Diocese of Tagum

Queen of Apostles College Seminary

Seminary Drive, Magugpo West, Tagum City, Davao del Norte

“Wilderness and Nature Aesthetics”

Presented to
Rev. Fr. Tomas P. Avila Jr., Ph.D., Ed.D.
PHILO 126: Environmental Philosophy

Atacador, LJ Kirk
Buo, Jomar
Tulang, Cesar John P.

November 2023
I. Rationale

In partial fulfillment of the requirements of this course, we will be reporting on the topic
of Wilderness and Natural Aesthetics, as it holds immense value in our society for several
reasons. Firstly, wilderness areas are crucial wildlife habitat corridors because they protect
migratory routes that animals have long utilized to get to breeding or feeding grounds. 1 In other
words, wilderness regions offer vital habitats for a wide variety of plant and animal species,
promoting biodiversity and ecological harmony. Secondly, individuals may be more likely to
care about nature and safeguard the environment if they feel linked to it (perhaps by spending
time in it).2 Therefore, people can relate to and find comfort in the beauty of the natural
environment through appreciating natural aesthetics.

Furthermore, the aesthetic dimension of nature and wilderness has an important impact
on how we view our ethical and moral responsibilities towards the environment. And so,
appreciating the aesthetic value of nature can motivate us to safeguard and conserve it for future
generations. It can also shape our perception of the inherent worth of non-human beings and
ecosystems. This understanding can guide our efforts towards environmental justice and
sustainability. Acknowledging and cherishing the diversity and magnificence of natural
surroundings can lead to more inclusive and equitable environmental policies and practices.

Lastly, in environmental philosophy, delving into the aesthetic aspects of nature and
wilderness helps us recognize the inherent worth of the environment, enhance our bond with it,
and steer our behavior toward a more sustainable and amicable cohabitation with nature.

II. Objectives

After the report, the class is expected;

1. To understand the importance of wilderness and natural aesthetics in our

ecosystem through the lenses of different philosophers.
2. To interpret some situations regarding wilderness and natural aesthetics using the
perspective of the philosophers.
1
“What You Should Know about Wilderness and Wildlife | Defenders of Wildlife,” defenders.org, accessed
August 30, 2023, https://defenders.org/blog/2015/09/what-you-should-know-about-wilderness-and-
wildlife#:~:text=Wilderness%20areas%20are%20also%20important.
2
“Nature Connectedness,” Wikipedia, August 22, 2023,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_connectedness#:~:text=If%20an%20individual%20feels%20connected.
 3. To evaluate the human activities, especially technological intervention, that affect
the wilderness and natural aesthetics.
4. To develop a sense of care for the wilderness and the natural aesthetics.

Definition of Terms

Wilderness – is a tract or region uncultivated and uninhabited by human beings (Merriam-

Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, 1999).

Natural Aesthetics – is a sub-field of philosophical ethics, and refers to the study of natural
objects from their aesthetical perspective (Wikipedia Contributors). This refers to the
appreciation and understanding of the beauty and value of nature.

III. Philosophers and Their Philosophical Insights

Now, let us look into the perspectives of some important philosophers concerning
wilderness and natural aesthetics.

Immanuel Kant

Immanuel Kant was an influential 18th-century philosopher known for his contributions
to metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. He had a deep appreciation for the sublime and beauty,
which he explored in his philosophical works. By emphasizing the sublime and the beauty of
nature, Kant highlights the capacity of the natural world to evoke profound emotional and
intellectual responses within us, as he considers it as a source of pleasure and a reflection of our
moral responsibilities. Through encounters with the sublime and the appreciation of beauty in
nature, we can transcend our ordinary experiences and connect with something greater than
ourselves. Thus, he discussed the sublime and the beauty of nature, to emphasize the awe-
inspiring and transcendent qualities of the natural world.

