Abstract
A theoretical study in which disability is evidenced as a heuristic device to investigate the human condition. The relationship between disability and human condition has been little explored. The first section analyzes how vulnerability and dependence belong to the human condition and affect disability by conditioning the loss of qualities. Subsequently, the peculiar modality of possession of our qualities is analyzed. The third part argues that even though a human being with intellectual disability may not manifest rationality this does not suppose an exclusion of the status of person. Finally, it is explained how, although qualities can be lost with the disability, it is not possible to lose the embodiment and belonging to the human family. The heuristic approach was used with the formulation of questions based on three hypothetical cases. Disability is a manifestation of the human condition. It has heuristic value because it helps to examine constitutive aspects of our existence.
Intellectual disability; Heuristics; Mentally disabled persons; Vulnerability personal; Dependency (psychology)