Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person PDF

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person ROBERT R. SAMONTE, MA, LPT As learners, you are expected to: 1. Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in aesthetic way 2. Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being and sustainable develo...

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person ROBERT R. SAMONTE, MA, LPT As learners, you are expected to: 1. Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in aesthetic way 2. Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being and sustainable development 3. Demonstrate the virtue of prudence and frugality towards environment. Exploring Initial Ideas and Views Directions: Write under each column, as many as you know, the distinguishing or unique traits of plants, animals, and humans. Listen or analyze the song “What a Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3yCcXgbKrE Guide Questions 1.How did song regard the environment? How did the song see the human person in the environment? 2.What is the tone of the song? 3.Which lyrics serve as most meaningful? Why? What is a human person? A human person is a living being that contains a real and existing to direct its own development toward fulfillment through perfect, unconditional, infinite love, goodness, beauty and unity and will do so if all the proper conditions are met. What is Environment? The sum of all surroundings of a living organism, including natural forces and other living things which provide conditional development and growth as well as danger and damage. What is the world made of? How did the world come into being? How can we explain the process of change? Introduction to Pre-Socratic Philosophers (600 B.C.E) Philosophical inquiries about the world's origin and change emerged in Miletus, Greece. Example: Thales, a pre-Socratic philosopher, believed water was the fundamental substance of the universe, pioneering the shift from mythical to scientific explanations. Two Frameworks of Human-Nature Relationship Anthropocentric Model: Views humans as central; nature is instrumental for human needs. Example: Deforestation for urban development without sustainable planning, leading to habitat loss and climate change.  Ecocentric Model: Nature-centered approach, emphasizing the intrinsic value of biodiversity and Earth's holistic functioning. Example: Conservation efforts in the Amazon rainforest, preserving diverse ecosystems and indigenous cultures. Deep Ecology Developed by Arne Naess, this philosophy advocates for equal rights for all life forms. Example: Creation of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, safeguarding habitats and protecting endangered species. What is Ecology? Study of the relationships between living organisms, including humans, and their physical environment; it seeks to understand the vital connections between plants and animals and the world around them. Ecology also provides information about the benefits of ecosystems and how we can use Earth’s resources in ways that leave the environment healthy for future generations. Social Ecology Founded by Murray Bookchin, Social Ecology critiques societal trends and promotes ethical, communitarian approaches. Example: Transition towns, where communities adopt sustainable practices collectively, reducing carbon footprint and promoting local economies. Ecofeminism Explores the connection between women and nature. Example: Vandana Shiva, an ecofeminist, advocates for sustainable agriculture, linking women's rights with environmental conservation. Philosophical Perspectives  Anaximander: Nature's genesis involves opposites and a boundless, indeterminate state. Example: The Big Bang Theory in cosmology, explaining the universe's origin from a singularity and the expansion of space and time. Pythagoras: Views the universe as a symbol of nature's order, harmony, and beauty. Example: Fibonacci sequence in nature, found in flower petals and pinecones, showcasing inherent mathematical harmony.  Immanuel Kant: Beauty signifies morality; order in nature leads to profound religious perspectives. Example: The intricate patterns in snowflakes, illustrate both scientific order and aesthetic beauty in natural formations. Herbert Marcuse: Addresses human power over nature, emphasizing responsible stewardship. Example: Renewable energy technologies like solar panels and wind turbines, harness nature's resources sustainably.  George Herbert Mead: Discusses human duties and responsibilities toward maintaining ecological balance. Example: Community-led clean-up initiatives, where local residents actively engage in preserving natural habitats and promoting environmental awareness. Conclusion - Balance in Human-Nature Relationship Every individual holds a responsibility to care for nature, maintaining a delicate balance. Example: Sustainable farming practices that prioritize soil health and biodiversity, ensuring agricultural productivity while preserving the environment. Striving for harmony with nature ensures a sustainable and flourishing future for all. Lesson 2 Environmental Protection and Management What is Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003) RA 9003 is a law designed to reduce solid waste by promoting source reduction and waste minimization methods. It focuses on ecologically sustainable waste management, emphasizing proper segregation, collection, transport, storage, treatment, and disposal. The law promotes recycling, reuse, and composting, treating waste as a resource that can be recovered. Incineration is excluded, encouraging environmentally friendly waste management practices. The Six R’s of RA 9003 Reduce Recover Recycle Repurpose Refuse Rethink Types of Waste according to source Household or domestic waste Commercial or industrial waste  Types of Waste according to classification  Residual- waste with no commercial value meant for disposal  Recycle- waste that can be reused  Biodegradable – Waste that can be decomposed by organisms  Hazardous- waste that may cause or contribute to mortality or illness  Toxic- waste that may cause immediate death or body change Provisions of RA 9003 The said act places a strong emphasis on the role of municipal and local government units (LGUs) providing for the creation of Solid Waste Management Communities up to the barangay level. This requires the participation of nongovernment offices, people’s organizations, church leaders, schools, business and community organizations. Offenses under RA 9003 Minor Offense Grave Offense Major Offense  Grave Offense Punishable by any/all of the following: Fine: 1,000-3,000 pesos Imprisonment: 15 days- 6 months  Major Offense Punishable by any/all of the following: Fine: 5,000-200,000 pesos Imprisonment- 1-6 years  Example of Philippine Environmental Laws  Commonwealth Act No. 383 (anti- Dumping Law) Effective September 5, 1938 Prohibits the dumping into rivers of refuse waste matter of substance of any kind. Punishment of imprisonment of not more than six months or by a fine of not more than P200 or both.  