Philosophy

• Man - the general term commonly used to refer to the entire human race.
• Human - refers to man as a species - homo sapiens sapiens or modern human beings.
• Human Being - is also to distinguish man from other animals.
• Person - refers to human being granted recognition of certain right, protection, responsibilities, and dignity, above all. the totality of an individual, possessing awareness, self-determination and the capacity to interact.
• Personhood - the state of being a person
• Human Nature - a general term refers to the deepest and natural behavior of a person that distinguish human from animals. A collective traits that formed and considered the very essence of humanity. nobody can be considered man without human nature.
• The Physical Self (something can be seen in his/her physical appearance) which deals with the essential features of the human way of life or THE WHO OF A PERSON which includes his/her body type, strength and appearances.
• The Cognitive Self (something within and cannot be physically seen) is the essential components of a human persons that deals with THE WHAT OF A PERSON which includes human persons belief, desire, dreams, and intentions.
• embodied spirit - is an animating core living within each of us.

  • it is known to be the driving force behind what we actually think, do and say.
• Spirit - this intangible element enables us to exercise thought, possess awareness, interiority, and the capacity to reach out to the outside world and other persons.
• Embodiment - the representation or expression of something in a tangible or visible form, enables us to do and experience all the things that make us human person
• SELF-AWARENESS - refers to person having a clear perception of oneself, including his/her thoughts, emotions, identity and actions

  • it is the ability of one’s consciousness to look inward thus discovering the presence of a self.
  • The human person is defined by a deeper awareness that is driven by rationality or human thought. A person is aware of both his or her surroundings and himself or herself
• EXTERNALITY - it is the capability of a person to reach out and interact with others and the world.

  • The relization that we are not alone and that there are indeed other people around us enables us to reach out and establish meaningful relationships with others.
  • Philosophers consider man as a social being and that a person never exist in isolation.
• SELF-DETERMINATION -it refers to the capability of persons to make choices and decisions based on their own preferences, monitor and regulate their actions, and be goal-oriented and self-directed. we are persons because we act and we are aware of our actions.
• FREE WILL - is the capability to choose a course of action from various alternatives.
• Consequence - is the result or effect of an action or condition. Philosophers believe that a person acts freely and with due regard for the consequences of his or her actions
• Morality - is the “goodness” or “badness” of an act.
• DIGNITY - it is the innate rigth to be valued and respected. Philosophers consider all humans as having an inherent worth or value.

  • each person is worth the same as another person in the sense that every person is priceless, unique, unrepeatable and irreplaceable.
• TRASCENDENCE - As human persons, we have natural tendencies or inclinations. some of these are felt bodily functions like hunger, fatigue, etc. Transcendence means overcoming oneself or being in control even if the body reminds us of certain tendencies. although these tendencies are felt, the person can govern them and ensure that they are exercised within the bounds of reason.
• ANTHROPOCENTRISM - Focuses on the significant role of human kind 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.
• BIOCENTRISM - Believes that humans are not 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.
• ECOCENTRISM - Places great value on ecosystem 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.
• ENVIRONMENTAL AESTHETICS - 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.
• SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT - Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future generations.
• ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRITY - refers to maintaining the state of the environment. this means that human activities should not disrupt the ecosystem and human communities located in the area.
• ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY - refers to prudence in decision making regarding the use of resources to ensure that the is minimum to zero waste.
• Prudence - ability to regulate one ’ s actions and behavior.
• Frugality - being thrifty with the use of one ’ s resources.
• EQUITY - Demands that we use our natural resources in such a manner that these are conserved so that the next generation wil be able to use them.
• DEEP ECOLOGY - Arne Naess, proponent of Deep ecology, assumes that all living things possess equal value and intrinsic worth regardless of their usefulness or utility to other beings.

  • This is experiencing ourselves as part of the living earth and finding our role in protecting the planet.
• SOCIAL ECOLOGY - Murray Bookchin, proponent of Social ecology, believes that ecological problems can be traced to social problems.

  • Societies that are structured around hierarchies as well as economic classes use their authority to dominate natural resources and exploit the environment for profit and self-interest
• ECOFEMINISM - Francoise d’Eaubonne, it assumes that male-centered view of nature is the root cause of ecological problems.

  • To address environmental problems humanity has to remove the superior vs. inferior in human relations