Introduction to the Philosophy of Human Person PDF

INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF MODERN PHILOSOPHY – 1600 ~ 1900 HUMAN PERSON Anthropocentric: the study of man (in relation to himself, others,...

INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF MODERN PHILOSOPHY – 1600 ~ 1900 HUMAN PERSON Anthropocentric: the study of man (in relation to himself, others, nature, and God) WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY? Rene Descartes, Blaise Pascal, Baruch Spinoza, The word philosophy is derived from Immanuel Kant philosophia, which is a combination of the Greek terms philos (love) and Sophia (wisdom). CONTEMPORARY – 1900 ~ PRESENT Thus, philosophy means “love of wisdom” Explosive: it has no center (Amanze, et. al., 2010) Auguste Comte, Henri Bergson, Jean-Paul Sartre Philosophy is the science of the first causes (Maritain, 2005). It seeks to know and clarify TWO DIVISIONS OF PHILOSOPHYPRACTICAL the very source to which the chain of causes PHILOSOPHY ultimately all go back for it. PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY Philosophy can be stated as scientia rerum per It is composed of philosophical fields, which study not causas primas sub lumine rationis naturalis or only to obtain knowledge but to use that knowledge for the science of beings in their ultimate reasons, practical purposes. It presents related data from which causes, and principles acquired by the aid of the directive laws or norms are immediately derived human reason alone (Bittle, 1984). (Ardales, 1987). LOGIC Questions related to reasoning. WHAT ARE THE MISCONCEPTIONS IN ETHICS Questions related to morality. PHILOSOPHY? AXIOLOGY Questions related to values PHILOSOPHY IS NOT… AESTHETICS Questions related to beauty and 1. Philosophy does not make real progress like the taste. sciences. SEMANTICS Questions related to meaning 2. Philosophy is just stating your personal opinion. 3. Philosophy is not one’s view of life or other matters. SKEPTICAL PHILOSOPHY 4. Philosophy is light reading, something you relax with It is made up of philosophical filed whose main concern in the is the acquisition of knowledge without any thought of evening, after all the serious work of the day is done. applying it for practical use. It is a philosophy that enriches the mind by principles to be speculated upon WHERE DID PHILOSOPHY or to be known (Ardales, 1998). ORIGATE? EPISTEMOLOGY Questions related to truth and Pythagoras first coined the term philosophy, by a knowledge. Greek mathematician. He used this term to classify THEOLOGY Questions related to God three classes of people who attended the ancient COSMOLOGY Questions related to universe Olympic Games as lovers of gain; lovers of honor; PSYCHOLOGY Questions related to soul. and lovers of knowledge or wisdom (Caraan, 2016) METAPHYSICS Questions related to being and Existence. HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT OF PHILOSOPHY TWO TYPES OF THINKING Ancient - B.C. 600 ~ C.E. HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE Medieval - 600 ~ 1600 Holism comes from the Greek word "holos" Modern - 1600 ~ 1900 which literally means all, entire, totality. Contemporary- 1600 – Present It maintains the interdependence of factors to other agencies of causalities. ANCIENT PHILOSOPHY (600 BC - CE) Holistic thinking refers to a perspective that Cosmocentric considers large-scale patterns in systems. Beginning of everything It requires an individual to have an open Thales, Pythagoras, Democritus mindset and the ability to get a general sense Socrates, Plato, Aristotle or impressionregarding a situation. MEDIEVAL PHILOSOPHY – 600 ~ 1600 Theocentric: the study of the existence, nature, and essence of God; Ethical: existence of evil and the immortality of the soul St. Justin Martyr, Hippolytus, Tertullian APPLICATION OF HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE  Holism is used in anthropology wherein an Above the line represents what is singular, anthropologist can begin to see individual, one. The space below represents interrelationship or correlation of different what is plural, collective, and many. components of a culture. Example is that one can see the correlation AQAL between the ecological situation and social An interesting thing happens when we combine the two organization of a community. lines. According to Wilber quadrants are “the inside and Holistic medicine is a prominent example of outside of the individual and collective. holistic thinking. A medical professional who believes in holistic care considers the relationship between the mind, body, and spirit. PARTIAL POINT OF VIEW Partial point of view focuses on specific aspects of a situation. The partial view is an important component of analytical thinking as an individual focuses on certain areas or aspects of a problem in order to understand it. EXISTENTIALISM Partial point of view has clearly stated and Existentialism is a philosophy that emphasizes admitted that the way the person sees reality or individual existence, freedom, and choice. It is certain phenomenon is based on a single factor the view that humans define their meaning in or causal agency life, and try to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe. PHENOMENOLOGICAL METHOD Both phenomenology and existentialism do not Phenomenological