Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

Chapter 7- The Human Person in Society

What is society? What drives human beings to establish societies?

Have you ever pondered how your world has defined you? Have you ever thought about your place in
this world and among the people you interact with every day? Have you ever reflected on how your presence
has affected the world and people around you?

The human person exists to relate with others. The person is by nature a social being because he or she
has a tendency to go out of himself or herself to form bonds and relationships with others. Throughout a
person’s life, he or she experiences a variety of relationships that help shape him or her as a person. Infants first
relate with their immediate family and guardians as the source of basic needs. As they grow, they expand their
horizons and start relating with people who are not part of their immediate family. They establish friendships
beginning in their childhood and into their teenage and adult years. They also learn how to deal with other
figures of authority aside from their parents or guardians. As we grow into adulthood, our relationships and
responsibilities also change because we play more significant roles in the communities we live in.

Our freedom gives us the opportunity to pursue various activities to achieve our goals and attain
well-being or happiness. As we live our lives and expand our experiences. we also encounter other people who
are acting in similar ways. However, the pursuit of our goals is made easier by the fact that we do not need to
do our activities alone. that we (an live our life and pursue our happiness with other people by our side.

The tendency to form groups is not exclusive to human beings. Other animals also form groups for
mutual protection and survival. Humans, however, are the only beings capable of establishing a society, which
is an organized group of people whose members interact frequently and have a common territory and culture.
Society also refers to a companionship or friendly association with others, an alliance. a community, or a union.

Philosophers consider society the product of deliberate actions by

individuals who tome together in pursuit of a common goal. Society is
considered unique among all Other groups because of the nature of the
human persons that compose it as well as the relationships among its
members. As individual persons, members of society are able to transform
themselves and attain development through their interactions within
society, In turn, humans are also able to influence society through their
actions.

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

Society also makes possible the emergence of certain individualities. The survival of human being is
essentially rooted in society and human relations. If there is no family to take care of an infant, the infant will
eventually die. As the individual grows, he or she begins to experience life outside the home and begins to
interact with other people In different settings. This also leads the person to form other relationships or groups,
such as establishing friendships in school or at places of work. Society and its various aspects provide support
that ensures the development of the human person. For instance, your education first starts at home with your
family members teaching you the rudiments of speech, reading, and writing. This education continues and is
further developed as you go to school and interact with other children, your teachers, and other people in school.
When you finish your basic education, society has already equipped you with knowledge and skills that enable
you to effectively interact with your society as a productive individual. Society also provides you opportunities
to further your growth in the coming years. An evident . influence of society on individuals is the emergence of
specific traits and characteristics unique to a certain society which are manifested by its members. For example,
we Filipinos value our ties with family members. This is seen in our practice of taking care of our elderly
family members. Many of us prefer to have our elders live in our homes so we can take care of them directly
and continue to interact with them. Western countries, however, give more emphasis on independence and
individuality rather than family ties. Therefore, it is a common practice for Western families to send their
elderly to retirement homes. In Western culture, parents also expect their children to move out of their homes
once they have graduated from high school. Filipino parents, on the other hand, continue to support their
children and even allow them to live with them even into adulthood.

The Social Contract Theory

During the Enlightenment, social philosophers pondered the natural laws that govern human societies,
and in their discussions, several philosophers put forth their ‘ theories regarding the formation of societies.

Enlightenment philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes. John Locke. and Jean Jacques Rousseau were
among the most prominent social theorists who tackled the origins of human society. To fully understand the
true character of society, they imagined humans as living in a so-called “natural state.” removed from
modernity and civilization. Examining humans in their natural state afforded these philosophers an opportunity
to discuss the origins of society and relate them to other concepts such as man's intrinsic nature and liberty.
Various views emerged to explain the develop merits that brought about the emergence of human society.

For Thomas Hobbes, persons in their natural states are governed by their desires‘ and these often lead to
conflict with their fellowmen. Society. therefore. «is the means by which people seek to control their natural

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

tendencies and impose order. Individuals who establish societies enter into a “social contract" an agreement
where individuals sacrifice an amount of their freedom and submit to a higher authority. In this way, society is
able to function and meet the needs of the many. ensuring the survival of humanity.

