Do ser à compreensão da existência: o que é o homem?

A brief critical interpretation of the author's throught is presented, whith incidence on two of his most brilliant works “Cuerpo y alma” and “Idea del hombre?” However, considering the complexity of both of them, the approach will deal more closely with the analysis of the concepts of ultimate causes an penultimate causes, here considered as a petition principi” with the problem of wait and hope also with the understanding of biological personalism present in Pedro Laín Entralgo, as counterpart to a more sociological personalism present in Emmanuel Mounier. A study of the contributes of these approches for a better understanding of the person, of what is man, resource of his intrinsecal oppeness to transcendence, will ensue. For a better undersatanding of his throught, a brieft overview of his biography, the socio-politcal and cultural context at the time of his literary production is fundamental. Epistemological influences (sources, disciples, schools) lead us to understand the meaning of his interpretations, as also the somewhat difficult conciliation of science and faith, through the too narrow definitions of scientific truth. The author’s bioethical scrutiny will be disclosed by the discussion of the fundamental issues about man (body/soul/conscience/faith/science) as a safeguard of human dignity, of justice and above all of the greatest good for the person. Some contact with Portuguese author’s such as António Damásio, Anselmo Borges, Daniel Serrão, Fernando Pessoa poetry and foreign authors such as David Abram, Immanuel Kant, Emmanuel Mounier, Elkhonon Goldberg is found, contributing to the reflection that this essay seeks to achieve.