method was pioneered by present a set of doctrines but more of an Edmund Husserl whose aim was to arrive at a outlook or attitude. It is supported by diverse philosophy understood as a rigorous science doctrines centered on certain themes which which should describe, rather than explain, an include: immediate experience. Phenomenologists encourage “to go back to ⮚ the human condition or the relation of the the things themselves”– that which presents individual to the world; itself to the human person – to see things as ⮚ the human response to that condition; they are, independent and free of prejudice. ⮚ being, especially the difference between the REFLECTIVE PRACTICE IN PHILOSOPHY being of a person (which is “existence”) and the HUMAN SELF-REFLECTION is the capacity of being of other kinds of things; humans to exercise introspection and the willingness to learn more about their ⮚ human freedom; fundamental nature, purpose, and essence. ⮚ the significance of choice and decision in the PRIMARY REFLECTION refers to the process directed at deriving clear concepts about reality. absence of certainty; SECONDARY REFLECTION is the realization of the unity of the situation and the individual KEY CONCEPTS OF EXISTENTIALISM which provides us with a holistic view of reality. Existence precedes essence. Man is a conscious subject, rather than a thing to be predicted or ALL QUADRANTS ALL LEVELS (AQAL) manipulated; According to Ken Wilber, everything can be Absurdity. It is brought about because the analysed using a vertical line. human instinct to seek order and meaning is The line divides space into two sides: left and frustrated by the refusal of the world to be right. orderly or meaningful. The left side represents the interior, subjective, Anxiety. Kierkegaard said, “Anxiety is the aspect of everything. The right side represents dizziness of freedom. the exterior, objective, aspect of everything. Alienation. The sense that you’re a stranger in Another basic distinction was introduced by Ken the world or a stranger to yourself. Many Wilber using a horizontal line that divides space aspects of existence can be alienating. into above and below:  Subjectivity. Your first-person perspective on Taking responsibility for your own actions the world, including the needs, desires, and Living your life without regard to emotions that accompany that perspective. commonly-held religious or social beliefs Believing as an educator that that being a SECULAR EXISTENTIALISM VS TRADITIONAL teacher is a providing a beneficial and critical CHIRSTIANITY role in the growth of students Secular Existentialism Determining your career choice based on what The world is absurd, and there is no hope you think is an important way to spend your Man is free from imposed moral values future. Each person has their own authority concerning the truth Existence precedes essence Traditional Christianity world is absurd, and it is a wonder there is hope. God’s transcendent universal moral values God is the absolute final authority over His creation and all things Person’s essence is predestined by God and precedes existence EXISTENTIALIST PHILOSOPHERS Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) His key contributions include the concept of the "leap of faith". His analysis of religious experience, and the first developed analysis of many key existential concepts, including absurdity, anguish, authenticity, the weight of responsibility you bear for your choices, and the importance of the irrational to human life. Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) His key contributions include the concepts of the "Übermensch" (Overman), an individual who transcends conventional morality to create and live by their own values, and the declaration that "God is dead," suggesting that the decline of religious belief in modern societynecessitates the creation of new values. Martin Heidegger (1889–1976): He introduced the idea of "Dasein," which means "being-there" and refers to human existence as being deeply connected to the world around us. Jean-Paul Sartre(1905–1980): He argued that "existence precedes essence," and his work "Being and Nothingness,"explores themes of freedom, bad faith, and the nature of human existence. Albert Camus (1913–1960): In "The Myth of Sisyphus," he suggests that we find personal meaning and happiness in the struggle itself, embracing life despite its lack of ultimate purpose. His works, like "The Stranger" and "The Plague," explore themes of absurdity, rebellion, and the human condition. EXISTENTIALISM ACTIONS  INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF HUMAN NECESSARY TRUTH a true statement whose PERSON negation must imply a contradiction in reality, such that the negation would be impossible. NATURE OF TRUTH PRIVATE TRUTH can only be known by the There are two conflicting philosophical views person who has the belief or make the about this question: those who affirm that statement considered to be true. truth indeed has a specific nature and those PUBLIC TRUTH is a kind of truth known by who deny it. everyone. Those who affirm that truth has a specific SUBJECTIVE TRUTH is dependent on the nature see truth as a substantial property. The attitudes, preferences or interests of a person motivating idea behind this is that by ascribing or a group of persons “is