The sublime is a principle of disorder, of purposivelessness. It is the phenomenon of

our understanding encountering something that it cannot organize or contain. It
cannot determine a delimiting organizing principle in the thing because it cannot
determine any limits to the thing.3

3
“20th WCP: Philosophical Beauty: The Sublime in the Beautiful in Kant’s Third Critique and Aristotle’s Poetics,”
www.bu.edu, n.d., https://www.bu.edu/wcp/Papers/Aest/AestGilm.htm#:~:text=The%20sublime%2C%20by
%20contrast%2C%20according.
 In other words, the sublime refers to experiences that evoke a sense of overwhelming
grandeur and power, leading to a feeling of awe and admiration. He argued that the sublime is
found in the vastness of nature, its unpredictability, and its potential to overcome human
capacities. In contrast, Kant also acknowledged the beauty of nature. That is because he believed
that the experience of beauty in nature is a distinct and valuable aspect of human perception. As
he argues…

Beauty is equivalent neither to utility nor perfection, but is still purposive. Beauty
in nature, then, will appear as purposive with respect to our faculty of judgment,
but its beauty will have no ascertainable purpose – that is, it is not purposive with
respect to determinate cognition.4
Beauty, therefore, as described above, is harmonious, orderly, and pleasing. However, he
believed that the sublime transcends the beautiful, as it elicits a sense of greatness beyond what
can be fully comprehended. The sublime provokes a mixed emotional response of admiration,
fear, and even terror, highlighting the limits of human understanding and the infinitude of the
natural world.

Kant's discussion of the sublime and the beauty of nature reveals his appreciation for the
inherent power and majesty of the natural realm. He argued that these experiences can lead to a
heightened sense of our rationality, morality, and spirituality, as they connect us with something
greater than ourselves. Kant's analysis prompts us to contemplate the impact of nature on our
sense of wonder and understanding of the world.

Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau was a 19th-century American writer, philosopher, and naturalist.
He is best known for his book "Walden," in which he documented his experiences living in a
cabin near Walden Pond. Thoreau's work explored the aesthetic and philosophical aspects of
living in harmony with nature and the wilderness. He believed in the importance of simplicity,
self-reliance, and a deep connection with the wilderness. His writings in "Walden" emphasize the
aesthetic aspects of nature, highlighting its beauty, tranquility, and the sense of wonder it evokes.

We need the tonic of wildness...At the same time that we are earnest to explore and
learn all things, we require that all things be mysterious and unexplorable, that

4
Douglas Burnham, “Kant, Immanuel: Aesthetics | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy,” Internet Encyclopedia of
Philosophy, n.d., https://iep.utm.edu/kantaest/#:~:text=Kant%20argues%20that%20beauty%20is.
 land and sea be indefinitely wild, unsurveyed, and unfathomed by us because
unfathomable. We can never have enough of nature5.
From the text above, he describes the changing seasons, the sounds of nature, and the
intricate details of the flora and fauna surrounding him. Moreover, Thoreau delves into the
philosophical aspects of living in harmony with nature. He advocates for simplicity and self-
reliance, rejecting the materialistic and consumerist lifestyle of his time. Thoreau believes that by
simplifying our lives and reducing our dependence on material possessions, we can achieve a
deeper sense of fulfillment and freedom.

Thoreau also explores the idea of self-discovery and introspection in nature. As he said in
his book Walden, “Every morning was a cheerful invitation to make my life of equal simplicity,
and I may say innocence, with Nature herself.” 6 This only means that by immersing himself in
the wilderness, he reflects on the purpose of life, the pursuit of happiness, and the true meaning
of success. Thoreau encourages individuals to question societal norms and expectations, urging
them to live authentically and in alignment with their values and beliefs.

Overall, Thoreau's writings in "Walden" provide a profound exploration of the aesthetic

and philosophical aspects of living in harmony with nature. And, it is very observable in his
book.

I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the

direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he
will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.7
This is a great opportunity for us that, through his work, we may be inspired and
hopefully learn to appreciate the profound beauty of the natural world. Thoreau encourages all of
us to seek simplicity in our lives, recognizing the value of living in harmony with nature. His
exploration of the wilderness and his philosophical reflections prompt us to reflect on our place
within the larger ecosystem, fostering a deeper understanding of our interconnectedness with the
environment.