John Locke proposed his own ideas on the social contract with a different assumption. Unlike Hobbes,
Locke considered persons in their natural states as more cooperative and reasonable. and that society is formed
through the consent of the individuals that organized it. This concept is known as the consent of the governed.
Locke's social contract is a covenant among individuals to cooperate and share the burden of upholding the
welfare of society. Also, the authority established to run society should reflect the ideals of the people who
organized it. Should this authority fail. to uphold its obligation or live up to the ideals of the people. it will be
discarded and replaced with a new one.

Jean Jacques Rousseau's ideas on the social contract led him to advocate the concept ofthe “general
will.” Rousseau believed that even if the people are the ones who organized society and established an
authority or government. in extreme cases, the government is able to impose its will on the people. This is
based on the assumption that the people have empowered the government to act on their behalf, and that it is
considered to be the best judge of what is most beneficial for society.

More recent views on the social contract give emphasis to individual decision making in society. John
Rawls redefined the social contract and explained that human beings approach social cooperation in a rational
manner in order to meet their individual self-interests. Rawls Introduced a version of the natural state which he
called the original position to explain social formation. He imagined humans as having a “veil of ignorance." or
no knowledge of one’s own characteristics such as gender. race, or social status. In this state. humans would
naturally seek a just and fair society in an effort to look out for their own interests. David Gauthier described
people‘s self-interest as a significant factor in building and maintaining Societies. People choose to cooperate
since it is beneficial to meet their self-interests. But this selfish interest benefits society as a whole. since the
actions of individuals in meeting their individual needs also further the interests of the other members of
society.

Although there are variations on the

social contract theory, perhaps one common
feature they all have is the fact that the different
individuals enter into a kind of agreement With
one another to form a society. Individual

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

members put aside their self-interest in order to create a community where they may live In harmony with
others. It Is important to note that in a society, one is not compromised for the sake of the other: the individual
is not in any way violated for the sake of the community and vice versa. Only a society which ensures the
development of the individual and his or her community may be considered a proper and humanizing society.

It is important to note that society is founded on the concept of the common good Philosophers who
discussed the origins of society traced the emergence of society to the human desire to achieve the goal of
survival. Apart from this, human beings are compelled to come together, establish relationships with each other,
and work together as a united group because of the natural desire for goodness. Our nature as human persons
drives us to do what is good, and we recognize that other persons also desire goodness as well. When more than
one person desires and works to achieve the same good, then it can be said that a common good exists among
them.

The common good refers to the social conditions which enable persons and groups to fulfill their goals
and achieve well-being. On a larger scale, examples of the common good may include peace within the
community, clean and safe public spaces, an efficient transport system, and efficient public service. The
common good applies to all members of society. This means that not only do all members benefit from it, all
have the responsibility to work for it. By Working to attain the common good, a person is now able to create
opportunities for himself or herself as well as others. The collective effort of individual persons towards the
common good ensures that each member of the community will be able to live in a world where they can
pursue their own perfection and fulfillment.

What are the different forms of societies?

The development of societies throughout history shows the development of humankind in response to
changing surroundings and historical developments. The various forms of societies that emerged include the
following:

Hunting and gathering society- This is recognized as the earliest and simplest form of society. It is generally
characterized by its small size and is composed mainly of families. They are nomadic because they spend most
of their time searching for food and thus, have no permanent territory. The hierarchy of this type of society is
not very varied. Its members are generally treated equally and decisions are usually arrived at through a
consensus. Because of this, the roles of its members and the division of labor is not very clearly defined.

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

Pastoral Society- this type of society is characterized by the domestication of animals for food for a more stable
and predictable food supply. Pastoral communities have larger populations than hunting and gathering societies
and remain longer in one place. In addition, pastoral societies often produce surplus food and resources, which
they trade with other societies. This relative prosperity enables the people to engage in other activities apart
from those necessary for survival, such as handicrafts. This eventually leads to the emergence of specialized
task in the community.

Horticultural society-A horticultural society primarily engages in the small scale cultivation of plants, fruits,
and vegetables and the domestication of animals. Horticultural societies are semi-nomadic, which means that
they travel to another place when they have already depleted the resources in one area. In this society, roles and
responsibilities are more clearly defined with many tasks assigned according to gender. Similar to the pastoral
society, there is also a surplus of goods, which sometimes leads to inequalities among its members.

In early societies, the individuals were often very family and clan-oriented, and their behaviors and
actions were restricted by tradition. The assignment of tasks and occupations were often based on gender, with
women doing mostly domestic work in the home while the men engaged 1n hunting and farming.