true,” “it’s true,” or any of its cognates to a OBJECTIVE TRUTH is an objective claim is a given truth-bearer something theoretically statement about a factual matterone that can significant is being added to it. be proved true or false Those who deny this claim that when we say UNIVERSAL TRUTH when a belief or a that a given truth-bearer is true, the predicate statement is acknowledged to be true by “is true” does not add anything significant to it everyone at all. RELATIVE TRUTH when a belief is acknowledge A variety of truth-bearers are considered – only by some people. statements, beliefs, claims, assumptions, hypotheses, propositions, sentences, and THEORIES OF TRUTH utterances. CORRESPONDENCE THEORY Proposition refers to a linguistic expression proposes that a proposition is true if it whose function is to advance a claim about corresponds to the facts. Often traced back to the world. Thomas Aquinas’ version: “A judgment is said to Propositions are distinguished as the primary be true when it conforms to the external bearers of truth, while sentences and reality” (Summa Theologiae, Q. 16) utterances are properly characterized as true COHERENCE THEORY in virtue of expressing true propositions. Preferred by many idealists. For idealists, reality Beliefs are the mental expressions of our is like a collection of beliefs, which makes the claims. Sometimes it is said that statements coherence theory particularly attractive are expressions of beliefs, which means beliefs PRAGMATIC THEORY as more basic than statements. William James is considered the father of pragmatism. A sentence is meaningful only if believing it would make a practical difference in DIFFERENCES OF FACT AND TRUTH your life as opposed to believing some alternative to it. FACT Objective METHODS OF Empirical evidence only PHILOSOPHIZING Specific PHILOSOPHY OF MAN TRUTH The British philosopher Karl Raymund Popper Subjective (as cited in Demetrio, 2001) theorized that Based on evidence, but with personal and man concurrently exists in three distinct cultural perspective worlds: namely, (1) the physical world of Broader nature, (2) the internal world of ideas, thoughts, and KINDS OF TRUTH emotions, and (3) the social world of inter EMPIRICAL TRUTH described as a posteriori subjectivity. which means that it can only be known after Philosophy of the Human Person can be some relevant experience. defined as the science of human beings that RATIONAL TRUTH called a priori which means interprets the data of experience in the light of that it can be known before some relevant metaphysical principles. experiences. , meaning Philosophy of Man is as broad as life and as CONTINGENT TRUTH This is sometimes deep as human understanding, since it looks expressed by saying that a contingent into the wholeness and fullness of human proposition is one that is true in some possible existence. Philosophy of Man is an inquiry into worlds and not in others the what-who-and-why of man.  APPROACHES IN UNDERTANDING MAN The descriptive (or scientific) approach asks TRANSCENDENTRAL METHOD about what is man as person, as a nature, and Aspect as existing. It is merely interested in describing Origin Immanuel Kant man’s person hood, nature, and condition. It Fucos Conditions that make uses empirical method and explains that there experience and is no knowable reality beyond what one can knowledge possible see, hear, measure, etc. Purpose To uncover the a priori The normative (or prescriptive) approach asks (pre-experiential) what man as a person, as a nature, as existing conditions that structure is suppose to be. It uses the reflective method experience and views that there lies beyond what one can Approach Investigates the structures see, hear, and measure. of consciousness that allow for the METHODS IN PHILOSOPHISING possibility of experience A method is a way of doing something, Key Concept A Priori Knowledge: especially in a systematic way. Structures like space, Philosophy of Human Person, being a rational time, and causality are investigation into the nature of human being, preconditions for needs a method so that it can bring out its experience subject matter in a lucid and logical manner. Methodology Analytical: Examines how Phenomenological and transcendental - the mind structures because human beings have two aspects, experience namely, the physical and the psychic. Use of Bracketing Not central; the focus is ((Epoché) on underlying conditions rather than PHENOMENOLOGICAL METHOD suspending judgment Aspect Phenomenological Method CRITICAL THINKING AS METHOD THAT LEADS TO Origin Edmund Husserl WISDOM AND TRUTH Fucos Direct description of lived For Double (1999) the subject matter of philosophy is experience questions, which have three major characteristics: Purpose To describe experiences as Philosophical questions have answers, but the they are perceived, without answers remain in dispute. presuppositions Philosophical questions cannot be settled by Approach Investigates the content of science, common sense or faith. consciousness as it presents Philosophical questions are of perennial itself intellectual interests to human beings. Key Concept Intentionality: Consciousness For Maboloc and Pascua (2008), critical thinking is a is always directed toward lifelong process or self-assessment that further consists something of: Methodology Descriptive: Focuses on defining, analyzing and devising solutions; describing the lived arriving at reasonable and informed experience conclusions; Use of Bracketing Central: Bracketing is used to applying understanding and knowledge to ((Epoché) set aside biases and focus new and different problems; purely willingness to change one point of view; on the experience continually examining and re-examining ideas; and willingness to say “I don’t know” IMPORTANCE OF PHILOSOPHY OF MAN It provides guidance in better understanding man’s nature and person hood. It enables man to appreciate the diverse views on the ideals of full humanness. It tells man the similarities and differences among man, plants, and animals.  