosophical approaches to the study of the human person, the course
introduces the students to the existential-phenomenological method. Asking the basic
question “Who am I?” and using the existential-phenomenological approach, the course
reflects on the various dynamisms of being human: embodied subjectivity, temporality,
work, knowing, freedom, morality, inter-subjectivity, self-transcendence, death and God.
Lastly, this course will challenge the students to weave their own “personal philosophy” as
mission statement to guide them as they journey to life.
II. Course Outline and Reading Materials
(* means suggested reading)
1. The Nature and Meaning of Philosophy
2. Contemporary Setting in life: The Post Modern Challenge
3. Pre-Philosophic and Philosophic Ways of Thinking
Troy (film showing)
4. The Philosophical Act
Roque Ferriols, “Insight;” John Kavanaugh, “The Philosophical Enterprise”*
Manuel Dy, “Philosophy and the Just Man”
 Reflection Paper
5. Philosophical Approaches to the Study of Human Being
Manuel Dy, “Existentialism and Man’s Search for Meaning”
6. The Phenomenological Method
Manuel Dy, “The Phenomenological Method”
Gabriel Marcel, “Primary and Secondary Reflection: The Existential Fulcrum”*
 Reflection Paper
Preliminary Examination:__________________
7. The Human Person as Self-Transcending
W. Norris Clarke, Persons, Being, and Ecology.
8. Man as Incarnate Subjectivity
Eduardo Jose Calasans, “My Body”
Minsan Lang Sila Bata or Pobreng Pinoy (film showing);
 Reflection Paper
Midterm Examination:__________________
9. The Human Person as Liberty
Rainier Ibana, “Man’s Quest for Freedom”
(Supplimentary articles: Goals for Value Clarification, Eyves Congar’s reflection on
Sufferings, My Personal Philosophy)
Pierre Fransen, “Fundamental Option and the Liberty of Choice”*
Bug’s Life (Film Showing)
 Reflection Paper
10. The Human Person as a Moral Being
W. Norris Clarke, “Conscience and the Person”
Karol, Wojtyla, “The Individual and Conscious Action: Freedom, Will, Act.”*
 Reflection Paper
Semifinal Examination:__________________
11. The Human Person as Being with Others in the World
Manuel Dy, “Phenomenology of Love”
Karol, Wojtyla, “Participation or Alienation?”* Reflection Paper
12. A Charlie Chaplain movie on Industrial Revolution; Mama Mia (film showing)
13. The Human Person and Death
Manuel Dy, Martin Heidegger’s “Phenomenology of Death”
14. The Human Person and the Absolute
Manuel Dy, “From Fidelity to Faith: a Marcelian Approach”
Rodolf, Visker, “Man and the Absolute”*
Final Examination:__________________
III. Course Requirements:

A. REFLECTION PAPERS: Reflection papers (RP) are of four pages maximum and
three pages minimum, double space, Times New Roman, Font 12. These are the
student’s interpretation and understanding of the topics being discussed in class. The
point systems are as follows:
A=100; A- =95; B+ = 90; B= 85; B- =80; C+ =75; C =70; C- =65; D =60; F=0

F -for plagiarized works;

D -level of work means unsatisfactory completion of the requirements;
C -level work means satisfactory completion of the requirements;
B -level work exhibits a comprehension and understanding of philosophical
concepts, terms, and categories (and their relation) and well-reasoned
reflection on the topics and texts;
A -level work is characterized by all of the above plus a creative appropriation,
understanding, and communication of philosophical ideas, as well as
passionate attention to the readings and issues of the course. The student is
philosophizing!
RP= [ SCORE / Highest Possible Score ] X 20%
B. QUIZZES: Quizzes may vary on the number of items, however, they will be
converted into percentile in this formula: Q = [ SCORE / Highest Possible Score ] X 20%
C. MAJOR EXAMS: ME = [ SCORE / Highest Possible Score ] X 40%
D. ORAL RECITATION: There will be graded oral recitation.
E. Grading Scale: The Final Grade shall be equivalent of not less than 70 points. To
get the percentile equivalent, the College’s standard Transmutation Table shall be
used based on a 70% Passing Grade.

Official Test: 40%

Quizzes: 20%
Reflection Papers 20%
Oral Recitation 10%
Attendance 10%
TOTAL: 100%
F. Regulations:
The use of cellular phones is not allowed in class. Only 9 hours absences are allowed
in this course. Once a student exceeds the number of allowable absences at any time during
the semester, he or she will automatically be dropped. The student is responsible for
matters taken up during his or her absence. Deadlines for projects and assignments will be
strictly enforced.
There will be a quiz every week and a surprise oral test at the beginning of the class.
Students are highly encouraged to participate in discussions by giving their own opinions in
class. Moreover, everyone is encouraged to ask any question regarding anything related to
the subject matter being discussed. Above all, everyone is expected to achieve and maintain
academic honesty and integrity.
The students are responsible for checking their class standing from time to time.
Final grade will be posted at the department’s bulletin board before they are submitted to
the Registrar. Students will be given a chance to verify their grades, and make sure the
calculations are correct.
G. Consultation Hour:
Consultation time will be at 1:30-2:30PM, T-TH or by appointment, at the Social
Sciences and Philosophy Department, College of Arts and Sciences Office (ground floor,
Founders’ Building). Students shall be informed beforehand just in case there will be a
change of schedule.
H. Reference Materials

Dy, Manuel B. Jr. (ed.). Philosophy of Man Selected Readings. 2nd ed. Quezon City: Good Will
Trading Co., Inc., 2002
Clarke, Norris. Conscience and the Person http://pilosopotasyo.tripod.com/conscience.pdf
Clarke, Norris. Person Being, and Ecology, ed by Rainier Ibana. Quezon City: Office of Research and
Publications, Ateneo De Manila University, 1996.
De Villa, Agerico M. Social-Political Philosophy. Quezon City: Katha Publishing Company, 1992
Ibana, Rainier. Philosophical Anthropology Class notes, MA in Teaching Philosophy, summer 2005, ADMU.
Lonergan, Bernard, “Cognitional Structure,” Spirit as Inquiry Continuum, vol. 2 no. 3 Autumn, 1964.

Obligations first before devotion.