Humans and the Environment

• This lesson explores the complex relationship between humans and the environment.
• It examines philosophical perspectives and analyzes environmental issues to find ethical solutions.

Objectives

• Explaining the relationship between humans and the environment.
• Identifying different philosophical perspectives on how humans interact with nature
• Analyzing real-life environmental issues to propose ethical solutions.

Environment

• It is derived from the medieval French "environnement".
• It describes the action of surrounding something.
• It refers to the conditions in which a person or other organism lives and develops.
• The environment represents all surroundings to an existing thing.
• Refers to external settings and circumstances influencing natural life and the survival of all living and non-living creatures.

Philosophy and Humanity's Relationship

• The human-nature relationship.
• Philosophical perspectives on humans and the environment.
• Environmental ethical issues and real-world applications.

Human-Nature Relationship

• Humans depend on nature.
• Humans affect the environment.
• Humans are responsible for nature.

Depending on Nature

• Nature provides food, water, shelter, and materials, as essential resources.
• Trees and oceans regulate air and temperature, providing climate stability.
• Without nature, human civilization cannot exist.

Affecting the Environment

• Deforestation leads to loss of biodiversity.
• Pollution causes climate change and health issues.
• Urbanization depletes natural resources.

Responsible for Nature

• Earth is a shared home for all living things.
• There is a moral duty to protect the environment.
• Care for nature and use resources wisely through stewardship.

Philosophical Perspectives

• Anthropocentrism (human-centered view)
• Ecocentrism (nature-centered view)
• Deep ecology (radical environmentalism)
• Sustainable development (balance between humans and nature)

Anthropocentrism

• Humans are most important.
• Nature is valuable only if it benefits humans.
• Justifies industrialization and resource exploitation.

Ecocentrism

• Nature has value, independent of humans based on Intrinsic Value.
• All living things matter, and protecting nature is key.
• People need the Earth more than it needs humans.

Deep Ecology

• Humans are only one part of Earth's ecosystem.
• Calls for radical lifestyle changes.
• Deep ecology involves lifestyle changes, reduce consumption and recognizes that humans are part of the ecosystem.

Sustainable Development

• Use resources wisely.
• Use of eco-friendly industries.
• Economic progress should be balanced with conservation and use of natural resources and ecosystems.
• Consider the needs of future generations.

Ethical Issues: Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss

• Deforestation involves widespread clearing of forests, leading to habitat destruction and climate change.
• Loss of biodiversity is the reduction in variety of plant and animal species, threatening ecosystem stability.

Ethical Issues: Climate Change and Pollution

• Climate change is global shifts in temperature and weather patterns, largely caused by human activities.
• Pollution is the introduction of harmful substances into the environment, affecting air, water, and soil quality.

Consumerism and Waste Management

• Consumerism involves the excessive consumption of goods and services, often leading to environmental degradation.
• Waste Generation means the production of large amounts of waste as a result of consumerist lifestyles.
• Waste Management is the challenge of disposing of or recycling waste in an environmentally responsible manner.