It enables man to appreciate the nature of life and ✧ Argument based on an unqualified generalization the meaning of his existence. It opens the way for better relationships among FALLACY OF COMPOSITION men, others, and God. ✧ Assuming that what is true of a part is true for the whole OPINION VERSUS FACT FALLCY OF DIVISION ✧ Assuming that what is true of the whole is true for its parts HASTY GENERALIZATION ✧ The generalization is reached too hastily. There are too few instances or evidences to support such a conclusion. PETITIO PRINCIPII ✧ The conclusion of an argument is assumed in the premises, creating a loop of reasoning that doesn't provide any actual support for the argument. POST HOC ✧ Assuming a causeand-effect relationship between ⮚ Opinions are comprised of statements which not unrelated events only give facts but also provide conclusions or perspectives regarding certain situations. They may Thomas Kelly distinguishes a pejorative from a advance a belief about certain things or provide non-pejorative sense of “bias”. explanations. ⮚ Beliefs are statements that express convictions that PEJORATIVE are not easily and clearly explained by facts. ✧ A pejorative bias refers to a negative or derogatory ⮚ Explanations are statements that assume the claim bias that leads to unfair, discriminatory, or unjust to be true and provide reasons why the statement views and judgments about certain groups, is true. individuals, or ideas. ⮚ Arguments are a series of statements that provide NON-PEJORATIVE reasons to convince the reader or listener that a ✧ Non-pejorative bias refers to biases that are not claim or opinion is truthful. necessarily negative or harmful but are simply ⮚ Fallacies are arguments based on faulty reasoning. tendencies or inclinations that shape how one Some of them are intentional, as the person perceives and evaluates information. making the claim is desperate to convince you to accept his or her argument. KINDS OF BIAS ⮚ Biases are the personal views of the person CORESPONDENCE BIAS presenting it. They are not necessarily errors in ✧ Tendency to judge a person’s personality by his/her reasoning, but refer to tendencies or influences actions without regard for external factors or which affect the views of people situations. CONFIMATION BIAS K I N D S O F FA L L A C Y ✧ The tendency to look for and accept information in AD HOMINEM that confirms one’s own beliefs and reject ideas ✧ Attacking the person instead of the argument itself. that go against it. AD BACULUM CONFLICT OF INTEREST ✧ Using the threat of force or an undesirable event ✧ A person or a group is connected to or has a vested to advance an argument interest in the issue. AD MISERICORDIAM CULTURAL BIAS ✧ Using emotions such as pity and sympathy ✧ Analyzing an event or issue based on one’s cultural standards. AD POPULUM ✧ The idea is presented as acceptable because a lot FRAMING of people accept it ✧ Focusing on a certain aspect of a problem while AD ANTIQUITATEM ignoring other aspects ✧ The idea is acceptable because it has been true for HINDSIGHT a long time ✧ Is when after an event occurs, we feel we already AD VERECUNDIAM knew what was going to go. ✧ Misusing an authority DICTO SIMPLICITER  INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILISOPHY OF HUMAN PERSON AS AN EMBODIED SPIRIT HUMAN BEINGS HUMAN PERSON AS AN EMBODIED SPIRIT DEMONSTRATES THE FOLLOWING QUALITIES (ABELLA DEFINING CONCEPT 2016): MAN By definition, it is generally and commonly Self-awareness refers to a person having a clear defined to represent the entire human race. perception of oneself, including his or her thoughts, HUMAN A term used to refer for various emotions, identity, and actions (Abella, 2016). The classifications and species. For a living man, human self is the subject that thinks, feels, and acts. It is is under the classification of Mamalia. your I amness HUMAN BEING A term used to separate man from (Wilber, 2006 A human person ). can connect and other Human Classifications like animals. interact with another person, an animal or an PERSON Refers to an individual who possess inanimate object. We call this externality. self-awareness, selfdetermination, rational mind, Others do not determine us. Because we have and the capacity to interact with other and with interiority; we can direct the course of our own life. himself/herself. This is what we call self capability of persons to PERSONHOOD A general term refers to the state of make choices and decisions based on their own being a person with unique, sacred and ethical -determination which is “the preferences, monitor status