Lesson 4: The Human Person in the Environment

Let's Ponder

Look closely at the picture below.

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

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

Now examine the next picture.

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?

Let's Embark

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;

2. notice disorder in their environment;

3, notice things that are not in their proper places;

4. organize things in an aesthetic manner;

5. show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being, and sustainable development;
and

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

Inquire and Discover

Have you 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 state are
true for you and your community?

It is hotter now than it usually was during the summer months.

Typhoons are stronger and there is more rain during the rainy season.

We experience more flooding in our community. We evacuate our homes more frequently due to
natural calamities.

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

Scientists also monitor the changes in our environment. Their studies show that our world is changing
not for the better but for the worse, and humanity is responsible for this. But why are these things
happening to our world? How do our actions lead to negative effects on the environment? Should we
even worry about these changes at all, or is it 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 is a 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 a 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
yourself and 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 affect us.

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

Like the physical sciences, philosophy also seeks to explore the relationship between humanity and the
environment. Environmental philosophy or environmental ethics is the discipline in philosophy that
studies the moral relationship of human beings with the environment and its non-human contents.
Environmental philosophers tackle issues such as humanity's role in the natural world, the interaction
between nature and human activities, and humanity's 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 early 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,

It is 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.

As a rational being, the person is not only capable of transforming the world, but also of understanding
the laws which govern nature. It can be said that the world is a text which the person can read and
understand in order to live a better life. Because of this 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.

DISCUSS

1. Look around your community and school. Can you see evidence of changes in the environment
caused by people? Describe these changes.

2.. 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?

4. 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 land to grow crops, loggers clear forests for lumber, and mining companies dig
up land and even level mountains to access minerals and metals.

Biocentrism, on the other hand, believes that humans are not the only significant species on the planet,
and that all organisms have inherent 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 "Gaia Hypothesis", emphasize the important role of the 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 as a
dynamic source of change within his or her environment. Look around your classroom and reflect on the
state of your surroundings.

Do you consider your classroom clean and orderly? Will you be able to conduct your activities if your
classroom is messy and disorganized? As a responsible student and member of the school community,
how should you respond to this situation?

We benefit greatly from a clean and orderly environment. Clean and orderly surroundings contribute to
safety, well-being, and health, while dirty and disorderly surroundings result in disease or accidents.
Environmental aesthetics is one philosophical view that believes maintaining order in the environment
will bring out the natural beauty of the surroundings and contribute to the well-being of the people and
other organisms living in it. The appreciation of natural beauty brings about concern for the
environment and helps people relate more effectively with nature.

It cannot be denied, however, that disorder exists in our environment. Disorder can be brought about by
sudden changes in nature. For instance, natural calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic
eruptions, and landslides bring about destruction in our surroundings. These have a great effect on
human communities as these disrupt normal activities and result to damages to property and loss of
lives. On the other hand, human activities can also bring about disorder in our environment. The human
factor can be clearly seen in environmental problems such as pollution, environmental degradation, the
depletion of natural resources, global warming, and climate change. Human actions that contribute to
environmental problems include littering and improper use of resources. Communities that do not
practice proper waste disposal often have dirty surroundings, with garbage littered on the streets. The
accumulating garbage causes flooding 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 harmful actions contribute to disorder in our environment.

A 2014 study on global warming conducted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
finds clear evidence that human activities have contributed to the rise of global temperatures through
the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The report highlights the indications of global
warming such as steadily warming ocean temperatures and glacial melting in the Arctic. It warns that
unchecked global warming will result in climate change that has a severe and widespread impact on
communities throughout the world. Among the 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.

THINK

Form groups of five members each. Research on a specific environment problem happening in our
country. Analyze it using any of the major philosophical views. Discuss your work in class.

How can humanity address the damage inflicted on the environment?

One important development that arose during the late twentieth century was environmentalism. This
perspective advocates to address the growing environmental problems. Philosophy has a significant role
in the development of environmental awareness and action. Several ideas and perspectives regarding
environmental action have emerged.

One important philosophical view from environmentalism is environmental ethics. This is a moral
approach that analyzes the relationship between humans and the environment. It also discusses
environmental problems caused by human activities and social issues that impact the environment.

Have you ever thought about how your actions affect nature? When throwing away a piece of trash, do
you reflect on what will happen should you decide to just throw it anywhere in your school or
community? Do you see the importance of cleaning your surroundings, throwing trash properly,
segregating waste, and saving water?
Environmental ethics serves as a basis 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, it is our responsibility to 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 part of environmentalism is collective action spearheaded by environmental
call attention to environmental problems and environmental abuse.

The Development of Ethical Views Regarding the Environment

Environmental ethics emerged in the 1970s, 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.

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.

• Concepts such as climate ethics and climate justice arose from the growing concern with climate
change, and consider it a significant ethical, social, and political issue. These views were greatly
influenced by the concept of environmental justice, which refers to the fair distribution of
environmental benefits, as well as 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, concerned primarily 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 nights, 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
and 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.