Agrarian or agricultural society- This type of society is a further evolution of the pastoral and horticultural
societies. Agriculture involves the large-scale and long term cultivation of crops and domestication of animals.
This society is characterized by improved technology and the use of tools to aid in farming. Improved
technology and farming methods result in increased production, giving rise to a growing population in
agricultural societies. The large population of agricultural societies leads to a more structured social system that
helps manage resources and its members. The increasingly complex social organization and growing
importance of territory often result in conflicts among neighboring societies over resources and land.

Feudal society -A feudal society is based on the ownership of land. Feudal societies arose out of developments
in Western Europe during Medieval times, when rival kingdoms were engaged in conflict over resources,
particularly land. In a feudal society, rulers grant their followers or vassals the right to manage parcels of land,
these vassals, in turn, are served by peasant workers who cultivate the land and tend to the animals in the farms.
In return for their services; they are provided military protection. Members of society are organized based on
status. Those who own land are considered the _most powerful and influential members of society, while the
peasants are considered the lowest group. Social relations are characterized by dependence. The lord depends
on his vassals to provide him with resources, the vassals depend on the peasants for their service, while the
peasants depend on their vassals for protection.

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

An agrarian and feudal society gives rise to individuals who value relations among family members and
with other members in the community. People are often very conscious of their place within society and are
mindful of the hierarchy. People who belong to the "higher classes" are treated with respect by the members of
the community. They are often traditional and are resistant to social change, preferring to maintain the way
things are in their community.

Industrial society -An industrial society is based on the use of specialized machinery in the production of goods
and services. The advances in science and technology in the late l8th century resulted in the Industrial
Revolution, which in turn gave rise to new production and industrial methods, as well as innovations in
transportation and communication. These technological advances resulted in improved trade and commerce and
better life conditions for many people. Work is done in factories and public education is more prevalent.
However, the emergence of industrial societies is characterized by greater inequalities in wealth, power, and
influence. Industrial societies are often defined by the nature of work and the prevailing industry in an area.
The capitalists or business owners are considered the most influential. This type of society is also characterized
by cultural diversity and the presence of bureaucratic forms of organization.

An industrial society is a significant departure from the agrarian society, as many of the relations are not
family or community-based. An important factor in social relations is the workplace, and people often interact
with individuals who do not come from the same family, clan, or community. Impersonal relationships prevail
among individuals. The difference between social groups is even more marked and is defined by access to
economic resources and prosperity. Alienation is common in industrial societies, as the people often seen
resources to be exploited.

Post-Industrial society-The post-industrial society is marked by the establishment of societies based on

knowledge, information, and the sale of services. Led by the human mind and aided by highly advanced
technology, the trend has shifted from industry to the generation, storage, manipulation, and sale of information.
Information influences the behavior of people and has thus become a Very important commodity in the
postindustrial society. Members of this society have higher educational attainment, better training, and
specialized roles. The virtual society, where people organize themselves through communication technology
and the Internet, is a product of a post~industrial society. Individuals in a virtual society often enage in
complex relationships. They often have fluid identities and do not necessarily subscribe to certain norms or
established standards of behavior. The freedom allowed in virtual worlds means that a person is able to engage
in various activities, as well as access various kinds of information.

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

The growth and development of the various forms of societies highlight the growing complexity of
human interactions over time. The technological advances and cultural changes that brought about these
changes result in the expansion of communities that now include people from varied ethnicities. These
developments have led to innovations in human interactions such as language and the establishment of
governments. Many countries around the world are industrial societies, and a number of developed countries
have evolved into post-industrial and virtual societies. But despite these advancements and changes, the human
person still remains the heart and center of society. The person is the primary agent of change, as he or she
drives social changes based on responses to events and developments affecting society.

How does society influence our development as persons?

What makes us Filipino? Being born in the Philippines is not our choice, but as we grow up in
Philippine society, we begin to adopt the traits, traditions, and characteristics that distinguish Filipino culture.
We learn to speak our mother languages through our interactions with family members and other members of
society. It is also through our interactions with other individuals and institutions that we learn how to behave
appropriately, what beliefs and traditions to practice, and what ideas and perspectives to consider acceptable.
All these come together to define our identity not only as persons, but as members of Philippine society.

It can be said that you cannot think of a person outside of society and you cannot think of a society
without persons: The person and the society have a very dynamic relationship in which one cannot exist
without the other. Because of this reality, it is important to consider society's role in the growth and
development of a person, and the person 's role in transforming society.

