Environmental Philosophy Handout PDF

LESSON 4: THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE ENVIRONMENT Have you ever wondered about the changes happening in our environment? What have you noticed about the weather and your surroundings? Which of the following statements regarding its state are true for you and your community? How does philosophy define t...

LESSON 4: THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE ENVIRONMENT Have you ever wondered about the changes happening in our environment? What have you noticed about the weather and your surroundings? Which of the following statements regarding its state are true for you and your community? How does philosophy define the person’s relationship with the environment? Environmental Philosophy or Environmental Ethics- Is the discipline in Philosophy that studies the moral relationship of human beings with the environment and its non-human contents. THREE MAJOR VIEWS REGARDING the relationship between HUMANITY and the ENVIRONMENT 1. ANTHROPOCENTRISM- it 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- This view believes that humans are not the only significant species on the planet, that all organisms have inherent value and should be protected. 3. ECOCENTRISM- It places a great value on ecosystems and biological communities. This view believes that humankind is part of the greater biological system or community and that we have a significant role as stewards or guardians of nature. ENVIRONMENTAL AESTHETICS- is one 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. How can humanity address the damage inflicted on the environment? ENVIRONMENTALISM- This perspective advocates to address the growing environmental problems. ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS- This is a moral approach that analyses the relationship between humans and the environment. It also discusses environmental problems caused by human activities and social issues that impact the environment. It emerged in the 1970’s advocating human responsibility and action with regard to environmental issues. Its main ideas are the following: All non-human elements of the world, including animals and the natural resources have intrinsic value and should be preserved. The preservation of the environment will benefit humans by providing for the needs of present and future generations. Humankind has a responsibility to safeguard the planet as steward of creation. Environmental Ethics has resulted in the development of varied views: SOCIAL ECOLOGY- applies an ecological and ethical approach in analyzing the society and sees a relationship between socials and environmental problems. ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE- refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits, as well as the burden of meeting environmental challenges. What can I do to uphold environmentalism and care for nature? SUSTAINABILITY/ SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT- This concept focuses on reconciling human activities and economic development with the protection of the environment. SUSTAINABILITY- It refers to involving methods that do not completely use up or destroy natural resources. It relies on three important principles: Environmental Integrity, Economic Efficiency and equity. ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRITY- refers to maintaining the state of the environment. This means that human activities should not unduly disrupt the ecosystems and human communities located in the area. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFICIENCY- refers to the prudence in decision-making regarding the use of resources to ensure that there is minimum to zero waste. EQUITY- demands the use of our natural resources in such a manner that these are observed so that the next generation will able to use them. PRUDENCE- The ability to regulate one’s action and behavior, while FRUGALITY is being thrifty with the use of one’s resources. [MAAM GANG M.] PHILO HANDOUT LESSON 4 1