within him/herself and regulate their actions, and be goal-oriented HUMAN NATURE A general term refers to the and self-directed” (Abella 2016). deepest and natural behaviour of a person that Finally, a human person has an inherent value and distinguish human from animals. A collective traits importance. This is what we call dignity. That is why that formed and considered the very essence of no amount of money can equal the value of a humanity human life. This is also the reason why individual rights are absolute (Rand 1964). The American HUMAN PERSON Founding Fathers called rights “inalienable” is someone with an exact origin of his/her because they cannot be separated from our classification. humanity. Human person from time after time learned how to live beyond what was traditional through the TRANCENDENCE various human evolutions from Hominid to Homo This power is your ability to surpass your limits. Sapiens or the Modern Man people learn the This is the definition of Transcendence. You are concept of power, politics and economics. able to transcend your limit through your physical Human person is typically with a tangible body with and mental abilities. (Abella, 2016). three components composed of SOUL, MIND and St. Thomas Aquinas, a philosopher and one of the SPIRIT. greatest theologian in the Catholic Church in the 13th century, said that “of all creatures, human 2 GENERAL KINDS TO DISTINGUISH HUMAN PERSON beings have the unique power to change Cognitive Self is the essential components of a themselves and things for the better.” (Ramos, human persons that deals with THE WHAT OF A 2016). PERSON which includes human persons’ belief, Buddha left his royal life in the palace and spent desire, dreams, and intentions. his life for 6 years in the wilderness to find answers Physical Self which deals with the essential for his questions about life. And when he sat under features of the human way of life or THE WHO OF the Tree of Enlightenment for 40 days, voila he A PERSON which includes his/her body type, finds the answers. The Four Noble Truths and strength and appearances. Eightfold Paths. EMBODIED SPIRIT 4 NOBLE TRUTH ⮚ Embodied spirit is an animating core living within The Truth of Suffering (Dukkha): Life is inherently each of us. It is known to be the driving force unsatisfactory and filled with suffering. behind what we actually think, do and say. The Truth of the Cause of Suffering (Samudaya): ⮚ In the context and views of Christian philosophy, The root cause of suffering is desire or attachment the embodiment of the spirit particularly refers to (tanha). the inseparable union of human body and soul. The Truth of the End of Suffering (Nirodha): Inseparable which also means the body and soul Suffering can be overcome by eliminating desire work together at all times. and attachment.  The Truth of the Path to the End of Suffering statement of certainty of something is always related (Magga): The path to the cessation of suffering is and rooted in the very foundation of reflection: “my the Eightfold Path. body. ” “My body” is the manifestation of my existential, of who I am. EIGHTFOLD PATHS RIGHT MINDFULNESS I HAVE MY BODY RIGHT CONCENTRATION The experience of the oneness of my body and I is RIGHT EFFORT manifested in the claim “I have my body.” The claim RIGHT ACTION “I have my body” implies possession. I own my RIGHT LIVELIHOOD body; it is mine. Nonetheless, this does not only RIGHT SPEECH show authority over it, but also great responsibility. RIGHT VIEW I AM MY BODY HUMAN LIMITATIONS The union between my body and I is not just a We have only a certain amount of strength to carry mere relationship of two organisms or entities. For things or accomplish tasks. We cannot prevent Marcel, this union means existential existence to accidents entirely no matter how careful we are. my body and to myself. My body cannot exist We cannot move as fast as we could from one alone apart from me; and that I cannot exist apart place to another. Despite all advances in from my body. My relationship with my body is not technology, we can never reverse the course of the same with my relationship with other things time. Moreover, there are things that we cannot do that I own or possess. Thus, my body is not a mere and perform because we are not angels and instrument for “I am my body.” superheroes. Human limitations are not solely obstacles; they PHILOSOPHERS: also play a crucial role in shaping creativity, GABRIEL MARCEL (1889-1973) -“I encounter the resilience, and innovation. Constraints often drive Transcendence through my body. individuals and societies to find novel solutions, KALR JASPERS (1883-1969) - “The body is seen as fostering progress and adaptation. an object to be studied like other objects.” BODY TRANCENDANCE While we mostly complain about how there are so many things that we cannot change about our lives because of our bodies we hardly see that the body also opens possibilities. There is a important paradox about the body that we need to understand. While the body limits us, the very same limitations create opportunities for us. LIMITATION OF HUMAN PERSON AS AN EMBODIED SPIRIT Facticity- It refers to the things in our life that are already given. Spatial-Temporal Being- As temporal beings, our most obvious limitation is our finitude-our finite quality or