Lesson 10: The Human Person in the Environment PDF

The Human Person in the LESSON 10 Environm ent  Environmental philosophy Discipline that studies the moral relationship of human beings with the environment and its non- human contents.  Philosophers believe that the human person has the ability to change the environment to suit his pur...

The Human Person in the LESSON 10 Environm ent  Environmental philosophy Discipline that studies the moral relationship of human beings with the environment and its non- human contents.  Philosophers believe that the human person has the ability to change the environment to suit his purposes.  This means that as human person, we interact not only with our fellow human beings, but also with other living and non-living elements in our environment.  Humankind is a part of the world, and we significantly affect our environment in the same way that changes in our environment affect us. Three major views on the relationship between humanity and the environment focuses 1. Anthropocentrism- on the significant role of human kind in the world and considers nature as the means by which humans are able to meet their needs and survive. This view believes that humans are the most important species on the planet and they are free to transform nature and use its resources. Three major views on the relationship between humanity and the environment 2. Biocentrism- believes that humans are not only significant species on the planet, and that all organisms have inherent value and should be protected. This view drives the activities of humane organizations that advocate the ethical treatment of animals. Three major views on the relationship between humanity and the environment 3. Ecocentrism- places great value on ecosystems and biological communities. This view believes that humankind is part of a greater biological system or community and that we have a significant ROLE AS STEWARDS or guardians OF NATURE. Environmental Aesthetics Philosophical view that believes maintaining order in the environment will bring out the natural beauty of the surroundings and contribute to the well-being of the people and other organisms living in it. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT- meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future generation. 3 Important Principles of Sustainability 1. Environmental integrity refers to maintaining the state of the environment. This means that human activities should not disrupt the ecosystem and human communities located in the area. 3 Important Principles of Sustainability 2. Economic efficiency refers to prudence in decision- making regarding the use of resources to ensure that there is minimum to zero waste. Prudence- ability to regulate one’s actions and behavior. Frugality- being thrifty with the use of one’s resources. 3 Important Principles of Sustainability 3. Equity demands that we use our natural resources in such a manner that these are conserved so that the next generation will be able to use them.  THEORIES IN RADICAL 1.ECOLOGICAL Deep ecology PHILOSOPHY Arne Naess, proponent of Deep ecology, assumes that all living things possess equal value and intrinsic worth regardless of their usefulness or utility to other beings.  This is experiencing ourselves as part of the living earth and finding our role in protecting the planet.  THEORIES IN RADICAL ECOLOGICAL 2.Social Ecology PHILOSOPHY  Murray Bookchin, proponent of Social ecology, believes that ecological problems can be traced to social problems.  Societies that are structured around hierarchies as well as economic classes use their authority to dominate natural resources and exploit the environment for profit and self- interest.  THEORIES IN RADICAL ECOLOGICAL 3.Ecofeminism PHILOSOPHY  It assumes that male-centered view of nature is the root cause of ecological problems.  To address environmental problems humanity has to remove the superior vs. inferior in human relations.  Ecofeminism also believes that a society that tolerates the oppression of women is directly linked with its tendency to tolerate the abuse of the environment and the degradation of nature.  It also features the existing patriarchal and capitalist systems in our society as social and economic, exploitative, to the detriment of women and nature. This theory benefits the social and political Prudence and Frugality Prudence and frugality are two of the many virtues that can help us in addressing various environmental problems and solving the challenges these problems have created.  Prudence  Prudence is the capacity to direct and discipline one’s activities and behavior using reason.  It is the behavior that is cautious and, as much as possible, keeps away from any risks.  Prudence is considered as an ecological virtue since it can help us become wiser, more responsible in terms of using our natural resources and, most importantly, become more  Frugality  Frugality is the quality of being thrifty.  It is the careful supervision of one’s resources.  Frugality, is also the cautious management of material resources, especially money. A frugal person always invests time to think carefully just to save a lot of money.  Frugality How can frugality help in solving environmental problems?  One of the main benefits of being a frugal person is that it is environmentally friendly. When someone is being frugal in using natural resources like electricity and water, this person is putting lesser damage on our natural environment.  A frugal person usually lives out the idea of “reduce, reuse, recycle” just to minimize expenses. This same idea also  Environmental Humankind is a philosophy is the part of the world discipline that and we studies the moral significantly affect relationship of our environment human beings in the same way with the that changes in environment. environment affect us. SUSTAINABL E DEVELOPME NT- meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the