P a g e | 1 Philosophy of the Human Person by Arjan Jo Velez Uy

COMMENTARIES ON WHAT MAKES MAN TRULY HUMAN

OF MICHAEL D. MOGA
Link to original article: http://adduphilo104.blogspot.com/2008/02/what-makes-man-truly-human.html

Introduction
MAN IS AN ORGANISM

First of all, it takes much time and effort for a human being to grow to the point where his own nature
has reached full realization. When born he acts like a little animal, not yet being fully human.

The first paragraph sets the tone to our discussion. When we use the term human, we are know from
our basic knowledge in Biology that a human being is a biological creature or an organism. An organism
is defined as a complex structure of interdependent and subordinate elements whose relations and
properties are largely determined by their function in the whole. The human being is composed of
different bodily systems that have their own specific functions and yet all work together to form one
coherent whole which is the human creature. It is a truism that man is an organism. The author says that
when man is born he acts like a little animal. In order for it to function, the organism has needs. Based
on this discussion at this point, the human being is no different from bacterium, protist, fungus, plant, or
an animal, all of which are organisms.

MAN IS NOT MERELY AN ORGANISM

Every acacia tree is necessarily an acacia tree and every dog is necessarily a dog. Every tree grows to full
size in a few years and is completely a tree, taking nourishment from the soil and the air, developing new
branches and leaves, producing seeds. Most dogs grow to full size and maturity within a year. From the
very beginning ever dog is clearly a dog, breathing, barking and smelling like a dog.

How strange it is that human life is so different from the lives of trees and dogs!

But a basic intuition we have as a person is that we are not like the mentioned organisms. We are not
equated to plants and animals. To say that a person is an organism is one thing but to say that man is
merely an organism is quite another.

HUMANNESS CANNOT BE DEFINED

This question is not a new one. In a hidden, implicit way it has confronted every human being that has
ever existed in the history of man. In the course of human history philosophers have given many different
answers to this question, many different ideals of being human. We call such ideals humanisms. As we
study the history of human cultures we discover many different humanisms which have inspired and
guided those cultures. It is worthwhile to reflect on these various ideals since they open up to us many
rich possibilities of human life.
P a g e | 2 Philosophy of the Human Person by Arjan Jo Velez Uy

There is a quality in the human person that distinguishes us from other creatures. This is what the
author calls humanness, although there is no precise definition of what constitutes this so called
humanness. In fact, the question makes man truly human is not really answered by the end on this
Article nor has it been answered since the beginning of human history. What makes man truly human
escapes a definite answer, but certain cultures and philosophers have offered their own take on the
question and this is what is primarily discussed in this article: the several kinds of humanisms.

ACHIEVING HUMANNESS IS A PROCESS

It will take many years of training and education by his family and society, many years of effort and
struggle on his own part before the fullness of humanity can be achieved. Until that state of full
humanness is attained we cannot say that he is fully human.

The question what makes man truly human cannot be answered but at the same time the author submits
that the human person attempts to achieve it by virtue of self-realization. But it poses a question, how
can one pursue something that he cannot define? What is the point of achieving this so called state of
humanness when in fact it cannot be achieved? More succinctly said, what is the point? We will not deal
with this question for the purposes of not veering to far from the topic and for the moment we have to
take it as that. There is value in the pursuit itself rather than the goal. The human being achieves fulfillment
and fullness of life in undergoing the process of self-realization. Whether you agree with what the author
seems to imply that is up to you.

