Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region VII, Central Visayas
Division of Bohol
GRADE 11/12
INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

Quarter : 1 Week : 8 Day : 1 Activity No. : 22

Competency: : 4.1 Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in an
aesthetic way
Objective : To be able to define the person’s relationship with the environment
Topic : How Does Philosophy Define The Person’s Relationship With The
Environment?
Materials :
: Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Reference C&E Publishing Inc.
Abella,R. 2016
Copyrights : For classroom use only

Concept Notes:

How does philosophy define the person’s relationship with the environment?
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 capable of inflicting the most harm on it.

Environmental philosophy is a branch of philosophy that is concerned with the natural environment
and humanity’s place in it. It deals with the issues concerning humanity’s role in the world, the interaction
between nature and humans, and human response to environmental challenges.

Major philosophical views regarding the person’s relationship with nature includes;

1. Anthropocentrism – which considers humans the most significant species on the planet, and that nature
provides humankind with the means to survive and develop.
2. Biocentrism or Biocentric view – gives equal importance to all organism on the planet, and considers
them as having inherent worth.
3. Ecocentrism or Ecocentric view – emphasizes ecosystem and biological communities, and considers
humans as stewards of nature.
4. Environmental Aesthetics – a philosophical view that believes maintaining order in the environment will
bring out the natural beauty of surroundings and contribute to the well-being of the people and other
organisms living in it.

How can humanity address the damage inflicted on the environment?

• Environmentalism – is a perspective that advocates to address the growing environmental problems.

• Environmental ethics – is a moral approach that analyses the relationship between humans and the
environment.

Emerge in 1970, advocating human responsibility and action with regard to environmental issues
Its main ideas are the following:

• All nonhuman 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 responsibility to safeguard the planet as stewards of creation.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region VII, Central Visayas
Division of Bohol

Environmental ethics has resulted in the development of varied views:

• Social ecology – applies an ecological and ethical approach in analyzing society, and sees a
relationship between social problems and environmental problems. Society should therefore,
implement changes in order to address issues regarding the environment.
• Climate ethics and climate justice – arouse from the growing concern with climate change, and
consider it a significant ethical, social, political issue.
• Environmental justice – refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits, as well as the burden
of meeting environmental challenges.
• Environmental Aesthetics – focused on the concepts of beauty in nature, but has become increasingly
influenced by environmental concerns.

Activity 1

1. How can humanity address the damage inflicted on the environment?

 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region VII, Central Visayas
Division of Bohol
GRADE 11/12
INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

Quarter : 1 Week : 8 Day : 2 Activity No. : 23

: 4.2 Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being and
Competency: sustainable development
Objective : Analyze situations and determine which of them show the right or moral choice
with regard to the environment
Topic :
Materials :
Reference : Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
C&E Publishing Inc.
Abella,R. 2016
Copyrights : For classroom use only

Activity 1
Analyze the following situations and determine which of them show the right or moral choice with
regard to the environment. Discuss your thoughts in a two to three sentences.

1. A mining corporation decided to save cost 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. A businessman bought a large piece of farmland and decides to convert it into 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 water shed
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 pet the
shelter also coordinates with the local police to address cases involving animal cruelty.
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Region VII, Central Visayas
Division of Bohol
GRADE 11/12
INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

Quarter : 1 Week : 8 Day : 3 Activity No. : 24

Competency: : 4.2 Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being and
sustainable development
Objective : To be able to identify how you and your family can use natural resources at
home wisely.
Topic :
Materials :
Reference : Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
C&E Publishing Inc.
Abella,R. 2016
Copyrights : For classroom use only

Concept Notes:

What is sustainable development?

• The ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.

• Avoidance of the depletion of natural resources in order to maintain an ecological balance.

Example:
"the sustainability of economic growth"
"the pursuit of global environmental sustainability"

Activity 1

Reflect on how you and your family use natural resources at home and fill the table below.

ACTIVITIES THAT SHOW SUSTAINABLE ACTIVITIES THAT SHOW MISUSE OF

USE OF RESOURCES RESOURCES