Environmental Ethics and Philosophy

Study Notes

The human person has a complex relationship with the environment, impacting and being impacted by it.
Several philosophical perspectives exist on this relationship, including those focused on human responsibility to the environment.
Anthropocentrism views humans as central to the world, with nature as a resource for human needs.
Biocentrism emphasizes all organisms' inherent value, advocating for their protection.
Ecocentrism places value on entire ecosystems and biological communities.
Sustainability is crucial for maintaining the environment for future use, requiring prudent and frugal resource management.
Philosophers like Pythagoras, Kant, and others, provide insights into our relationship with nature.

Environmental ethics is a philosophical branch that examines the moral relationship between humans and the environment.
This explores our moral responsibilities and considerations in interacting with nature.

Learning objectives in this topic include the importance of discussing the relationship of the human person with the environment.
Recognizing things that aren't where they should be, then organizing them aesthetically is important in maintaining order.
The caring management of the environment has implications for health, well-being, and sustainable development.
Key issues like global warming and environmental destruction are NOT to be ignored as real crises.

Environmental aesthetics is the philosophical view that upholding order in the environment will bring out natural beauty.

Anthropocentrism: Humans are central; nature is a resource.
Biocentrism: All living things have inherent value; all organisms should be protected.
Ecocentrism: Ecosystems and biological communities are valuable; both should be valued.

The Animal Welfare Act of 1998, is relevant to animal care in relation to environmental ethics; not all of the relationships are human with nature.
Disorder can result in challenges like earthquakes, typhoons, flash floods, and landslides; these issues require attention and solutions.

Is there a possibility to reverse environmental damage?
If so, what steps can humanity take to remedy the damage?
What programs or projects would a community leader implement to maintain order and sustainability?

Prudence and frugality play a critical role in personal resource use to maintain environmental balance.
Respect for everything in our world should be a moral responsibility for all humans.
Our environment must be taken care of, as it provides an essential life balance.