Introduction to
the Philosophy
of the Human
Person
LESSON
OBJECTIVES:
• Discern the essence of true
freedom.
• Evaluate the exercise of
prudence in choices.
• Realize that choices have
consequences, and some
things are given up while
others are obtained in making
choices.
FREEDOM
Freedom is an intrinsic and
essential property of the person.
This means that the human person
by nature is a free being and that it
is in his or her nature to seek
freedom. An important indication of
human freedom is the ability to
make choices and perform actions.
Our freedom to acts sets us apart
from other beings.
THREE TYPES OF
FREEDOM
1. PHYSICAL FREEDOM- refers
to the absence of any restraint.
2. PSYCHOLOGICAL FREEDOM –
Is also called freedom of choice.
3. MORAL FREEDOM- refers to
using freedom in a manner that
upholds human dignity and
goodness.
2 ELEMENTS THAT DEFINE
FREEDOM
1. VOLUNTARINESS – refers to
the ability of a person to act out
of his or her own free will and
self-determination. This means
that a person may decide to act
or not to act, and these
decisions are made out of his or
her own free will.
2. RESPONSIBILITY- refers to the
person being accountable for
his or her actions and their
consequences. This means that
in everything that we do, there
are consequences.
How can we exercise our
freedom in a responsible and
beneficial manner?
1. Human freedom should be
exercised with control and a
recognition of reasonable limits.
We set limits to our own freedom and
learn to moderate or control our
thoughts, emotions, and actions
depending on the situation. A person
can even choose to limit his or her
own freedom or even surrender it
entirely if it will result in greater
benefits.
Example: You may have the freedom to
pursue a degree in medicine but,
realizing that your parents do not have
the means to send you to medical
How can we exercise our
freedom in a responsible and
beneficial manner?
2. Freedom should also be
exercised with regard for
knowledge and truth.
As rational beings, it is natural for us
to think before we act. We use our
freedom to act and acquire more
knowledge, and we use this
knowledge in order to come up with
decisions and courses of actions
when confronted with difficult
situations.
How can we exercise our
freedom in a responsible and
beneficial manner?
3. We should also recognize and
uphold not only our personal
freedom, but also the freedom of
others.
Many societies identify certain
freedoms that should be enjoyed by
all, as these contribute to the quality
of life of the individual and the
welfare of the society. These include
the freedom to live and determine
one’s identity; freedom from slavery
and other constraints; freedom of
speech; and freedom of thought,
conscience, and religion.
Directions: Read the questions
below and answer them in your
activity notebook.
1. In what way can you change or improve
your behavior so that you will be better
able to uphold human freedom?
2. What is the most significant decisions that
you have made in your life so far?
Describe how this has affected you.
ASSIGNMEN
TDirections: Analyze the following situations.
Give your recommendations on how the
persons involve can exercise freedom more
responsibly. Write your answers in a 1 whole
sheet of paper.
1. Julia’s family is well-known for being wealthy
and influential. However, her family faced hard
times in the previous year. Her father’s
business closed and they were forced to self
most of their possessions and live a much
simpler life. Julia however, wishes to maintain
her image among her friends. So she has
resorted to borrowing money from relatives in
order to keep up with her well-off barkada.
ASSIGNMEN
T2. Mang Tony’s meat stall has been very
profitable these days. It turns out that he has
been tampering with the weighing scales and
has been selling less meat at increased prices.
One time, some meat went stale and he
decided to mix it with the other fresh meat so
he could still sell it.
3. Bernard was asked by his teacher to
photocopy handouts and reading materials in
their English class. His teacher unknowingly
inserted a copy of the final exam in the stack
of papers she gave to Bernard. When he saw
the copy of the final exam, Bernard quickly
took it and place it in his bag.
ASSIGNMEN
T4. Gladys was very angry when she heard that
her friend Julia was spreading mean gossip
about her in school. When Gladys found out
that Julia has been pretending to be rich when
in fact her family is now poor, she contacted
her friends and told them about it.
THANK YOU
FOR
LISTENING!
