LESSOM 1 MODULE 4 6 HUMAN PERSPECTIVES.pptx

6 main perspectives about humanity’s relationship with the cosmos.

1. 6 main perspectives about humanity’s relationship with the cosmos. Here they are:

2. Judeo-Christian (Genesis 1:27–28) – Humanity is created in God’s image and told to “rule” the earth → leads to two interpretations: Anthropocentric (man-centered) : humans dominate nature. Stewardship : humans care for creation responsibly.

3. Anaximander (Apeiron / Boundless) – The cosmos is infinite, ever-changing; worlds are born and destroyed in a cycle. (Milesian): Everything comes from the apeiron (the “boundless” or indefinite). The world arises, changes, and returns to this boundless source. Nature isn’t a small, fixed thing; it’s vast and in motion. We’re a tiny part of a bigger, ongoing process.

4. Pythagoras: The cosmos has order, harmony, and beauty . We should love living things ( biophilia ) and the whole cosmos ( cosmophilia ). Treat nature like an orchestra—every part matters to keep the harmony.

5. Medieval/Theocentric view (e.g., Aquinas): Nature has a purposeful design (teleology). God is the Great Designer ; things aim toward ends. The world isn’t random; it’s structured for purposes—so misuse is going against its design. Nature is part of God’s purposeful design; all creatures and things move toward their proper ends.

6. Immanuel Kant – Beauty in nature symbolizes morality; contemplating it leads to harmony, freedom, and faith. Beauty points to morality. Contemplating natural beauty (without selfish motives) lifts us toward higher values—freedom, faith, understanding—and shows a cosmic harmony between nature and our minds. Appreciating nature’s beauty helps form a moral attitude toward it.

7. Herbert Marcuse: Nature often falls under human domination . Change the mindset, change the behavior. If we see nature only as a resource, we’ll exploit it; if we see it as a partner, we’ll protect. Humanity tends to dominate nature, but our mindset must change; respect leads to stewardship instead of exploitation.