Holmes Rolston III

5
Thoreau Henry David, WALDEN. Illustrated by Clifton Johnson (New York: Thomas Y. Crowell & CO., 1910),
419.
6
Ibid, 115.
7
Ibid, 427.
 Holmes Rolston III is an American philosopher and environmental ethicist. He was born
on November 19, 1932, in Rockbridge County, Virginia. Rolston is known for his pioneering
work in the field of environmental philosophy, particularly in exploring the ethical dimensions of
nature and advocating for the preservation of wilderness environment because he believed that it
is a valuable and irreplaceable resource. He has written extensively on topics such as
biodiversity, sustainability, and moral responsibility towards the environment. He has received
numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field. His work has had a profound
impact on environmental ethics, shaping discussions on the moral responsibility towards the
natural world.

In his Environmental Ethics, Rolston challenges the prevailing anthropocentric view that
sees nature solely as a means to human ends. He argues that wilderness has its inherent value and
should be respected and conserved for its own sake.

An anthropocentric ethics claims that people are both the subject and the object of
ethics. Humans can have no duties to rocks, rivers, nor to wildflowers or
ecosystems, and almost none to birds or bears. Humans have serious duties only to
each other. Anthropocentrists may wish to save these things for the benefits they
bring. But the environment is the wrong kind of primary target for an ethic. By
recognizing the intrinsic worth of nature, Rolston advocates for a shift in our
ethical framework, urging us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions
on the environment.8
Rolston values the wilderness so much as he is against anthropocentrism. That is because
it only shows the short-term self-interest of humans. Though not all, it is important to note that
these actions of humans contributed so much to the destruction of wilderness. As we continue to
expand our presence into natural areas, the lines between civilization and wilderness become
increasingly blurred, potentially disrupting the balance of these precious spaces. Then this will
affect the larger web of life. Meaning to say, it affects not only humans but also plants and
animals.

Species, Rolston went on to argue, are intrinsically valuable and are usually more
valuable than individual specimens, since the loss of a species is a loss of genetic
possibilities and the deliberate destruction of a species would show disrespect for
the very biological processes which make possible the emergence of individual
living things. Natural processes deserve respect, according to Rolston’s quasi-

8
Nicholas Bunnin, E Tsui-James, and Holmes Rolston, “The Blackwell Companion to Philosophy, 2 Nd Ed.
Environmental Ethics,” 2003.
 religious perspective, because they constitute a nature (or God) which is itself
intrinsically valuable (or sacred).9
Natural aesthetics, as explored by Rolston, goes beyond mere subjective preferences and
delves into the objective qualities of nature. It acknowledges that our aesthetic experiences of the
natural world are grounded in the inherent beauty and value that nature possesses. That is why he
argues that other organisms are as valuable as humans do. And so, he advocates for the
preservation of the wilderness as it reminds us of our interconnectedness and interdependence of
it.

Preservation of wilderness entails acknowledging the importance of respecting and

conserving the natural world. When we do the preservation, we are not only benefiting for its
results but all life forms in the web of life. That means to say, we allow the natural processes to
thrive and support diverse ecosystems. It is better to let the natural or evolutionary extinction of
the wilderness than we humans primarily cause the extinction. For this reason, when
encountering wild animals, humans are not necessarily responsible for alleviating any suffering
they may experience. As animals in the wild do not have an inherent entitlement to a pain-free
life, humans are not bound by a moral obligation to provide them with such. And so, we will be
able to have aesthetic experiences of the wilderness that are deeply rooted in the sense of awe
and wonder that arises when we encounter the untamed aspects of nature.

V. Contextualization

In our context in the seminary, though we are not really in the wilderness since we are in
the midst of the city, we find ourselves immersed in a unique setting that can be aptly described
as a wilderness within the city (semi-wilderness). The seminary possesses a captivating natural
aesthetic, enveloped by a lush tapestry of trees and plants. It is a sanctuary that invites us into its
embrace, with a minizoo that houses a variety of fascinating creatures. Everywhere we turn,
there are captivating landscapes that beckon our attention.

The presence of this captivating semi-wilderness serves as a reminder of the beauty and
harmony that can be found in the wilderness. This topic prompts us to realize the importance of
the semi-wilderness entrusted to us and the need to take appropriate action. And so, It is crucial

9
Andrew Brennan and Yeuk-Sze Lo, “Environmental Ethics (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy),” Stanford.edu,
December 3, 2021, https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-environmental/.
to cease the destruction of trees and plants, as well as to care for other living creatures within the
seminary compound. This responsibility extends to maintaining the surrounding plant life and
ensuring proper waste segregation and disposal. By taking these measures, not only does the
seminary benefit, but the wilderness itself reaps the rewards.

