The Human Being: The Being Capable of ‘Lived Experience’

Jerzy W. GAŁKOWSKI

John Paul II Institute, Faculty of Philosophy, John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, Al. Racławickie 14, 20-950 Lublin, Poland , Poland

Abstract

The author aims to develop Karol Wojtyła’s conception of ‘lived experience’ expounded in his book The Acting Person. The author holds that an experience that is ‘lived through’ engages the entire psychological structure of the person and is triggered by external circumstances.

‘Living through’ one’s experiences is a mark of the human being, it points to the ontological status of the human person, and to the fact that, in her actions, she necessarily refers to the sphere of values. It also enables the human person to comprehend the world, to comprehend herself as well as the other human beings, thus making their lives her own. The sphere of ‘lived experience’ also provides the ‘space’ for the manifestations of conscience.

As a theoretical insight, the category of ‘lived experience’ is significant in that it makes it possible to show the non-contradiction between the subjective and the objective faculties of the person, as well as between the person’s adherence to truth and her freedom.

Summarized by Mirosława Chuda
Translated by Dorota Chabrajska

Keywords:

lived experience, person, conscience, truth, freedom, Karol Wojtyła