Presidential Decree 825 Effective November 7, 1975 Penalizes improper disposal of garbage and other forms of being dirty.Violators may be imprisoned for not less than five days or more tha ayear or pay a fine or not less than P100 or more than P2,000 or both.  Republic Act 6969 (Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act) Effective 1990 Mandates the control and management of the import, manufacture,processing, distribution, use, transport, treatment and disposal of toxicsubstances and hazardous and nuclear wastes in the country.  Republic Act 7160 (Local Government Code) Effective 1991 Mandates local government units to exercise powers, functions and basic services and facilities related to general hygiene, sanitation, beautification and solid waste collection, transport and disposal.  Presidential Degree 984 (Pollution Control Law) The implementation is specified in DENR Administrative Order 24(series of 1990) for water usage and water quality criteria and DENR Administrative Order 35 (series of 1990) on effluent regulations. Penalty will be P5,000/day but higher for juridical positions who violated this act.  Republic Act 9275 (The Clean Water Act of 2002) This shall institute a policy of sustainable development and a holistic national water quality management program of fresh, brackish, and marine resources. Penalty is not less than 10,000- 200,000/everyday violation with 10%increase per year. Lesson 3: Prudence and Frugality  Prudence "pagkamakatuwiran" or "katalinuhan"  Frugality "pagiging matipid" or "katipiran" Prudence is the capacity to direct and discipline one’s activities and behavior using reason. It is a behavior that is cautious and, as much as possible, keeps four cardinal virtues, which include justice, fortitude, and temperance. In Adam Smith's "The Theory of Moral Sentiments," prudence and frugality are highlighted as essential virtues for individuals and society. Prudence controls excesses, promoting righteousness, while frugality involves careful resource management. Frugality, often associated with wise financial decisions, extends beyond money and can guide choices in various aspects of life. It emphasizes thoughtful decision-making to save resources, not just money, making it a valuable virtue for personal and societal well-being. Backyard gardening is an effective way to practice prudence and frugality while being environmentally conscious. It offers substantial cost savings and is especially valuable during challenging times. Backyard gardens, although a traditional practice, are declining due to the assumption that food can always be bought from the market. The text intends to highlight the importance of backyard gardening, emphasizing its relevance in promoting financial savings and self-sufficiency. 1.Source of fresh and organic food. Who wouldn’t choose fresh and organic food? Home gardens are very manageable and usually, in cases of insects and disease control, organic means could easily be applied. It is very important when you are very sure and have total control over the quality of food produced. You cannot be so sure of what is out there. Take advantage of that. 2.Gardening is a very good physical and mental exercise. The experts say, gardening activities like soil preparation, planting, removal of weeds, watering, etc. engage most of your body muscles and are very good exercises. Gardening engages your mind too. They say, gardening 45 minutes early mornings each day before any other work, prepares you physically and mentally like 30 minutes of aerobics. 3.Supplements family budgets. In our region, many families’ (usually large) expenditure on food is greatly reduced. These are families that actively grow home gardens and they are able to cut down expenditure on food to about 40%. Adding to this, they are sure of the quality of the produce. This has been a major incentive for many to plant home gardens in many households. Some families only need to buy cooking oil and spices and the rest comes from their gardens 4.Year-round food availability from gardens. Since gardens are relatively small in land size, irrigation is easier and so continuous food supply through the seasons. Try it. 5.Gardening makes good use of space and protects the soil. Putting it this way; we use the soil space around the house to plant a garden that gives all the benefits stated above and the one below. Plus, when we cover the soil with beneficial cover crops, erosion is reduced and regular bush growth around the house is minimized. Hope we have made that point clearer. 6.Entertainment, fulfilment and creativity. The one having the experience can well explain this point. It is a good feeling. Try it. Gardening is a source of entertainment and really brings out lots of creativity in you. The art of planting various crops in the soil, nurturing them and watching them grow by the day and finally so see them blossom into fruits, is such a good feeling. You would be proud to say at the dining table, “this food is from my garden”. So fulfilled. Interview a person who is 45-60 years old in your neighborhood, you can also interview through a video call or send them the questions via text message, messenger or email. Be guided by the following questions. 1.What are the things that you remember in your environment when you were my age? 2.What are the things that you like doing when you were young? 3.What are the positive and negative changes in the environment? 4.Do you think environment plays a vital role in a person’s development? Whyor why not? 1.What have I learned from the person I interviewed? 2.How do I feel about the things that I learned? 3.Will this knowledge gained from the interview help me in understanding therole of the environment in my development as a person? 4.What should I do with the environment?