Untitled Quiz

Introduction

• The presentation asks questions about the world's composition, origin, and processes of change.
• Philosophers in both the East and West pondered the universe and humanity's role within it.
• Eastern sages used intuitive approaches, while Greek thinkers focused on cognitive and scientific methods.

Paradigm Shift

• Pre-Socratic philosophers marked a shift from mythical to rational explanations for the cosmos' origin.

Two Frameworks

• Payne (2010) presented two frameworks: Anthropocentric and Ecocentric.

Anthropocentric Model

• This model views humans as superior and central to the universe.
• It emphasizes humankind's importance.
• The study of nature is mainly for human use.
• Key characteristics noted include: human, culture, individualism, mind, calculative, human against environment, global/technological.

Ecocentric Model

• This model emphasizes the intrinsic value of all living organisms.
• It highlights the importance of their environment.
• Human and ecological integrity are interconnected and essential for ethical life.
• Key characteristics noted include: nature, body, wild, relational, holism, nature/cosmos, ecology over/against humans, earth/wisdom.

Notice Disorder in the Universe

• The domination of nature, driven by anthropocentrism, and resource exploitation leads to environmental crises.
• Humans often treat nature as a means for personal gain.

Research and Carbon Footprint

• Studies link environmental damage, waste, and emissions to human actions.
• Increased income often correlates with a larger ecological footprint.

Carbon Footprint Definition

• Carbon footprint is the sum of greenhouse gases produced by human actions, including methane and carbon dioxide.

Carbon Footprint Categories

• The presentation lists 8 categories of carbon footprint: Construction, Shelter, Food, Clothing, Mobility, Manufactured Goods, Services, and Trade.

Ancient Thinkers

• Anaximander discussed the creation, destruction, and genesis of the world (cosmogony).
• He described the existence of a vaporous atmosphere as a component of the world.
• Pythagoras proposed that the universe is a living embodiment, emphasizing order, harmony, and beauty, and included concepts like biophilia and cosmo philia.

Modern Thinkers

• Immanuel Kant argued that ignoring our desires and appreciating nature's order can lead to deeper religious thought
• George Herbert Mead argued that humanity has rights but also duties, shaping societies through actions within them.
• Herbert Marcuse believed that human dominance of nature needed a shift in perspective through changes in values.

Theories for Caring for the Environment

• Deep Ecology: the ecological crisis stems from anthropocentrism, advocating a shift towards ecocentrism.
• Social Ecology: the ecological crisis originates from existing social structures, suggesting solutions like small-scale societies that prioritize the environment's well-being.
• Ecofeminism: the ecological crisis stems from male dominance, advocating for the value and integration of all life types.

Erich Fromm

• Fromm, a German humanist philosopher, emphasized the importance of recognizing both humanity and the surrounding world.
• He advocated for a society that fosters a new human being, marked by prudence, moderation, and consideration for the environment.

Functions of Fromm's Envisioned Society

• Fromm outlined several characteristics of a desirable society, including the rejection of material possessions, full presence, reduction of negative emotions, maximizing human potential, integrity with others, balancing choices, pursuit of continuous growth, charity, and acceptance of human limitations.