The-Human-Person-and-the-Environment.pdf

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1. Ca ) The Human Person
in the Environment

Describe what you see, Would you like to visit this place? What will you do when
you go to this place?

2. Introduction tthe Philosophy of the Human Person

Describe what you see, Do you see yourself staying near this place? Do you imagine
yourself doing the same things you imagine doing in the first picture?

At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:

1. discuss philosophical views and how they influence human action regarding the
environment;

notice disorder in their environment;

notice things that are not in their proper places;

‘organize things in an aesthetic manner;

show that care for the environment contribut

sustainable development; and

6. demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards the environment.

to health, well-being, and

3. Lesson 4: The Human Person in the Environment

have ANS JON 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 sate are true for you and your community?

is hotter now than i usually wos during the summer months.
Typhoons are stronger and there i more rain during the rainy season.

We evacuate our homes more frequently due to natural calamities.

Our community is now dirtier and more disorderly compared to the past few years

We experience more flowding in our co

Scientists also monitor the changes in our environment. Their studies show that our
world is changing not forthe be

But why are these things happening to our world? How do our actions leud to
negative effects on the environment? Should we even worry about these changes at all, or

forthe worse, and humanity is responsible for this,

safe for us to go about our business as we usually do?

To quote the English poet John Donne, "No man is an island, entire of itself; every
‘man isa piece of the continent, a part of the main." This means that as human persons, we
interact not only with our fellow human beings but also with the other living and non-
living elements in our environment.

Try to put yourself in the following
situations. Have you ever participated in a
mountain trek? Imagine yourself on top of
a mountain looking down at the land below.
Have you ever taken 2 trip to the beach?
Recall the moment when you stood on the
shore watching the sunset. Have you ever laid
down on a grassy field and gazed at the sky?
How did you feel during these instances? Did
you feel at peace with yourselfand the world?
Did you feel that you were part of something
much larger than yourself? Did you feel that
you were one with nature?

‘Humankind is part of the world, and we
significantly affect our environment in the
same way that changes in our environment onde Atos Ses Fe. 151
affect us.

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4. Introduction the Philosophy ofthe Human Person

How does philosophy define the person's relationship with
the environment?

Like the physical sciences, philosophy also sees to explore the relationship betes
'Y and the environment. Environmental philosophy or environmental

ethics isthe discipline in philosophy that studios the moral relationship of human beings
ilosophers tackle

hum

ith the environment and its non-human contents. Environmental phi
issues such as humanity's role in the natural world, the interaction between nature and
human

tivities, and humanity’ response to environmental challenges.

Philosophers believe that the person has a special relationship with nature,
Unlike other organisms that are merely part of ecosystems and exist to perform
certain biological roles, the person has the ability to change the environment to suit
his or her purposes, The carly history of humankind shows that wherever humans
came together to form communities, the landscape and the environment changed,
Forests gave way to farmlands, mountains were mined for minerals and metals, and
rivers and lakes were transformed to yield more resources for mankind. The pattern
continues to this day.

Ik s in an orderly environment where human persons thrive best. Disorder can
give rise to several problems and challenges for humankind. This is most evident after
any natural disaster such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and severe typhoons which
result in great damage to property, injuries, and even loss of lives. Normal activities are

disrupted in cities and communities.

Asa rational being, the person is not only capable of transforming the world, but also
of understanding the laws which govern nature. Itcan be said that the World isatext which
the person can read and understand in order to live a better life. Because ofthis ability to
“access” nature, the role of the person in relation to it can take on different forms. He or
she may opt to treat the environment as an object, as a source of raw materials to be used
in any way he or she pleases. A person may also view the environment as something that
‘envelopes and surrounds him or her, and thus they have a special and unique relationship
with it. The raw state of the environment can be likened to a blank canvas that needs to
be painted on. Persons have the unique ability of cultivating nature, bringing it closer to
their intended ends. This means that persons can help the environment become greater
than what it originally is if they take the task

5. Lesson 4 The Human Person in the Environment

€

Discuss

j
\ _ + Look around your community and school. Can you see evidence of changes in
a, Re environment cased by peopl? Describe thes changes

Can you see evidence of people adapting their activities to your school or local
environment?