Because the goal is unclear, it also means that the process continues throughout the persons life. It does
not stop until the point of his death. It seems that every person, regardless of his accomplishment and
achievements, always has a room for growth. (Figure 1.1)

Figure 1.1 Figure 1.2

Achieving humanness is a process and this is connected
with the concept that man is an organism. Self-
actualization cannot be achieved by just anyone. As
Abraham Maslow pointed out, if certain needs are not
previously met, self- actualization is not possible.
The concept of a zombie apocalypse has gained notoriety
through television series such as The Walking Dead and video
games such as The Last of Us. It refers to the breakdown of
society as a result of an initial zombie outbreak that spreads.
POINT OF REFLECTION: How is surviving different from living?
Can a life rich in meaning be lived in such situation?
P a g e | 3 Philosophy of the Human Person by Arjan Jo Velez Uy

THERE ARE INSTANCES WHEN A PERSON APPARENTLY DOES NOT ACHIEVE HUMANNESS

Secondly, it is very possible that an individual human being will not reach full development at all.
Sometimes we use the word inhuman to describe such persons.

We judge such inhuman people, such animals, to be less than fully human.

Because of the ambiguity of the term humanness and because of the ever continuing process, we cannot
say that there is a person who has achieved all goals of the different humanisms at all levels. While there
are exemplary people, people we look up to, there is no person that would pass all the standards of the
different humanisms. In contrast, however, the author seems to point out that there are instances it is
apparent for us that they fail or have failed to develop at the stage of the process we expect them to
be. We sometimes label these people as inhuman, robot, animals, immature and failures.

Note that for every time we make a judgment to a person that is actually reflective of our own version of
humanism. What we say about others is reflective of our take on the question what makes man truly
human. Every judgment we make is reflective of our standards as a person. Judgment reflects what is
important to us. If we say, for example, that this particular politician should not be voted for because he
is like a robot who shows no sympathy for typhoon victims, it means that as a person you value being
sympathetic. If you say that your friend is immature for being angry if he or she does not get what he or
she wants, then you are a person who values self-control and respect for the decisions of others.

ACHIEVING HUMANNESS IS A CHALLENGE

Such a truth challenges each one of us. Am I as an individual going to realize the full humanness that is
possible for me? Will I play a role in helping other human beings to grow into the humanness that they
are capable of? For the task that confronts me in my life is not only one of coping with the problems of
survival but also one of achieving a level of life that is truly human. I am challenged in life not only to
survive and to be prosperous but also to be human.

Take note of the last sentence. It says you are challenged not only to survive but you are actually challenge
to be human. Surviving this life is different from really living your life. Surviving means meeting our daily
biological needs. Living is going through life rich and prosperous in meaning.

The implication of the idea that achieving humanness is challenge is that this challenge can be ignored or
this challenge can be accepted. This challenge also manifest itself in several ways. First, the person is
challenged to achieve humanness within himself. The meaning and manifestation of human growth is
determined by the different types of humanisms. Second, the person is challenged to inspire his fellow
man to achieve humanness within themselves. (Figure 1.2)
P a g e | 4 Philosophy of the Human Person by Arjan Jo Velez Uy

WHAT ARE HUMANISMS

But a question arises. What is this fullness of human life which we human beings can attain? What are
those characteristics that we should strive to develop? What makes man truly human?

This question is not a new one. In a hidden, implicit way it has confronted every human being that has
ever existed in the history of man. In the course of human history philosophers have given many different
answers to this question, many different ideals of being human. We call such ideals humanisms.

Given that achieving humanness is a process and a challenge at the same time, the question remains
What Makes Man Truly Human? This article does not aim to answer the question but provide a quick
overview of how several cultures have tried to answer the question. Since there is no definite answer to
the question, keep in mind that the following humanisms have their positive and negative aspects,
meaning while adhering to a particular humanism would lead a person to grow exponentially in a certain
aspect, it might leave his growth stuttered as to other aspects of his life.

Greek Ideal of Full Development

One very distinctive humanism that arose in the past was that of the ancient Greeks. The Greeks
understood man as a being composed of many natural potentialities, many possibilities for growth. They
sensed that nature actively guided man to develop those potentialities, a development that was meant
to reach a state of fullness or excellence.

