PHILOSOPHY

1. THE HUMAN PERSON IN
THE ENVIRONMENT

2. WHAT IS THE WORLD MADE OF? HOW DID
THE WORLD COME INTO BEING? AND HOW
CAN WE EXPLAIN THE PROCESS OF CHANGE?
WERE PHILOSOPHICAL QUESTIONS ALREADY
BROUGHT UP APPROXIMATELY 600 B.C.E.

3. The speculations of the pre-Socratic
philosophers represent a paradigm shift-a
change from the mythical explanation of the
origins of the cosmos to a more rational
explanation. These philosophers were looking
for the underlying laws of nature.

4. They wanted to understand the processes by
studying nature itself, not by listening to stories
about the gods. Though not as sophisticated in
the 21st century standard, the pre-Socratic
philosophers do represent the first intellectual
and scientific attempt to understand the origins
of the universe.

5. Based on the anthropocentric model, humans
are superior and central to the universe.
Ecocentric model, the ecological or relational
integrity of the humans, provides meaning of
our morals and values.

6. According to Payne (2009), classrooms cannot
set aside the importance of aesthetics as well
as the environment that suggests valuing that
include: aesthetic appreciation; enjoyment,
relaxation, satisfaction, calm, peace, social
interaction, growth toward holism and self-
understanding.

7. Our limited understanding of our environment
opens for a need for philosophical investigation
of nature, applying aesthetic and theological
dimensions, as well as appreciating our
philosophical reflections with the concept of
nature itself.

8. Every day, we experience or hear of how nature
is destroyed and , thus, there are floods, flash
floods, and landslides, among others,
accordingly, this chapter helps the learner look
at the multidimensional concept of being
human.

9. NOTICE DISORDER IN
THE UNIVERSE

10. The domination of humanity is linked to the
domination of nature based on the
anthropocentric model. An unfair or unjust
utilization of the environment result to
ecological crisis. From this view, it follows that
human arrogance toward nature is justifiable in
order to satisfy human interests.

11. Sometimes, humans adopt an exploitative
attitude whenever nature is merely considered
as an instrument for one`s profit or gain. E.g.
quarrying or cutting down old trees could justify
our exploitative attitude toward nature.

12. Current researches by Zimmerman (1994),
Eligin (2009), and Pettman (2012) to name a
few, exposed the environmental consequence
of international politico-economic specialization
for specific countries and global regions.

13. Research also shows the implications for both
abuses of natural resources and of the
generation of waste and emissions. Numerous
concepts and indicators have been used to
understand environment impact such as the
carbon footprint (CF).

14. For instance, the emission of greenhouse
gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane,
fluoride, and nitrous oxide that are part of the
production goods and services consumed In
many countries.

15. Studies reveal that the higher the income, there
is a substantial change in consumption
patterns, which result to higher CF.
1. Construction
2. Shelter
3. food

16. 4. Clothing
5. Mobility
6. Manufactured goods
7. Services
8. Trade

17. Ecocentric model, in contrast, puts the
ecosystem first and assumes that the natural
world as intrinsic value. Nature is not valued for
the future survival of human species.
Humans have a responsibility toward the land.

18. However, because of the anthropocentric
attitude, humanity claims ownership or
authority over the land. For the ecocentric
model, instead, love, respect, admiration for
nature and high regard for its value is
essential.

19. In the ecocentric model, land will be considered
not an instrumental mode of production but will
be preserved with integrity, stability, and beauty.

20. In the ecocentric model, land will be considered
not an instrumental mode of production but will
be preserved with integrity, stability, and beauty.

21. If humanity overworks the soil and substitute
domesticated species of plants and animals for
wild ones, human made changes threaten the
health of nature. Unlike in the evolutionary
process, our human interventions have swift
and even, violent effect on nature.

22. A study blames human activities for drastic
decline in wildlife population. Due to hunting
and fishing, 52% of wildlife population
deteriorated. Whether nature can adapt to
these changes and self renew becomes a
vague issue.

23. The study for instance, established that the
damage is not inevitable but a consequence
of our choice. Accordingly, humanity needs to
develop an ecological conscience based on
individual responsibility. Ecologists challenge us
to adopt a lifestyle that involves simple living
that honors the right of all life forms to live,

24. Flourish and create a rich diversity of human
and nonhuman life. For ecologists, the right to
live and blossom should not just be for human
and nonhuman life. For ecologists, the right
to live and blossom should not just be for
human beings but must be valid to all forms
of life.