3. Which part of your community or school do you consider most orderly?

Which part is most disorderly?
How has pollution affected your health and well-being? How has it affected the
‘well-being of your family and the community?

‘There are three major views regarding the relationship between humanity and
the environment. One view, anthropocentrism, 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. Look
around and you can see evidence of humans transforming the environment to suit their
needs. Landscapes were reshaped so schools, buildings, and other structures can be built
‘on them. Farmers till vast tracts of and to grow crops, loggers clear forests for lumber, and
mining companies dig up land and even level mountains to acess minerals and metas

Biocentrism, on the other hand, believes that humans are not the only significant
species on the planet, and that all organisms have inkerent value and should be
protected. This view drives the activities of humane organizations that advocate the
ethical treatment of animals. In fact, our government has passed laws that recognize the
rights of animals to be treated kindly, such as R.A. 8485 or "The Animal Welfare Act of
1998".

Finally, ecocentrism places great value on ecosystems and biological communities
‘This view believes that humankind is part of a greater biological system or community
and that we have a significant role as stewards or guardians of nature. This view also
promotes the idea that order and balance in nature brings about stability and beauty.
Several philosophical views on the environment, such as "Deep Ecology” and the “Gai
Hypothesis’ emphasize the important role ofthe interaction between the living and non-
living components of the environment. Biologists believe that all biological organisms
interact with each other and that each organism occupies a significant niche within an
‘ecosystem,

The influence of humanity on the environment can be best understood if we
consider the individual person asa dynamic source of change within his or her particular
environment. Look around your classroom and reflect on the state of your surroundings.

Is

6. member ofthe school community, how should you respond to this
y environment

Clean and orderly
“dirty and disorderly
es is one

‘We ben rely rom à io and ore enone
sept vi that bees malntaiing order inthe environment wil PSE du
the natural beauty of the surroundings and contribute to the well-being of the Lasse
tne sgae ing Th appreciation of natural Bey rings about cones or
theemirorment and hlp pele eae more cet with nature.
Scans era volcanic erptons and [andas Bing about destruction in ur
Seve and esl to damage to propery and os o ves. On he ater hand, human
‘sive cam ae bing aba hondas m our envionment. The human actor cn be
y scr emma problems suchas plain environmental degradan, the
snd mat change. Human ations ta
sd improper we of resources
rounding

x. Disorder can
ties such as

depletion of natural resources, global warmin
contribute to environmental problems include littering
Communities that do not practice proper waste disposa often have dirty su
‘with garhage ittered on thestreets The accumulating garbage causes looding and becomes
a health hazard because it spreads dirt and disease. Factories often release harmful smoke
and fumes into the air, while others dump their waste into nearby bodies of water. ‘These
arf actions contribute to disorder in our environment
A 2014 study on global warming conducted by the Intergoveramental Panel
‘on Climate Change (IPCC) finds clear evidence that human
activities have contributed to the rise of global
temperatures through the release of greenhouse
ases into the atmosphere. The report highlights
the indications of global warming such as steadily
warming ocean temperetures and glacial
smelting in the Arctic. It warns that unchecked
global warming will result in climate change
that has severe and widespread impact on
communities throughout the world. Among
che environmental phenomena associated with
climate change are changes in global weather
patterns resulting in intense storms and heat waves;
the acidification of the oceans that affects countless
marine life; and increased global sea levels,

7. THINK

Form gros a
. groups of five members each. Research on a specific environmen
problem happening in our country, Analyze ss

| views. Discuss your work in cass,

anyof the major philosophical

How can humanity address the damage inflicted on the environment?

environmental. Tn porque ante ars eh
problems Philosophy sa gica role ie denim ennemies
And action Sever idem aná pupa

"One important philosophical won om. eno
ethics, Theis amoral approach tha rte th eto hen Raman a the

environmental action have emerged.
malism is environmental

social issues that impact the environment.

Have you ever thought about how your actions affect nature? When throwing away
2 piece of trash, do you reflect on what will happen should you decide to just throw it
anywhere in your school or community? Do vou see the importance of cleaning your
surroundings, throwing trash properly, segregating waste, and saving water?

