Human Person In The Environment PDF

LESSON 2 HUMAN PERSON IN THE ENVIRONMENT “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” → As human person, we interact not only with our fellow human beings, but also with other living and non-l...

LESSON 2 HUMAN PERSON IN THE ENVIRONMENT “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” → 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. Environmental philosophy is the 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. → In an orderly environment, human persons thrive best. Disorders give rise to several problems and challenges for humankind. → As a rational being, the person is not only capable of transforming the world, but also of understanding the laws which govern nature. ▪ It can be said that the world is a text which the person can read and understand in order to live a better life. Conversely, this means that persons can help the environment become greater than what it originally is. He may treat it as: ✔ A source of raw materials to be used in any way he pleases. ✔ Something that envelops and surround him, and this have a unique relationship with it. 6  Three major views: 1. Anthropocentrism focuses on the significant role of humankind 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. 2. Biocentrism believes that humans are not the only significant species on the planet, and that all other organisms have inherent value and should be protected. → This view advocates ethical treatment of animals. 3. Ecocentrism places a great value on ecosystems and biological communities. This view believes that humankind is a part of a greater biological system or community and that we have a significant role as stewards or guardians of nature. → This view promotes the idea that order and balance in nature brings about stability and beauty. The influence of humanity on the environment can be best understood if we consider the individual person as a dynamic source of change within his particular environment. Environmental aesthetics pertains to the 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. → The appreciation of natural beauty brings about the concern for the environment and helps people relate more effectively with nature. Environmental ethics is the moral approach that analyzes the relationship between humans and the environment. It discusses environmental problems caused by human activities and social issues that impact the environment. → It serves as a basis for reflecting on how our actions show our regard for nature. It also guides us in upholding the welfare of the environment and everything in it. ▪ As persons, it is our responsibility to start with our own actions and how they affect our immediate surroundings. Environmentalism is a perspective that advocates to address the growing environmental problems. → It has become an important issue in international politics as governments and international organizations have devoted efforts to discuss environmental issues and formulate plans to address them. Examples: o Kyoto Protocol in 1997. Various nations committed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in order to curb global warming. o Celebration of Earth Day. This was first instituted in 1970, and is a global effort to raise awareness of issues and inspire action among communities. Sustainable development is a concept which focuses on reconciling human activities and economic development with the protection of the environment. It consists of major ideas: 7  1. We must make wise decisions regarding the use of natural resources to ensure that there is still enough left for future use. 2. The misuse of resources often means that other people do not get to benefit from it. The Principles of Sustainability are as follows: 1. Environmental integrity refers to maintaining the state of the environment. This means that human activities should not unduly disrupt the ecosystems and human communities in the area. ▪ Care should be taken that the surrounding landscape is not drastically impacted by human activities. 2. Economic efficiency refers to prudence in decision-making regarding the use of resources to ensure that there is minimum to zero waste. ▪ Prudence is the ability to regulate one’s actions and behavior. ▪ Frugality is being thrifty with the use of one’s resources. 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. As human persons, it is our responsibility to treat with respect not only our fellow humans, but also everything in our world. Upholding environmentalism and sustainability will enable us to take the first steps in addressing environmental issues and contribute to solving the greater environmental challenge of climate change. 8