state. Also, as spatial beings, we are limited by our bodies to be present in two or more places at the same time. The Body as Intermediary- Intermediary means acting as a mediator (Meriam-Webster). Our body serves as an intermediary between us and the physical world. REFLECTION ON MY BODY The capacity of human beings to think or even to feel is the very basis of consciousness of the “I” of its existential existence; that is tangibly exists as a thinking substance. Moreover, “my body” is the main basis for reflection and selfconsciousness. It means that the  Stricter Environmental Regulations for Corporations: Governments can impose stricter INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF environmental regulations on industries known for HUMAN PERSON pollution, such as mining or manufacturing. Promoting Renewable Energy Projects: On a THE EFFECTS OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES TOWARDS THE societal level, governments or private sectors can ENVIRONMENT invest in renewable energy projects like solar or wind farms. These initiatives reduce reliance on ACCORDING TO TIMBREZA fossil fuels, which are major contributors to climate Human beings have the responsibility to take care change. of, protect, and cultivate his/her potentialities, Banning Harmful Chemicals in Agriculture: faculties, and functions. However, this Governments can pass laws to restrict or ban the responsibility is not limited to his/her self; it use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers that extends to his/her external world and the degrade soil health and contaminate water environment. sources. Education and Awareness Campaigns: Public THE ENCYCLICAL LETTER OF POPE FRANCIS awareness campaigns can influence societal It provides an avenue for us to think about it attitudes toward the environment. Schools, media, this way. Pope Francis points to the evil of and organizations can promote education on consumerism- the desire to consume has environmental stewardship. already consumed us. As Pope Francis says: “When people become ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS increases. The emptier a person’s heart is, the MAHATHMA GANDHI self-centered and self-enclosed, their greed One of the most respected spiritual and political more he or she needs things to buy, own, and leaders of the 1900s, said "The Earth provides consume. It becomes almost impossible to enough to satisfies every man's needs, but not accept the limits imposed by reality. In this every man's greed.". We, humans, exploit nature horizon, a genuine sense of the common good and considered ourselves to be the most superior also disappears.” beings. PERSONAL LEVEL As defined by Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy … Minimizing Single-Use Plastics: Individuals can Environmental ethics is the discipline in significantly reduce their environmental impact by relationship of human beings to, and also cutting down on the use of single-use plastics like philosophy that studies the moral the value and water bottles, straws, and grocery bags. moral status of, the environment and its Adopting a Minimalist Lifestyle: Rethinking the non-human contents. relationships between urge to buy unnecessary items is a personal choice human beings and Simply, environmental ethics that combats consumerism. studies the the environment. Energy Conservation in Daily Life: By turning off lights when not needed, unplugging devices, or Three Major Perspectives on Environmental Ethics switching to energy-efficient appliances, individuals ANTROPOCENTRISM is a view that considers can reduce their carbon footprint. humans to be the most important species with a Waste Segregation and Composting: Sorting superior worth than other species. This view household waste into recyclables, non-recyclables, mainly focuses on humans and puts the other and organic waste is a practical way for individuals entities of the natural world at the background. As to reduce landfill contributions. value is focused on humans alone, all other things Supporting Sustainable Brands: Consumers can of the natural world are considered of lesser choose to purchase products from brands that significance. prioritize environmental sustainability, such as BIOCENTRISM Claim that humans are not the only those using recycled materials or supporting fair important species on the earth and that they are trade practices. not inherently greater to other living things. It suggests that humans are equal members of the SOCIETAL LEVEL environment and that humans and other living Implementation of Recycling Programs: things are interdependent. Communities or governments can establish ECOCENTRISM is a broader worldview as it recycling programs to encourage proper waste incorporates biocentrism by including disposal on a societal scale environmental systems and its abiotic aspects. This view believes that humankind is merely a portion  of the biological system or community and that we performance of caring and respecting non-human have an vital role as stewards of nature. beings. The act of caring and of respecting becomes our second nature. This extends to non-human especially for the environment where he/she lives and realizes his/her being. ENVIRONMENTAL EASTHETICS The Role of Business in Environmental Protection is one of the new areas of