Figure 1.3 Figure 1.4

This illustration succinctly shows the Greek ideal of full When we think of Greek culture, we think Greek mythology.
development. The author chose to focus on four aspects The gods and goddesses of Greek mythology each have their
important to Greeks as seen above. own personality, powers and skills. Each god is reflective of the
human aspects important to Greek culture.
P a g e | 5 Philosophy of the Human Person by Arjan Jo Velez Uy

First of all, human beings have physical potentialities and it is possible for them to develop their bodies
and their bodily skills. Some of these skills are connected with sports and leisure as they learn to run, to
swim and to dance.

The first aspect of the person discussed is mans physical potentialities. In order to become fully human,
you must be able to develop your body. We exercise, we engage in sports and we watch what we eat. We
take precautions to preserve the integrity of our body through vitamins and medicine. We also push the
limits of what we can do with our bodies.

One of the most identifiable sporting event in the world is the Olympics. It is a set of athletic competitions
based on the ancient concept of the Olympics. There are many accounts on how the Olympics started, as
the Greeks had already incorporated a mythological origin in retelling events. Athletic games also were
an important part of many religious festivals from early on in ancient Greek culture. In the Iliad, the
famous warrior Achilles holds games as part of the funeral services for his best friend Patroclus. The events
in them include a chariot race, a footrace, a discus match, boxing and wrestling 1. Regardless of its origin,
it is apparent that the ancient Greeks value the physical aspect of the human person.

As depicted in contemporary films, the Spartans are shown to be adept in the art of warfare and strategy,
compared to their Athenian counterparts. After being conquered by the Dorians, The Spartans became
the ruthless aggressors of fame, adopting many new habits and traditions. For example, The Spartans
considered any form of combat other than close-quarters infantry cowardly, not to mention expensive. It
is for this very reason, expense, that horsemen were not very common on the battlefield. The Spartans
worshipped the god Ares, because of the Spartans' war-like demeanor. Ares, was, of course, the God of
War. Other gods, such as Hera, Apollo, or Artemis didn't have much hold in Sparta, because they weren't
immediately associated with the sort of power and violence the Spartans encouraged. When a Spartan
child was born, it was taken to the eldest Spartans for a fitness examination. If it cried too much, it was
too whiny for later in life and would complain. If it looked too sickly, it wouldn't prove useful in the military.
So, they were often left in a Pithos or a pot at the top of a hill and left for dead. Only the strongest children
were allowed to live2. Among the different cultures in Greece, it was Sparta that gave the most importance
to the physical strength of a person.

Other skills are practical: the ability to type, the ability to drive a car or to fly a plane, the ability to
master crafts such as carpentry or masonry.

The second aspect discussed is mans practical abilities. When we say practical, from the word itself, it
can be practiced and it is developed through practice. It relates to something more concrete rather than
abstract. We may also relate it to something that is useful. The current capitalist society places emphasis
on the practical. Products are sought after for their practicality. New gadgets which offer heightened
usefulness constantly replace obsolete ones. The university setting also places an importance on the
individual learning some practical skill. Whether its accounting, psychology, culinary arts or the study of
law, each course is supposed to prepare you for the actual practice of you profession. The person is
valuable if he has much to contribute in the work place in terms of his output. (Figure 1.5)

1
http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Olympics/faq1.html
2
https://prezi.com/vdep96yunzy3/the-spartans-them-their-traditions-and-why-they-were-so-epic/
P a g e | 6 Philosophy of the Human Person by Arjan Jo Velez Uy

Figure 1.5 Figure 1.6

Each Greek god and goddess of their mythology are depicted
to be masters of some specific skill. In the story of Arachne,
Arachne earned the wrath of Athena by being a better
weaver than the latter. Arachne was turned into a spider.
Each ancient Greek profession had a specific skill set to
offer. These professions range from production such as
fishermen to entertainment such as actors. Blacksmiths, for
example, used bronze, and later iron ore, to create swords,
plows, axes, and other tools. After heating the metal, they
used hammers to shape it into a weapon or a tool.