The Philippines is a signatory to the Kyoto Protocol and our government has enacted laws to address
environmental problems that contribute to global warming such as the Clean Air Act of 1999, Ecological
Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, and the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act

THINK
Analyze the following situations and determine which of them show the right or moral choice with
regard to the 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. A 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 to 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 sustainability is that we must make wise decisions regarding
the use of natural resources to ensure that there is still enough left for future use.

You might have been told to finish all your food whenever your parents see that you have leftovers
on your plate. Have you ever wondered what happens to unconsumed food? Imagine, in a single day,
how many people throughout the world have leftovers. If we put these together, it might be as tall as a
mountain. According to a 2011 report by the World Food Programme, about one-third of the total food
supply is wasted throughout the world. In 2008, a study of the Philippine Rice Research Institute
estimates that every Filipino wastes about 3.2 kilograms of rice every year. That food could have fed
other people but sadly it often goes to waste. This fact highlights one important idea related to
sustainability: that the misuse of resources often means that other people do not get to benefit from it.

Look back at how you have been using other natural resources like water and electricity. Have you been
using them in a responsible and efficient manner? How can you improve the way you use resources to
make them more sustainable?

THINK

Reflect on how you and your family use natural resources at home. Copy the table and fill it out with the
appropriate responses.

Activities that show sustainable use of resources

Activities that show misuse of resources

Sustainability relies on three important principles: environmental integrity, economic 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 activities.
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
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.

Review

• 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 philosophy is a branch of philosophy that is concerned with the natural environment
and humanity’s role in the world, the interaction between nature and humans, and humss response to
environmental challenges.

• Major philosophical views regarding the person’s relationship with nature include anthropocentism
considers humans the most significant species on the planet, and that nature provides humankind with
the means to survive and develop. The biocentric 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 human 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 patterns throughout the
world. Climate change and it’s related effects are among the most important environmental issues we
face today.

• Environmentalism is a 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.

Assess

A. Write the letter of the correct answer on your paper.

1. This is the branch of philosophy that is concerned with the natural environment and humanity’s place
in it.

a. environmentalism

b. environmental philosophy

c. environmental aesthetics

d. environmental justice

2. This view considers man the most important species on the planet.

a. biocentrism

b. ecocentrism

c. anthropocentrism

d. environmentalism

3. This view believes that all organisms have inherent worth and should be valued and protected.

a. anthropocentrism

b. environmentalism

c. biocentrism

d. ecocentrism

4. This view places most value on ecosystems and biologicsl communities.

a. ecocentrism

b. biocentrism
c. environmentalism

d. anthropocentrism

5. Which of these statements about humankind and nature is NOT true?

a. Humankind can use natural resources without regard for the consequences.

b. Humankind has a unique relationship with nature.

c. Humans are able to transform and change the environment.

d. Humans are stewards of nature.

6. This perspective advocates action to address environmental problems.

a. biocentrism

b. environmentalism

c. ecocentrism

d. anthropocentrism

7. This is a moral approach in analyzing the relationship between humans and the environment.

a. environmental justice

b. environmental aesthetics

c. environmental philosophy

d. environmental ethics

8. Which of these statements does NOT reflect environmental ethics?

a. Man must take action to solve environmental problems.

b. Natural disasters are unrelated to human activities.

c. We should reflect on how our actions show regard for nature.

d. We must uphold the welfare of the environment and everything in it.

9. This concept refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits and the burden of addressing
environmental challenges.

a. environmental aesthetics

b. environmental justice

c. environmental ethics

d. environmental philosophy

10. Which of these statements is NOT related to sustainable development?

a. Human activities must not negatively impact the environment.

b. Natural resources must be used wisely and efficiently.

c. Resources must be conserved for other people.

d. Humankind must use up all natural resources.

B. Write an essay explaining how you will apply prudence and frugality in using natural resources at
home, in school, and in year community. Cite a situation where these values can help address
environmental problems and describe how your actions will contribute to solving the problem. Share
your essay in class.

C. Make a personal commitment to sustainability and environmentalism. Create a poster showing the
actions that you can do to uphold environmentalism in your community. Share your work in class.
Reflect

Do you believe that humankind has done enough to address the challenge of climate change? What
more should we do to ensure that climate change will be resolved?

Apply

• Choose a view in environmental philosophy and draw a political cartoon depicting this view, its main
ideas, and how it sees humanity in relation to the environment. Present and discuss your work in class.

• Research on a particular environmental organization or movement and identify its main objectives and
some of its projects. Identify its most notable achievements and give suggestions as to how it can
further improve its effects. Present your work in class.

• Discuss with your family the ways that will enable you to wisely and efficiently use natural resources at
home. Come up with an actions plan and implement is with them. Write down your experiences in
implementing the plan in your reflection journal.