Society influences our development as persons in various ways. Society is the backdrop by which we
adopt the prevailing culture, identity, values, ideas, and knowledge of the persons, groups, and communities
that surround us. Think of the various groups and institutions in society that have contributed to your identity as
a person. Your interactions with your family, friends, schoolmates, teachers, and other people in your
community have all left indelible marks on your identity. Society shapes all individuals that are part of it,
though each person is influenced by society in different ways.

An important way society influences us as persons is its ability to define the relationships and
interactions among its members. Society influences the interactions of its members through the establishment
of norms, which are a set of traits and behavior that society considers acceptable, and are thus encouraged and
passed on to other members.

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

When you meet a person for the first time or when someone is introduced to you, what do you do? The
first thing that comes to your mind is to say “Hello!” or “Nice to meet you!" Some will offer a handshake to the
other person as a greeting.

Let’s imagine that when you are told to greet or give respect to your elders, you refuse to do 50. What
do you think will be the reaction of the people around you? Surely, your actions will be considered
disrespectful and you will be considered a disrespectful person. When members of a society do not conform to
established norms, they often experience negative consequences, such as punishment or social stigma. Norms
are one of the ways that society regulates the behavior and interactions of its members and establishes and
maintains social order.

Think of the rules established by your family and school. Why do you think these rules are put in place?
What happens when these rules are violated? How have these rules influenced your behavior?

Society, through the establishment of norms, can also influence knowledge and ideas. For instance, if
the traffic light flashes red, what does it mean? We all know that the red light means stop, but who established
that the color red will be the universal signal for STOP on the road? We have learned to accept the statement
“the red traffic light means stop" as truth because society has established that fact and we have been exposed to
it since we were young. Now imagine that tomorrow, the traffic signals get switched red now means go, green
means caution, and yellow means stop. What do you think will happen in the streets? Now think of all the rules
and traditions that have been in place in our society for a long time. How have these rules influenced our
knowledge? What rule in our society would result in chaos if it were changed? Laws are more formal and
stringent norms that establish and define acceptable. behavior of citizens. These also prescribe the
consequences or penalties that will be imposed on violators. Folkways are less formal norms that arise from
tradition and do not result in punishment when violated.

Norms, laws, and other rules that regulate human interactions give rise to a social stem, which is an
organized or patterned set of relationships among individuals and groups that compose a society. Members of
society act and interact with an established social system. Each member is assigned a social role, which are
actions and behaviors expected of a certain individual. Individuals who share similar backgrounds or perform
similar roles are grouped together into social groups or social classes. Certain groups that perform vital
functions in society are recognized as social institutions; and these include the family, school, government, and
religion. Our lives are a continuous interaction with different social classes, groups, and social institutions.
These relationships contribute to shaping our view of the world and defining our identity. A well-functioning

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

social system where all members, groups, and institutions work in harmony will ensure that society remains
harmonious and continues to uphold the welfare of its members.

Society also transforms human relations, which leads to the transformation of its members. The
historical development of society has brought about significant changes in the way human beings relate to each
other. Early societies were initially centered on the family and the clan. But the emergence of industrial
societies transformed human relations, as interactions were no longer based only on family and community ties,
but also interactions in the workplace. Virtual societies have brought about another great transformation in
human relations, as improved communication technologies make it possible for people from faraway places to
interact closely with each other. Today's modern society enables various people from diverse backgrounds and
varied societies to interact and establish close ties with each other.

Over the course of his or her life, a person will undertake various social roles as he or she continually
interacts with other members of society. An individual is not just a member of a family, he or she is also a
neighbor, a citizen, a worker, and a member of an organization, group, or religion. These roles entail sets of
responsibilities that the person must undertake. As the person navigates through various roles in society, his or
her relationships with other people also change. Throughout our life, we undergo changes in the way we relate
with the people in our lives. When we were children, we were very close to our parents and family members.
But as we grow up and our social circle expands, our interactions now include our friends, schoolmates,
workmates, and other acquaintances. Adults also experience change in their roles and expectations as they
become breadwinners and take on additional responsibilities. Taking on adult roles often means that many
ofthe bonds established during the earlier years will have to change. It is possible that you have lost contact
with your childhood friends because of some changes that happened in your life. As you lose friends and
acquaintances, you also gain new ones over time.

