Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Lesson 15: Human Persons as Oriented Towards Death
Key Questions
- How does the reality of death define our lives?
- How should I live my life before it finally ends?
Main Concepts
Reality of Death
- Death is the end of bodily functions, separating body and spirit.
- Reality of death highlights our temporality.
- Acceptance of death can provide clearer purpose in life.
Temporal Beings
- Human existence is defined by our mortality.
- Life is limited in time, leading to emphasis on speed, efficiency, and sometimes YOLO (You Only Live Once).
- Introduces YOLO and YAGO (You Also Grow Old) as concepts for responsible living.
Self-Determination
- Capacity to choose and act for oneself is crucial.
- Accepting mortality allows for self-determination and meaningful life decisions.
Philosophical Concepts of Life's End
- Terminus: Life ends, nothing follows.
- Telos: Death as part of life towards achieving fulfillment and purpose.
Happiness and Suffering
Happiness
- Ancient Greek view: Happiness achieved through productive and moral living.
- Happiness is a state of being, not just emotion.
Sources of Happiness
- Noble Good: Pursued for its own sake (love, friendship, loyalty).
- Useful Good: Means to an end (money, material things).
- Pleasurable Good: Provides pleasure (Netflix, games).
- Real happiness is more permanent, found in noble goods.
Suffering
- Encompasses physical (pain) and mental (anxiety, loneliness) suffering.
- Suffering is necessary for growth and improvement.
- Paradox of human life: Sufferings have purpose.
How Happiness, Suffering, and Death Give Meaning
- Effort to pursue happiness often involves difficulties.
- Death's reality emphasizes the uniqueness of existence.
- Encourages leaving a meaningful legacy.
- Our choices define our life's direction.
Course Synthesis
Topics Covered
- Doing philosophy and the importance of philosophical tools.
- Methods of philosophizing, including epistemology and logical reasoning.
- Human person as an embodied spirit and environmental steward.
- Human freedom and its limitations.
- Intersubjectivity and authentic dialogue.
- Human roles in society and towards impending death.
Philosophy Application
- Apply critical, holistic, and analytical thinking in daily life.
- Develop personal philosophy and contribute to humane society.
- Use philosophical learnings for civic engagement and societal improvement.
Conclusion
- Philosophy fosters critical thinking and humane responsiveness.
- Knowledge should be applied for societal service.
Assessment Questions Recap
- Death is the end of bodily functions, separating body and soul.
- Suffering is enduring unpleasantness.
- Humans are temporal beings.
- Sufferings are necessary for growth, not just consequences.
- True happiness is found in permanent, meaningful things.
Thank you for participating in the course. Congratulations on completing the Philosophy of the Human Person course!