University of San Jose – Recoletos

Senior High School Department

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

• Notice the disorder in an

environment
Most Essential Learning • Notice things that are not in their
Distinguish opinion from truth
Competencies proper place and organize them
in an aesthetic way

• Show that care for the • Demonstrate the virtues of

Realizeenvironment
that the contributes
methods of to Evaluate truth and
prudence fromfrugality
opinions in
philosophy lead
health, to wisdom
well-being and and different situations
towards using the
environment
truth sustainable development methods of philosophizing

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Environmental Philosophy – it is the branch of philosophy that is
concerned with the natural environment and humanity’s place within.

The major issues tackled by Environmental

Philosophy are:
❑ humanity’s role in the natural world
❑ interaction between nature and
human activities
❑ humanity’s response to environmental
challenges

VARIOUS VIEWS REGARDING THE ROLE OF MAN IN NATURE

Anthropocentrism
Deep ecology
Theological views

It is the belief that humans are

the central and most significant
species on the planet. Humans
are considered as the primary
cause that drives changes in the
environment.

MAN IS THE MEASURE OF ALL

THINGS”
Let’s Ponder
1. What are the various Philosophical view on nature and man’s
relationship with the environment?
2. How do these Philosophical views consider the effect of
human activities on the environment?

The natural world as being maintained by the interrelationship

among living organisms and that every living thing on the planet is
dependent on each other for survival

❑ For deep ecology we are always one with nature. We do not own
the Earth but rather we belong to it as part of a whole.

Hold that mankind is intended to live in

harmony with all creation. The Bible
says that God created man and
granted him dominion over all
creatures and tasked him to subdue
the earth (Gen. 1;26-28)

❑ This DOMINION did not mean exploitation and destruction but

rather to care for nature and the environment, enhance it and
contribute to its growth and development
 Current Philosophical discussions, coupled with scientific studies,
point to the increasing negative impact of human activities on the
condition of our planet.

❑ The HUMAN FACTOR can be clearly seen in environmental

problems, such as pollution, environmental degradation. Depletion
of natural resources, global warming, climate change.

Environmental Aesthetics

A perspective which applies

philosophical concepts of beauty in
discussing nature

In the face of the realities of

climate change policymakers
have sought insights from
philosophers on the development
of programs that will effectively
deal with the degradation of the
environment.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

All improvements in the economic, scientific, physical and social

infrastructure of any country should not harm to the environment.

❑ Sustainability implies that man is able to provide for his basic

needs today without compromising the future generations.

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS

Emerged in the 1970’s and advocated human responsibility and

action with regard to environmental issues. It emphasizes key ideas
that combine philosophical, pragmatic, and theological
perspectives.

❑ Nonhuman elements includes- animals, natural resources,

have intrinsic value and should be preserved.

❑ The preservation of environment is beneficial to humans, as

it continue to provide for the present and future generations.

❑ Man has a responsibility to safeguard the planet as it has

been entrusted to him by GOD.

SOCIAL ECOLOGY – Applies ecological and ethical approach in

analyzing society, and sees a relationship between:
 ❑ Social Problems

❑ Environmental Problems

Society, should therefore, implement changes in order to address

issues regarding environment.

ENVIRONMENTAL
JUSTICE

Refers to the fair

treatment and
meaningful
involvement of all
people regardless of
race, color, sex,
national origin, or
income with respect
to

❑ development,

❑ implementation,

❑ enforcement of
environmental laws,
regulations, and
policies.

CLIMATE JUSTICE

❑ Refers to the fair treatment of all people and freedom from

discrimination with the creation of policies and projects that seek
to address and mitigate the impact of climate change.

Protecting the environment means that we value the life of each

human being, now and in the future.
 Justice requires that we give equal consideration to each human life.
All persons, now and in the future are entitled to inhabit a planet
that is fully livable

It is therefore our responsibility to do what is morally necessary in

order to help protect the planet from the threat of climate change.
The most fundamental task at hand of humans is the moral
responsibility.

Frugality-Characterized by
being thrifty or economical in
the consumption of
consumable resources such
as food, time or money, and
avoiding waste, lavishness or
extravagance

Prudence- the ability to

govern and discipline oneself
by the use of reason
Brainstorm on ways mankind can address an Environmental
issue

Environmental
Issue