Our various roles in society also change the way we relate to people. In our family, We may relate more
closely to our parents, siblings, and relatives. In school, however, we may not treat our classmates and teachers
like our family. A person may be the head of the family in his or her home and he or she takes charge of
making decisions in the household. But when this person goes to work, he or she may no longer find himself or
herself in a decision-making role, since he or she is merely an employee. When a person gets elected to an
important post in the government, he or she should no longer treat members of his or her family or community
in a preferential manner, but should now strive to treat all members of the community equally.

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

Another way society shapes us is through social values, which are actions or ideals that are considered
important by society. Values such as cooperation, obedience to the law: concern for others, and respect for
others are considered vital to maintaining an orderly society. A society that upholds positive social values will
influence its members go uphold these positive values. On the other hand, a society that is defined by negative
values Will, in turn, produce individuals who embody these negative values.

Other aspects of society that contribute to the formation of the individual include language, religion, and
historical events. Compare your beliefs and ideas with those of your parents or elders. In some cases, you will
have similar views since you belong to the same family, but you will differ in some of your ideas, beliefs, and
views. One reason for this is that you have gone through different life experiences. Your parents and elders
were born to an earlier generation and have thus gone through some experiences that you will never encounter.
In the same way, you were born into a generation that has unique experiences and characteristics. This disparity
in experience and views brings about the “generation gap,” which often leads to conflict among people of
different ages when discussing certain topics. But whatever our differences, society ensures that we are able to
interact in meaningful ways, and that each member benefits from the relationships they have established with
the people they encounter.

How does society enable me to become a better person?

Although society greatly influences the development of the self, the human person still has the freedom
to choose not to be fully defined by his or her background or society. We have the freedom to rise above our
circumstances and make ourselves into something different or better. For instance, a child who grew up in the
slums or squatters area can choose to rise above his or her social condition through education and hard work.
By exerting effort, that child Will eventually become successful and achieve a better life. A person who comes
from a family of doctors may feel that he or she has a different calling in life and thus may choose not to pursue
a career in medicine. Some Filipinos have even decided to renounce their citizenship to become citizens of
other countries. As much as we are influenced by our surroundings, our physical limits, and our society, our
personhood still provides us an opportunity to transcend and define ourselves on our own terms.

Society recognizes the capability of the person to develop, and provides its members with opportunities
to better themselves. Effective and efficient public service, education, and the maintenance of peace and order
are some of the ways society ensures that we are able to have productive lives and realize our potential.
Through its various institutions, society endeavors to develop well adjusted and productive members who can
make significant contributions to it. Social systems are in place to ensure the welfare of the person in society.

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

Through the various institutions and groups, society strives to recognize and promote the individual dignity of
persons and guarantees that they are able to live harmoniously with others.

Apart from choosing not to be fully defined by society; persons can also undertake to contribute to
society through their decisions and actions. One important way a person can contribute to social change is by
enacting his or her social responsibilities well. A son or daughter is expected to respect and obey his or her
parents and elders and help each member of the family. A parent is expected to provide for the needs of the
family and raise his or her children Well. A student is expected to study well and participate fully in school
activities, A citizen is expected to support democratic values and cooperate with members of the community
and other institutions to uphold the welfare of the country and the common good. You embody all these roles
and therefore should do your utmost to uphold the responsibilities that go with them. All members of society
are expected to do their share in upholding the values and goals of their respective societies and ensure that
their society continues to be oriented toward what is good and beneficial for all.

An individual’s actions can also cause great changes in society. Previously, it was thought that only
“great”, "influential", or “powerful” individuals can bring about change in their respective societies. We often
equate social change to the actions of heroes, political figures, and famous personalities. However, the
numerous opportunities provided nowadays by improved technology and access to information have given
ordinary people the means to be sources of social change themselves. You may have heard of stories that have
gone “viral" on the internet. Many of these stories come from ordinary citizens who call attention to problems
or issues that need to be addressed, such as damaged infrastructure, inefficient public service, and Crime and
safety concerns. These stories soon gain attention and sometimes prompt the government and related
institutions to take action. Another way that individuals can bring about social change is by organizing
themselves into groups that advocate certain causes. Organized action is often the best means to bring about
changes in society, and the concerted effort of many groups often bring about a social movement, which is a
large-scale action done by various groups and organizations in pursuit of a common goal to bring about change.

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