The Human Person in the Environment PDF

THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE ENVIRONMEN T Ms. Ruffa Joy Pevida p  INTRODUCTION What is the world made of? How did the world came into being? How can we explain the process of change?  In both East and West, philosophers were asking questions about the univers...

THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE ENVIRONMEN T Ms. Ruffa Joy Pevida p  INTRODUCTION What is the world made of? How did the world came into being? How can we explain the process of change?  In both East and West, philosophers were asking questions about the universe we live in and our place in it. Eastern sages probed nature’s depths intuitively through the eyes of spiritual sages, while Greek thinkers viewed nature through cognitive and scientific eyes (Prince 2000)  The speculations of Pre-Socratic philosophers represent a PARADIGM SHIFT - a change from the mythical explanation of the origins of the cosmos to a more rational explanation.  TWO FRAMEWORKS Anthropocentri Ecocentric c Model Model PAYNE 2010 ANTHROPOCENTRIC MODEL Humans are superior and central to the universe A philosophy that emphasizes humankind as the central or most important element. Nature is primarily exists for humans.  Anthropocentric Model Human Calculative Culture Human against Environment Individualism Global/Technological Mind  ECOCENTRIC MODEL A branch of thought that finds intrinsic value in all living organisms. It is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of their environment. The ecological or relational integrity of the humans, provides meaning of our morals and values.  Ecocentric Model Nature Body Wild Relational Holism Earth/wisdom Nature/cosmos Ecology over/against humans NOTICE DISORDER IN THE UNIVERSE  The domination of humanity is linked to the domination of nature based on the anthropocentric model. An unfair utilization of the environment result to ecological crisis. Humans adopt an exploitative attitude whenever nature to merely considered as an instrument for one’s profit.  Research shows the implications for both abuses of natural resources and of the generations of waste and emissions. Studies reveal that the higher the income, there is a substantial change in consumption patterns, which result to higher Carbon Footprint. Carbon Footprint it is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions.  8 CATEGORIES OF CARBON FOOTPRINT 1 Construction 5 Mobility 2 Shelter 6 Manufactured Goods 3 Food 7 Services 4 Clothing 8 Trade A. ANCIENT THINKERS  ANAXIMANDER Creation and Destruction Sketch of the Genesis of the World (cosmogony) Vaporous Atmosphere (warm-dry has been separated out, surrounding the cold-moist, it begins to evaporate the moisture of the latter)  PYTHAGORAS Describes the universe as living embodiment of nature’s order, harmony, and beauty. Biophilia (love of other living things) Cosmophilia (love of other living beings) B. MODERN THINKERS  EMMANUEL KANT Critique of Judgment We must ignore any practical motives or inclinations that we have and instead contemplate the object without being distracted by our desires He believes that the orderliness of nature and the harmony of nature with our faculties guide us toward a deeper religious perspective. GEORGE HERBERT MEAD For Mead, as human beings, we do not have only rights but duties. We are not only citizens of the community but how we react to this community and in our reaction to it, change it.  HERBERT MARCUSE Humanity had dominated nature There can only be change if we will change our attitude towards our perception of the environment.  THEORIES TO SHOW CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Deep Ecology For this theory, ecological crisis is an outcome of anthropocentrism. Deep ecologists encourage humanity to shift away from the anthropocentrism to ecocentrism.  THEORIES TO SHOW CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Social Ecology For this theory, ecological crisis results from authoritarian social structures. Social ecologists call for small-scale societies, which recognize that humanity is linked with the well-being of the natural world in which human life depends.  THEORIES TO SHOW CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Ecofeminism This theory argues that ecological crisis is a consequence of male dominance. In this view, whatever is superior is entitled to whatever is inferior. This theory values, care, conservation, preservation of nature and humanity.  ERICH FROMM German humanistic philosopher He believes that it is about time that humanity ought to recognize not only itself but also the world around it.  ERICH FROMM He proposed a society that should encourage the emergence of a new human being that will foster prudence and moderation or frugality toward environment.  FUNCTIONS OF FROMM’S ENVISIONED SOCIETY 1.The willingness to give up all forms of having, in order to fully be. 2.Being fully present where on is. 3.Trying to reduce greed, hate, and illusions as much as one is capable.  FUNCTIONS OF FROMM’S ENVISIONED SOCIETY 4. Making the full growth of oneself and of one’s fellow beings as the supreme goal of living. 5. Not deceiving others, but also not being deceived by others; one may be called innocent, but not naive.  FUNCTIONS OF FROMM’S ENVISIONED SOCIETY 6. Freedom that is not arbitrariness but the possibility to be oneself, not as a bundle of greedy desires, but as delicately balanced structure that at any moment is confronted with the alternatives of growth or decay, life or death. 7. Happiness is the process of ever-growing aliveness.  FUNCTIONS OF FROMM’S ENVISIONED SOCIETY 8. Joy that comes from giving and sharing, not from hoarding and exploiting. 9. Developing one’s capacity for love, together with one’s capacity for critical, unsentimental thought. 10. Shedding one’s narcissism and accepting that tragic limitations inherent in human existence.