Secondly, human beings have many mental abilities that can be developed. They can expand their
capacities to imagine and to dream of new possibilities. They can develop their human sensitivity,
becoming more aware of themselves, of other people and of nature. They can learn to think more
logically and to bring rationality more completely into their lives. They can become expert in one of the
many human sciences.

The author seems to divide the aspect of intelligence into four: First is mental creativity. Part of being
human is imagination and finding new possibilities to things. Second is human sensitivity. Part of being
human is being perceptive about the things and people that surround us. Third is logic. This refers to
arriving with conclusions through the exercise of reason. Fourth is scientific intelligence. In contrast with
practical aspect of the human being, a person must also have a good grasp on theory.

It is likely that the seed idea for a subject devoted solely to the study of reasoning occurred to
Aristotle while he was studying philosophy at Platos Academy. In order to see why the study of
philosophy might inspire the birth of logical theory, let us take a brief look at the discipline the
Greeks named philosophy (from the Greek words philo for love and sophia for wisdom,
literally, the love of wisdom).

At the dawn of the 6th century B.C., ancient people everywhere made sense of the world on the
basis of customary myths (stories passed down orally from generation to generation) and by
obediently believing what priestly and political authorities told them to believe. Beginning with
Thales of Miletus (c. 625- 546 B.C), a group of individuals in ancient Greece began questioning
the customary myths and the traditional explanations of the universe. In written works and in
discussions recorded in the historical record, these individuals pioneered a radically new way to
make sense of the world. Named philosophers by the Greeks, Thales and his associates were
the first persons in history to do all three of the following:

They rejected the explanations of the world contained in the traditional myths and the claims of
religious and political authorities, on the grounds that there was no good reason to believe that
P a g e | 7 Philosophy of the Human Person by Arjan Jo Velez Uy

unbacked myths and unquestioned claims of authorities are true, that is, in correspondence
with reality.

In place of mythical stories and authoritative pronouncements, they sought explanations based
on unaided reasoning and on observations that could in principle be made by anyone.

They put their theories and the supporting evidence for their theories into written form and
passed this around for critical comments, reasoned discussion, and intellectual debate.
Philosophical theories were to be proposed, criticized, defended, revised, and / or rejected on
the basis of reasoning and observable evidence, without reference to unbacked myth and
authorities whose statements could not be questioned.

In short, the first philosophers sought rational explanations of the world and of things within the
worldaccounts justified on the basis of evidence and reasoning alone. The birth of the
philosophical tradition, in ancient Greece during the 6th century B.C., was one of the first
intellectual revolutions in world history.

Fourthly, human beings can develop their social skills in many different ways. They can become loyal
friends, good mothers and fathers, active members of society. They can become generals in armies,
religious leaders, effective leaders of political communities. As individuals learn to play their roles in
society and make significant contributions to society, they fulfill some of their social potentialities.

Although these examples give us an understanding of human fulfillment in terms of an individual

human being, this Greek ideal was also meant to be realized on a social level. A human community can
achieve full development. This fullness of social development would include many elements such as
peace, economic prosperity, the rule of law, active community interaction as well as the full development
of education and the arts.

Thus, from the Greeks we have a clear ideal for human life, the development of all human potentialities
to the level of excellence. It is a humanism which has inspired and guided many peoples over the ages.

Children of citizens attended schools where the curriculum covered reading, writing, and
mathematics. After these basics were mastered, studies turned to literature (for example,
Homer), poetry, and music (especially the lyre). Athletics was also an essential element in a
young persons education. At Sparta, boys as young as seven were grouped together under the
stewardship of an older youth to be toughened up with hard physical training. In Athens, young
adult citizens (aged 18-20) had to perform civil and military service and their education
continued with lessons in politics, rhetoric, and culture. Girls too were educated in a similar
manner to boys but with a greater emphasis on dancing, gymnastics, and musical
accomplishment which could be shown off in musical competitions and at religious festivals and
ceremonies. The ultimate goal of a girls education was to prepare her for her role in rearing a
family.

