Evaluate own limitations and the possibilities for transcendence

It is important to evaluate own limitations and the possibilities for transcendence. This article helps you to do so.

For Filipino/Tagalog discussion on this topic, read: Natataya ang mga pagkakatakda (hangganan) at pagsasaibayo (posibilidad) ng sarili

On own limitations and the possibilities for transcendence

The term transcendence refers to the state or act of ascending above something to a higher condition. The word comes from the Latin prefix trans-, which means “beyond,” and scandare, meaning “to climb.”

Achieving transcendence means going beyond certain limitations. The term can be used to describe a state of moving beyond physical needs and realities.

One meaning of attaining transcendence is letting go of material needs or not prioritizing one’s physical or biological aspect.

Evaluating own possibilities for transcendence: Freedom of the soul from the body

For the Greek philosopher Plato, we are basically souls trapped in our respective physical body. Body is what limits us and soul allows for transcendence.

Plato taught that to be free it is to gradually recollect the ideas the soul used to know for it to be freed from being imprisoned in the body and be able to go back to its place in the world of Forms. Platonism holds that the soul is superior, eternal, and immortal. Plato taught that the soul exists even after the body eventually vanishes.

Platonism further teaches that recollection or remembering what the soul used to know, before it was trapped in the body, can be done through education, meditation, and contemplation.

Failure to recall everything the soul used to know results in the soul having to undergo another imprisonment, and this process will repeatedly occur until the soul becomes ready to return to its place in the world of Forms.

Thus, for Plato and his adherents, transcendence is the freedom of the soul from the body, its imprisonment. Strange as it may appear to some, this nonetheless gives us the notion that to achieve transcendence, a person must rise beyond the normal or physical level.

Possibilities for transcendence as self-improvement

But what could be a better way to look at transcendence is to view self-transcendence as self-improvement. This means not staying in one’s ‘comfort zone,’ striving to make progress, knowing how one can accomplish more, and overcoming negative limited thoughts.

It can be remembered that before, the Olympics did not allow women to compete in the marathon until it was added as late as 1984. It was believed that women are not capable of running 42.195 kilometers (about 26 miles 385 yards).

Today, however, we see that women’s marathon time is very close to men’s record. Being able to do what one once not capable of doing is a form of transcendence.

Philosophy professor and textbook author Jensen DG. Mañebog offers some ways or suggestions to transcend our own limitations (Mañebog, 2013):

1. Be optimistic

2. Set realistic goals and targets

3. Be committed

4. Learn new things

5. Be positively unique

For the beautiful explanations on how each of these ways relates to evaluating own limitations and the possibilities for their transcendence, read: 5 Ways to Transcend our own Limitations

*If you want to look for other topics in Intro to Philo of Man or other subjects, search here:

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Note: Teachers may share this as a reading assignment of their students. For other free lectures like this (especially for students), visit Homepage: Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

*Available also: Free lectures on the subject Pambungad sa Pilosopiya ng Tao

Read also: Reasoning and Debate: A Handbook and a Textbook 

Free Lectures for MELCs of Intro to the Philosophy of the Human Person subject:

Distinguish a Holistic Perspective from a Partial Point of View (Holism vs Partial Perspective)

Realize the Value of Doing Philosophy in Obtaining a Broad Perspective on Life

Do a philosophical reflection on a concrete situation from a holistic perspective

Distinguish Opinion from Truth

Realize that the methods of philosophy lead to wisdom and truth

Evaluate truth from opinions in different situations using the methods of philosophizing

Recognize how the human body imposes limits and possibilities for transcendence

Related Article/s:

The Blind Men and the Elephant: Attaining a Holistic Perspective

Methods in Philosophy:

Socratic Method: The Elenchus

Methodic Doubt: The Cartesian Method of Philosophy

Phenomenology Study: The Phenomenological Inquiry and the ‘Lived Experience’

Dialectic: The Hegelian Method

Immanuel Kant Philosophy: Critical Method/Transcendental Idealism

Mga Libreng Lektura para sa Pambungad sa Pilosopiya ng Tao:

Nakikilala ang pagkakaiba ng katotohanan sa opinyon

Karanasan na nagpapakita ng pagkakaiba ng katotohanan sa opinyon lamang

Ang Pagkakaiba ng Pangkabuuang Pananaw at Pananaw ng mga Bahagi Lamang

Ang Halaga ng Pamimilosopiya sa Pagkakaroon ng Malawakang pananaw

Pagmumuni-muni sa Suliranin sa Pilosopikong Paraan at Pamimilosopiya sa Buhay

Natataya ang mga pagkakatakda (hangganan) at pagsasaibayo (posibilidad) ng sarili

Also read: From Socrates to Mill: An Analysis of Prominent Ethical Theories