25. This belief stems from an awareness of our
dependence to other forms of life, not a master-
slave relationship.

26. In 2004, indigenous grandmothers,
representing tribes from the Arctic Circle, Nepal,
and Tibet, held a meeting to be able to preserve
their community. Deeply concerned with the
destruction of Mother Earth, including the
contamination of air, water and soil, war,
poverty and destruction of the indigenous life.

27. They have committed themselves to form an
alliance that will embrace prayer, education,
and healing for our Mother Earth, for all her
inhabitants and for the future generations.

28. The 2007 United Nation`s Declaration grants
the indigenous people “the right to
conservation, restoration, and protection of the
total environment and the productive capacity of
their lands, territories, and resources, as well as
the assistance for this purpose from States and
through international cooperation.”

29. The relationship of the indigenous people with
the environment is, thus, spiritually and
materially strengthened.

30. PYTHAGORAS – an ancient philosopher, he
describe the universe as living embodiment of
nature`s order, harmony, and beauty. He sees
our relationship with the universe involving
biophilia (love of other living things) and
cosmophilia (love of other living beings)

31. IMMANUEL KANT – we must ignore any
practical motives or inclinations that we have
and instead contemplate the object without
being distracted by our desires.

32. He believes that the orderliness of nature and
the harmony of nature with our faculties guide
us toward a deeper religious perspective.

33. Understanding our relationship with the
environment can also refer to the human beings
with ecology and nature. For Herbert Marcuse,
humanity had dominated nature. There can only
be change if we will change our attitude
towards our perception of the environment.

34. For George Herbert 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.

35. THERE ARE NUMEROUS THEORIES
TO SHOW CARE FOR THE
ENVIRONMENT ASIDE FROM THE
ECOCENTRIC MODEL SUCH AS DEEP
ECOLOGY, SOCIAL ECOLOGY, AND
ECOFEMINISM TO NAME SOME

36. A. Deep Ecology – for this theory, ecological
crisis is an outcome of anthropocentrism, which
is already discussed. The controlling attitude of
humankind is extended to nature, when in fact,
humanity is part of nature. Deep ecologists
encourage humanity to shift away from
anthropocentrism to ecocentrism.

37. B. Social Ecology – for this theory, ecological crisis
result from authoritarian social structures.
Destroying nature is a reflection wherein few people
overpower others while exploiting the environment
for profit or self-interest. 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.

38. C. 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.” Male traits as
in the anthropocentric model are superior as
opposed to female traits as in the ecocentric
model.

39. Domination works by forcing the other to
conform to what is superior. Nature must be
tamed, ordered, and submit to the will of the
superior.

40. These theories value the care, conservation,
preservation of nature and humanity. Our
search for the meaning of life must explore not
just our own survival but calls for a new socio-
ecological order.

41. Enrich Fromm (2013) a German humanistic
philosopher, believes that it is about time that
humanity ought to recognize not only itself but
also the world around it. As human beings, our
biological urge for survival turns into
selfishness and laziness. He argues that as
humans, it is also inherent in us to escape the
prison cell of selfishness

42. THESE ARE SOME OF THE
FUNCTIONS OF FROMM`S
ENVISIONED SOCIETY.

43. 1. The willingness to give up all forms of
having, in order to fully be.
2. Being fully present where one is.
3. Trying to reduce greed, hate, and illusions
as much as one is capable
4. Making the full growth of oneself and one`s
fellow beings as the supreme goal of living

44. 5. Not deceiving others, but also not being
deceived by others; one may be called
innocent, but not naïve.
6. Freedom that is not arbitrariness but the
possibility to be oneself, not as a bundle of
greedy desires, but as a delicately balanced
structure that at any moment is confronted with
alternatives of growth or decay, life or death.

45. 7. Happiness in the process of ever-growing
aliveness, whatever the furthest point is that
fate permits one to reach, for living as fully as
one can is so satisfactory that the concern for
what one might or might not attain has little
chance to develop.

46. 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.

47. The ideals of this society cross all party lines,
for protecting nature needs focused
conservation, action, political will, and support
from industry.