Environmental ethics serves as a bass for reflecting on how our actions show our
regard for nature. We often complain about the trash scattered around our community
but what steps have we taken to be an example of cleanliness and order in our homes and
communities?

Environmental ethics also guides us in upholding the welfare of the environment
and everything in it. As persons, iis our responsibility Lo start with our own actions and
how they affect our immediate environment, Have you ever taken the initiative to tidy
up your room or help clean your house? Starting in your own home is an important step
towards becoming a more responsible steward of nature.

‘Apart from individual action, environmentalism also encourages governments,
institutions, organizations, and corporations to commit to responsible action for the
environment. Many of the major environmental problems we experience, such as
pollution, deforestation, and the loss of natural resources are caused by the actions of

mining and logging companies, factories, business, and even governments. An important
aded by environmental groups that

part of environmentalism is collective action spearhe:
call attention to environmental problems and environmental abuse,

8. Introduction to the Philosophy ofthe Human Person

‘The Development of Ethical Views Regarding the Environment

Environmental ethies emerged in the 1970s, advocating human responsibility and
action with regard to environmental issues. ts main ideas are the following:
* Allnonhuman elements of the world, including animals and 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 responsibilty to safeguard the planet as stewards of creation.

Environmental ethics has resulted in the development of varied views:
+ Soctal ecology applies an ecological and ethical approach in analyzing society, and sees
4 relationship between social problems and environmental problems. Society should,
therefore, implement changes in order to address issues regarding the environment.
* Concepts such as climate ethics and climate justice arose from the growing concern
With climate change, and consider it a significant ethical, socal, and political Issue.
‘These views were greatly influenced by the concept of environmental Justice, which
referstothe far distribution of environmental benefits, as wellas the burden of meeting,
environmental challenges. Advocates of environmental justice emphasize equity
and the meaningful involvement of communities and governments in addressing
environmental challenges, and in planning and implementing environmental policies.
+ Another perspective In environmental awareness is environmental aesthetics,
which originally focused on concepts of beauty In nature, but has become
Increasingly influenced by environmental concerns. Environmental aesthetics began
in the twentieth century, concesned primary with natural beauty in the context of
maintaining order and balance in the environment. For its adherents, knowledge
about nature will not only enable humans to appreciate nature's Innate beauty but
will also help them relate more effectively with the environment.

Significant social movements that were inspired by increased environmental
‘awareness include the environmental protection and conservation movement, animal
rights, and green politics. Activism and increased organized action are Indications
of the growing awareness of environmentalism in today's society. Environmentalism
has also become an important issue in international politics as governments end
international organizations have devoted efforts to discuss environmental issues and.
formulate plans to address them. Significant developments include the signing of the
Kyoto Protocol in 1997, where various nations committed to reduce their greenhouse
gas emissions in order to curb global warming. The celebration of Earth Day, first
instituted in 1970, is a global effort to raise awareness of environmental issues and
Inspire action among communities,

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9. Lesson 4: The Human Person in he Environment

soe Philppies is. signatory tothe Kyoto Protocol and our government has enacted
cen aa tess environmental problems Int contribute Lo global warming such asthe

"Al Act of 1998, Ecological Sold Waste Management Act of 2000, and the Wife
Resources Conservation and Protection Act.

| THINK >)

| Analyze the following situations and determine which of them show the
| zieht or moral choice with regard tothe environment, Discuss your thoughts
in class.

1. A mining corporation decided to save costs and did not construct an
effective storing facility for mining waste. The improperly stored waste
| leaked and polluted the nearby river, poisoned marine life, and caused

| People in the nearby village to get sick.

2, À businessman bought a large piece of farmland and decided to convert it |
into a subdivision, During construction, hundreds of trees were uprooted
and streams were covered in cement.

3. A local official led a campaign to set aside several hectares of forested
land in their city as a watershed area. This area was declared off-limits to
loggers and miners.

4. An animal shelter partnered with the local government to conduct free
vaccination drives for pets. The shelter also coordinates with local police
| 10 address cases involving animal cruelty. |

What can I do to uphold environmentalism and care for nature?