aesthetics that focuses on The environment is crucial for the society and issues concerning appreciation of the environment. businesses together. We all have a responsibility to Environmental aesthetics can be defined as the conserve and protect the environment. And interaction between a person and hisenvironment, with whether it be governments, businesses, respect to beauty. This philosophical view asserts that consumers, workers or other members of society, improving the natural beauty of the environment will each much contribute to stop the environment contribute to the well-being of the people and other from polluting further. living organisms. INITIATIVES BY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES TO HUMAN BEINGS AND THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT Human Being’s Perspectives on the Environment A sincere commitment by the top management of Human beings see and consider the environment the business to cultivate, maintain and develop as an erratic and disorderly thing that needs to be work culture for environmental protection and analyzed, reformed, and reshaped through the pollution prevention. cultural tools of science and technology to serve To ensure that the commitment towards the human self. environmental protection is shared by all the employees of all the divisions of the business. VARIOUS APPROACHES TO NATURE Developing clear-cut policies and programmers for INSTRUMENTAL In this approach to environment, purchasing good quality raw material, using latest human being affirms the protection of the technology, using scientific techniques of disposal environment as long as it possesses the value or and waste management and to develop the skills of importance of human being. He/she takes care of the employees for the purpose of pollution control. the environment because it is a medium in To adapt to the laws and regulations passes by the establishing his/her society and civilization. government for the prevention of pollution. ANXIOLOGICAL In this approach to environment, Participation in government programmers relating human being recognizes the intrinsic value of the to the management of hazardous substances, environment. This demands him/her to protect and clearing up of polluted water bodies, plantation of take care of it. Beauty can be seen as the external trees and to reduce deforestation. expression of such intrinsic value. Assessment of pollution control programmers in ANTHROPOLOGICAL In this approach, the primary terms of costs and benefits to increase the progress concern of human being is to unveil his/her being with respect to environmental protection. as human or what being human ought to be. The Also businesses can arrange workshops and give focus of establishing realtionship with the training material and share technical information environment is not environment itself, but his/her and experience with suppliers and customers to get “being.” Consequently, he/she sees the importance them involved in pollution control programmers. of protection, care, and respect for the Promoting green energy that reduces the use of environment. fossil fuels. UTILITARINISM This approach focuses on the consequences of human action, whether it is Human Being’s Encounter with the Environment wrong or right. Our action is ethically right when it Prudence is defined as the ability to have good produces greatest happiness for the greater judgment that allows avoidance of dangers and number of people, otherwise the action is ethically risks. wrong. Frugality is the act of using money or other NATURAL LAW ETHICS There is goodness in human resources wisely and practically. These virtues or nature to do good which is rooted in the goodness values should not just be applied in a personal of God; the God who created everything according setting. to His Divine plan. This goodness of God in human being can be seen and manifested through the The spirit of coexistence between human being and expression of intellect and reason. the environment VIRTUE ETHICS The development of our virtue of It is shown every time human being recognizes care and respect for the environment is a habitual his/her dependence upon the latter. As human  being becomes aware of the consciousness and the natural systems of the environment, he/she cultivates a more understanding and caring relationship with it. Mercado asserts that: The Filipino wants to be in harmony with nature through equilibriummaintenance If and this other balance forms (pagkakapantay is of upset, misfortune the Filipino -pantay, (Mercado expects di pagkakatalo) 1974 suffering , 110). “Forests and rivers were his/her brothers. Their preservation and conservation was his life, their destruction.” (Mercado 1994, 140) Human Being’s Ethical Responsibility toward Environment A human being recognizes the being and the otherness of the environment, if he/she relates with the environment as a subject. In this context, he/she respects and cares the otherness of environment. For instance, when a person wishes to relate with a tree in the I-Thou attitude, he/she considers all elements or aspects that belong to the tree such as its form and its mechanics, its colors and its chemistry, and other possibilities that the tree has or has been such as its relation to the sky, to the earth, to God, and the like.