CHIELSEA MAE L.CRUZ: I want to be a professional dancer at the same time a business woman and a
lawyer. I imagine myself living in between the limelight of the entertainment industry and the business
P a g e | 8 Philosophy of the Human Person by Arjan Jo Velez Uy

industry. I picture myself being able to achieve the things that I want when I become the person I want
to be. I want to be the said person because I want to showcase my talent to people but not only that, I
also want to be known for my intelligence and how I can be serious to the things that I do. Dancing is
what I love and crunching members and being a lawyer is also what I want.

EDCEL GAMONDO: I want to be me. Theres nothing more fulfilling than to be me. Im a writer and
aspiring novelist. Someday Im going to make people laugh and cry through writing. Im also into combat
sports and I wish to get my black belt someday. I was a stage actor, a composer, a poet, a reade rand a
pretty boring ex-boyfriend. Thats me. All of that is me. Someday, I hope I can make all those facets of
my life meet because I know it will be the best day of my life.

Im not self-obsessed, but it would be nice to be very good in so many things. I might not be able to do
all these but I will try. If theres an endpoint in my life someday, I dont want to be regretful in my last
hour.

Oriental Ideal of Full Development

Hinduism conceives the greater reality to be divine and calls it Brahman or Atman. This divine Brahman
is the only thing which is truly real and everything else is only real to the extent that it is part of Brahman.
Brahman is like a great sea and all the other beings in the world are just drops of water in that sea. Such
drops do not have their own distinct individual existence but exist as drops of water in a great sea; they
are elements of something greater.

He draws meaning from Brahman and seeks to lose himself in it.

First is "atman" - loosely translated, this means "soul" or "individual soul." Atman refers to the
essence of each individual living thing - its soul or primary living energy. Each living thing - people,
animals, plants - have an atman that forms each thing's eternal essence. The atman is not the
body; the body is not eternal. The body houses the atman until the body dies. Atman is immortal
and eternal.

Brahman is "world soul" or "cosmic soul." It is the eternal essence of the universe and the ultimate
divine reality. It is the life source of all that has been, is and will be throughout the entire cosmos.
It is not an individual being - it is more like the primal ground or reality of all being and existence.

So, the phrase "atman is Brahman" is saying, quite simply, that the individual soul is the world
soul.

In other words, each individual soul - say, yours or mine - comes from and is made of the same
reality as the world soul. There is no distinction between us, on the one hand, and the ultimate
divine reality, on the other3.

This is an amazing concept!

3
http://www.world-religions-professor.com/atman-brahman.html
P a g e | 9 Philosophy of the Human Person by Arjan Jo Velez Uy

It basically means that in our deepest selves, we are divine. All living things are divine in their
deepest selves. Now, that divine self may be hidden or covered over by hatred, envy, fear or other
negative things. But, it is there nonetheless and it is our "true" and "eternal" selves.

NAMASTE

Maybe you've heard people say hello, goodbye or greet people with the word "namaste"
accompanied by clasped hands and a bow. What this greeting means is something like "the divine
in me honors the divine in you." This statement makes sense because of the belief that "atman is
Brahman" - all living things are ultimately divine.

NON-VIOLENCE

This concept is at the heart of much of the non-violent tradition in Hinduism, and is has spread
throughout the world into other systems of thought.

For example, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. studied the teachings of Gandhi, the famous Hindu leader,
and learned this concept of atman is Brahman. Dr. King incorporated it into his own Christian
theology and used it as a central idea in his theory of non-violent, passive resistance in the
American civil rights movement.

