International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

ISSN 2220-8488 (Print), 2221-0989 (Online) 10.30845/ijhss

Understanding the Different Facets of the Human Person
Gerishon Kuria Njuguna

Abstract
The term “person” is controversial both in origin and meaning. The researcher explicates the etymology and meaning of “what is a person?” Philosophical views onwhat constitutes personality have been explored. Relational, dialogical and global concept of the person, the person as the seat of the spirit, and human personality has been discussed. It is establishedthat the term „person‟ did not have any philosophical meaning until the patristic and scholastic periods, when it was used to clarify Christological controversies. Further, this concept may be understoodon the basis of consciousness, dynamism, relationships, rationality, ideas and impressions, actions, transcendent/spiritual nature, and an interaction between body and spirit. The study concludes that the human person is dynamic, open to future and his actions, and being spiritual transcends motion and time. The person is an entity and not just a concept, and a whole not just a part and constitutes existence and intellectual nature.

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