The document explores the philosophical understanding of the human person, emphasizing that while humans are biologically classified as animals, they possess unique traits that differentiate them, particularly self-awareness. It defines key terms such as 'man', 'human', 'person', and 'personhood', highlighting the complexity of what it means to be a person with rights and dignity. Overall, it underscores the essential characteristics of human nature that set individuals apart.

1. The Human Person as
an Embodied Spirit
The human person is an important subject in
Philosophy and understanding the nature and
condition of the person is one of the foremost goals of
the discipline.

2. Related terms:
• Man is the general term commonly used to refer to the entire human race.
• Human refers to man as a species - Homo sapiens sapiens or modern
human beings.
• Person is a much more complex term which generally refers to a human
being granted recognition of certain rights, protection, responsibilities, and
dignity above all.
• Personhood refers to the state of being a person.
• Human nature refers to the characteristics that distinguish humans from
all other creatures. Examples of these characteristics include thinking,
feeling and acting.

3. What is Human person?
The most basic definition of a human being relates to the
nature of humans as animals. Philosophers, however,
believe that the human being is not just a mere animal.
There is something in the human individual that sets him
or her apart from other beings.

4. Special traits make a human a distinct individual person.
• The first trait that defines a person is self-awareness.
Self-awareness refers to the person having a clear
perception of oneself, including his or her thoughts,
emotions, identity, and actions.