Civil rights demonstrators were not to strike back at those who made fun of them or harassed
them for their stand for equal rights under the law. Why? Because even the worst racists - even
the members of the Ku Klux Klan - have an atman, and that atman is Brahman. Therefore, they
are divine in their deepest selves and that must be respected despite the hatred they express 4.

KARMA

Karma (Sanskrit: ; IPA: [krm] ( listen); Pali: kamma) means action, work or deed;[1] it also
refers to the spiritual principle of cause and effect where intent and actions of an individual
(cause) influence the future of that individual (effect).[2] Good intent and good deed contribute
to good karma and future happiness, while bad intent and bad deed contribute to bad karma and
future suffering5.

In a similar way the Chinese tradition of Confucianism understands the life of man in terms of
something greater. In this case the greater reality is human society. What is really important in
human life is society as it is concretized in family and friendship and the state. Mans major
concern should be to act in such a way that these social units are preserved in a traditional and
correct form.

In this philosophy of Confucianism the individual human being is understood precisely as a part
of family, friendship or state. The purpose of his life is found in his fulfilling of his assigned role
in these various social units. From family and state he has certain clear obligations which he
must endeavor to fulfill. He lives wisely and his life is truly human to the extent that he fulfills
these obligations, and his family and state prosper.

4
http://www.world-religions-professor.com/atman-brahman.html
5
P a g e | 10 Philosophy of the Human Person by Arjan Jo Velez Uy

CHINESE CULTURE

In China, the individual was subservient to the family. In this society, however, it rings true that the
male of the family is the most important, and the sooner a male came in the birth order, the more
power and responsibility they held. The Chinese practiced the concept of ancestor worship, further
emphasizing the idea of a family or clan being more important than an individual.

During much of the Zhou dynasty, the political organization of China closely resembled a feudal system,
with the King of the royal house of Zhou at the head of the social structure and hundreds of princes
under him, each of them ruling a state. The land of these states was also divided into different fiefs,
each of them controlled by a feudal lord who reported to a prince. Under the feudal lords were the
common people who were not part of the aristocracy. This structure was secured by family relations
linking all the different rulers with the royal house of Zhou. If family relationships did not exist, they
were arranged by marriage. Ultimately, the local lords were expected to accept the authority of the king
as the head of a large family6.

ANALECTS OF CONFUCIUS

The Master said: A young man should serve his parents at home and be respectful to elders outside his
home. He should be earnest and truthful, loving all, but become intimate with his innate good-
heartedness. After doing this, if he has energy to spare, he can study literature and the arts.7

he Master said: When your father is alive, observe his will. When your father is dead observe his former
actions. If, for three years you do not change from the ways of your father, you can be called a real
son8.

FILIAL PIETY
Filial definition: of, relating to, or befitting a son or daughter:

Piety definition: reverence for God or devout fulfillment of religious obligations:

In more general terms, filial piety means to be good to one's parents; to take care of one's parents; to
engage in good conduct not just towards parents but also outside the home so as to bring a good name
to one's parents and ancestors; to perform the duties of one's job well so as to obtain the material
means to support parents as well as carry out sacrifices to the ancestors; not be rebellious; show love,
respect and support; display courtesy; ensure male heirs, uphold fraternity among brothers; wisely
advise one's parents, including dissuading them from moral unrighteousness; display sorrow for their
sickness and death; and carry out sacrifices after their death9.

6
http://www.ancient.eu/Chinese_Philosophy/
7
http://www.acmuller.net/con-dao/analects.html
8
http://www.acmuller.net/con-dao/analects.html
9
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filial_piety
P a g e | 11 Philosophy of the Human Person by Arjan Jo Velez Uy

A third prominent tradition in oriental thought is that of Taoism, a way of thinking that arose in
ancient China. In this tradition the emphasis is on Tao, a mysterious, all-encompassing reality. Tao
is the source of everything. It is an ultimate power that actively guides everything that exists in the
heavens, in the earth and in human life. Tao is thus a way that directs all of these various levels of
nature.