Recognizing the urgent need for humanity to address the challenges in our
environment, philosophers urge action to directly address environmental problems.
Environmentalist views have given rise to varied perspectives regarding the best means
for humanity to take action and uphold its mission as stewards of nature,

One of the major concepts that drive environmentalism is sustainability or
sustainable development. This concept focuses on reconciling human activities and
economic development with the protection of the environment, One of the major ideas of

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10. Introduction othe Philosophy ofthe Human Person

natural
sustainability is that we must make wise decisions regarding the use of
to ensure that there is still enough left for Future use BET

have been told to finish al of your food when

You

you have letoverson your plate. Have you ever wondered what happens £0 M

we leftovers. If
food? Imagine, in a single day. how many people throughout the world ha
E a en 12011 report by the

we put these together, it might be a tall sa mountain. According to re
World Food Programme, about one-third of thera food supply 8 wasted ER

timates that every
the world th 2008, sty f the Philippine Rice Research Institute estimates 1) es
ar. That food could have fed other

his one important idea related
people do not get

Filipino wastes about 4,2 kilograms of rice every yes
people but sadly it often goes to waste, This fact highligh
to sustainability: that the misuse of resources often me

L
elect
improve the way you use resources to make them more sustainable?

Ik back at how you have been using other natural resources li md
ty. Have you been using them in a responsible and efficient manner? How can you

11. Lesson 4: The Human Person inthe Environment

THINK

Reflect on how
the table and fi

| you and your family use natural resources at home. Copy
it out with the appropriate responses. |

Activities that show Activities that show
Sustainable use of resources misuse of resources

Sustainability relies on three important principles: environmental integrity,
cconomic 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, Care should be taken that
the surrounding landscape is not drastically impacted by human activites. Economic
efficiency refers to prudence in decision-making regarding the use of resources to
ensure that there is minimum to zero waste, Finally, equity demands that we use our
natural resources in such a manner that these are conserved so that the next generation
will be able to use them, The values of prudence and frugality can guide us in our own
personal use of resources, Prudence is the ability to regulate one’s actions and behavior,
while frugality is being thrifty with the use of one’s resources. Reflect on how you have
been using resources at home and in school, How can you apply prudence and frugality
in implementing changes to become a wiser and more considerate consumer? How will
these values guide you in addressing environmental problems in your home, school, and
community?

‘As human persons, it is our responsibility to treat with respect not only our fellow
humans, but also everything in our world. Upholding environmentalism and sustainability
will enable us to take the first steps in addressing environmental issues and contribute to
solving the greater environmental challenge of climate change.

Va

12. Introduction to the Philosophy ofthe Human Person

Philosophers believe that persons have a special relationship with nature
because of their rationality, They are not only part of nature, but they can also
shape, transform, and cultivate it. However, this also means that they are also
capable of inflicting the most harm on it

Environmental palosaphy ia ranch philosophy thats concerne with
the natural environment and humanity' place in it. It deals with issues
concerning humanity's role in the world, the interaction between nature and
humans, and

¡man response to environmental challenges.
Major philosophical views regarding the persons relationship with
mature include anthropocentrism, biocentrism, and ecocentrism.
Anthropocentrism considers humans the most significant species on the
planet, and that nature provides humankind with the means to survive
and develop. The biocentrie view gives equal importance to all organisms
on the planet, and considers them as having inherent worth. The
ecocentric view emphasizes ecosystems and biological communities, and
considers humans stewards of nature
Human activities have a significant impact on the environment. Current
scientific evidence proves that human activities over the centuries have
resulted in great changes in climate parteras throughout the world, Climate
change and its related effects are among the most important environmental
issues we face today.
Environmentalism isa perspective that advocates action to address
‘growing environmental problems. One philosophical view related to
‘environmentalism is environmental ethics, which analyzes the relationship
between humans and the environment and seeks to address environmental
problems brought about by human activities.
® Sustainability or sustainable development is a concept that advocates the wise
and efficient use of natural resources. It emphasizes that human activities
must not unduly harm the environment, that natural resources must be used
‘wisely, and the environment must be preserved for the next generation.