The Human Person in

the Environment
Intro to Philosophy of the Human Person
Tr. Angelyn Lingatong
Written Work 1

 Describe what you see. Would you like to visit this place? What will you do when you go
to this place?
Written Work 1

Describe what you see. Do you see yourself staying near this picture? Do you
imagine yourself doing the same things you imagine doing in the first picture?
How does philos0phy defines the person’s
relationship with the environment?
Environmental Philosophy
or Environment Ethics-
discipline in the philosophy
that studies the moral
relationship of human beings
with the environment and its
non-human contents.
 Three major views regarding the relationship
between humanity and environment
1. 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 it resources.
 Three major views regarding the relationship
between humanity and environment
2. Biocentrism – 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
organziations that advocate ethical treatment of
animals.
 Three major views regarding the relationship
between humanity and environment
3. Ecocentrism – places a great value on
ecosystems and biological communities.
This view believes the humankind is
part of greater biological system or
community and we have significant role
as stewards or guardians of nature
Environmental Aesthetics – philosophical
view that believes in the 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.
How can humanity address the damage
inflicted on the environment?

Environmentalism –
perspective that advocates to
address the growing
environmental problems.
Environmental Ethics – important
philosophical view on environmentalism, 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.
 Written work 2

 Analyze the following situations and determine which of them show the right of moral choice with regard
to the environment.
 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 subdivision. During
Construction hundreds of trees where uprooted and streams were covered with cement.
 3. Local official led a campaign to set aside several hectares of forested land in thier city as watershed
area. This area was declared off limits to loggers and miners
 4. An animal shelter partnered with local government to conduct free vaccination drivers 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?

 Sustainabilityor Sustainable Development – this concept focuses

on reconciling human activities and economic development with
the protection of the environment.
 It relies on three important principles:
 Environmental Integrity – refers to maintainining the state of the
environment.
What can I do to uphold
environmentalism and care for nature?

 Economic Effeciency – refers to Prudence in decision making

regarding the use of the resources to ensure there is minimum to
zero waste.
 Equity – demands 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 – ability to regulate
ones action and behavior
FRUGALITY – is being thrifty
with the use of one’s resources.