Philosophy Notes (1st Quarter) PDF

Man and His Environment Introduction Objective: This presentation explores the relationship between humans and the environment, focusing on how philosophical views shape human actions and how environmental awareness impacts self-development. Environmental Philosophy Definition:...

Man and His Environment Introduction Objective: This presentation explores the relationship between humans and the environment, focusing on how philosophical views shape human actions and how environmental awareness impacts self-development. Environmental Philosophy Definition: A branch of philosophy concerned with the natural environment and humanity's place within it. Key Areas: o Humanity's role in the natural world o Interaction between nature and human activities o Humanity's response to environmental challenges Philosophical Views Anthropocentrism Belief: Humans are the central and most significant species on the planet. Perspective: Humans are the primary cause of environmental changes. Deep Ecology Belief: The natural world is sustained by the interrelationship among living organisms. Perspective: Every living thing on the planet is dependent on one another for survival. Gaia Hypothesis Belief: Inorganic elements on the planet play a significant role in maintaining environmental balance. Perspective: These elements interact with living organisms to regulate systems that enable life to thrive on Earth. Theological Views Belief: God created man and granted him dominion over all creatures, tasking him to "subdue" the Earth (Genesis 1:26-28). Perspective: Pope John Paul II recognized man's lordship over nature as a "ministerial" act, a continuation of the Creator's work, which must be exercised with wisdom and love. Environmental Ethics Emergence: 1970s Advocacy: Human responsibility and action regarding environmental issues. Key Ideas: Combines philosophical, pragmatic, and theological perspectives. Principles: o All nonhuman elements of the world have intrinsic value and should be preserved. o The preservation of the environment is beneficial for humans, providing for present and future generations. o Man has a responsibility to safeguard the planet, entrusted to him by God. Viewpoints about Environmental Ethics Social Ecology Approach: Applies an ecological and ethical approach to analyzing society. Perspective: Sees a relationship between social problems and environmental problems. Advocacy: Society should implement changes to address environmental issues. Climate Ethics and Climate Justice Perspective: Considers climate change as a significant ethical, social, and political issue. Environmental Justice Definition: The fair distribution of environmental benefits and the burden of meeting environmental challenges. Advocacy: Emphasizes equity and the meaningful involvement of communities and government in addressing environmental challenges. Environmental Aesthetics Emergence: 20th century Focus: Natural beauty in the context of maintaining order and balance in the environment. Environmentalism Definition: Concerns for environmental protection, particularly from the harmful effects of human activity. Scope: Encompasses ethical, political, and scientific questions. Advocacy: Includes social movements and a spectrum of positions within the field. Examples: Haribon Foundation, Greenpeace Philippines, Earth Island Institute, Forest Foundation, Waves for Water Philippines, etc. Conclusion Call to Action: "Let's nurture nature so that we can have a better future." Human Person Philosophy of Man Central to Philosophical Discussions: Man is at the heart of all philosophical discussions. Person's Role: A person is born to contemplate the world, reflect, and act accordingly. While not perfect, a person is a part of perfection. Defining Terms Man: Refers to the species Homo sapiens sapiens, or modern human beings. Human: A biological designation for the species. Person: A human being granted recognition of certain rights, protections, and responsibilities. Perspectives on the Nature of Man Biological Perspectives Evolutionary Product: Humans are a product of evolution. Primal Instincts: Humans possess instincts for survival and reproduction. Advanced Capabilities: Humans exhibit planning, intentional action, innovation, creativity, and complex communication through language and writing. Psychological Perspectives Focus on Behavior: Emphasizes human behavior, including awareness, sense of self, and the capacity to perceive and experience. Mental Attributes: Includes psyche, rationality, intelligence, introspection, and cognition. Economic Perspectives Productive Activities: Humans engage in productive activities to meet their wants and needs. Rationality and Self-Interest: Driven by rationality and self-interest in their desire to possess wealth. Productive Beings: Humans are seen as productive beings. Social and Political Perspectives Interdependence: No individual is self-sufficient; humans are inclined to coexist with others and be part of a community. Theological Perspectives God's Creation: Humans are considered God's creation. Special Relationship: Humans have a special relationship with the Creator. Divine Plan: Humans are a purposeful creative act of God, and their ultimate destiny is part of a divine plan. Concept of the Human Person Self Self-Awareness: The awareness of one's self. Self as Innate: Synonymous with spirit and soul. Self as Emergent: Developed through interaction with the world and other human beings. Self as Integrated and Developing: Composed of varied elements that change over time. Identity Distinct Personality: The unique personality of an individual. Components: Personal identity is composed of unique characteristics, mental attributes, experiences, memories, ideas, and views. Personhood Distinct Entity: The recognition of a human being as a distinct entity, a person. Autonomous Being Reasoned Free Choice: The ability to determine one's life through reasoned free choice. Self-Governance: The ability to give laws to oneself. Unified Individual Potential: Humans possess the inherent capacity to function as a person. Responsibility: Recognizes the potential of each human being and their ability to achieve their responsibilities. Relation to Others Social Development: Humans become a person through interactions with others. Self-Development and Fulfillment: A person is defined by their actions and experiences, through which they achieve self- development and fulfillment. Person as a Transcendent Being Transcendence: The ability to go beyond oneself, to move, change, and evolve. Corporeal and Finite Beings: Humans are corporeal (having a body) and finite (limited). Recognition of Personhood Rights: The recognition of personhood is a requirement for granting rights to human beings. Civic Responsibility: Includes citizenship, civic responsibility, and participation in society.