Engaging in these actions does not imply that one must be actively affiliated with
concrete organizations like the ApoEco Vanguard. It is not limited to a select group of
individuals. In fact, The power to make a difference lies within each individual, and it is not
contingent on being a part of an established group or association. The responsibility to protect
and preserve the environment is a collective one, and every person can play their part, regardless
of their perceived level of influence or resources. It is the small, everyday actions that can
contribute to the greater cause of environmental conservation. Therefore, even an ordinary
person can actively participate in promoting sustainability, nurturing the natural world, and
fostering a harmonious coexistence with our surroundings.

V. Conclusion

The wilderness is a symbol of unparalleled beauty, showcasing the grandeur and

complexity of nature in its purest form. It reminds us of the intrinsic value and importance of
unspoiled nature, free from human manipulation. By appreciating the captivating aesthetics of
the wilderness, we develop a deeper connection and respect for the environment, inspiring us to
protect it for future generations to come.

Furthermore, the beauty of nature motivates us to live in harmony with it, understanding
that our well-being is closely connected to the health of our ecosystems. This inspires us to adopt
sustainable habits, conserve resources, and protect the variety of life around us. The natural
aesthetic can evoke emotions, ignite creativity, and instill a sense of awe, leading us to become
responsible caretakers of the environment.

In the realm of environmental philosophy, the concept of wilderness and its natural
aesthetic pose a challenge to the dominant anthropocentric perspective that places human desires
and needs above everything else. They serve as a reminder of the inherent value of non-human
entities and the significance of preserving ecosystems for their own sake. By embracing the
philosophical and aesthetic aspects of wilderness, we can develop a more profound appreciation
for our interdependence with nature and work towards a more sustainable and balanced
relationship with the environment.

Ultimately, spending time in nature has the power to inspire us to become more
environmentally conscious and take steps to protect our planet. It allows us to reflect on our
connection with the environment and adopt a more comprehensive and eco-friendly approach.
Recognizing the importance of our natural surroundings and their inherent beauty can help us
preserve and safeguard the earth for future generations.
VI. Bibliography

defenders.org. “What You Should Know about Wilderness and Wildlife | Defenders of Wildlife.”
Accessed August 30, 2023. https://defenders.org/blog/2015/09/what-you-should-know-
about-wilderness-and-wildlife#:~:text=Wilderness%20areas%20are%20also
%20important.

Opdahl, Ellie. “A HUMAN-ENVIRONMENT SYSTEMS APPROACH to OUTDOOR

RECREATION, HUMAN BIOLOGICAL STRESS, and LANDSCAPE AESTHETICS,”
2018. https://scholarworks.boisestate.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=2526&context=td.

Wikipedia Contributors. “Aesthetics of Nature.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, November

15, 2019. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aesthetics_of_nature.

www.merriam-webster.com. “Definition of WILDERNESS,” n.d. https://www.merriam-

webster.com/dictionary/wilderness.

www.bu.edu. “20th WCP: Philosophical Beauty: The Sublime in the Beautiful in Kant’s Third
Critique and Aristotle’s Poetics,” n.d.
https://www.bu.edu/wcp/Papers/Aest/AestGilm.htm#:~:text=The%20sublime%2C%20by
%20contrast%2C%20according.

Burnham, Douglas. “Kant, Immanuel: Aesthetics | Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.”

Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, n.d. https://iep.utm.edu/kantaest/#:~:text=Kant
%20argues%20that%20beauty%20is.

Henry David, Thoreau. WALDEN. Illustrated by Clifton Johnson. New York: Thomas Y.
Crowell & CO., 1910.

Bunnin, Nicholas, E Tsui-James, and Holmes Rolston. “The Blackwell Companion to

Philosophy, 2 Nd Ed. Environmental Ethics,” 2003.

Brennan, Andrew, and Yeuk-Sze Lo. “Environmental Ethics (Stanford Encyclopedia of

Philosophy).” Stanford.edu, December 3, 2021. https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-
environmental/.

Wikipedia. “Holmes Rolston III,” July 25, 2023.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holmes_Rolston_III#cite_note-Diem_2012-10.