lesson 3

• THE HUMAN PERSON 

  —does not only interact with his fellow human beings but also with other living and non-living elements in our environment. He is granted not only with the privilege to exploit the natural world but also to manage it and take care of it. He can significantly affect the environment in the same way that changes in the environment can affect him. This concern is the focus of Environmental philosophy.
• ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY

  is also called environmental ethics.
• ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY It is the discipline that studies the moral relationship of human beings with the environment and its non-human contents. It is the science that deals with issues concerning humanity’s role in the world, the interaction between nature and humans and human response to environmental changes.
• ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY Philosophers believe that persons have special relationship with nature because of their rationality. They are not only part of nature, but they can also shape, transform, and cultivate it
• There are three views regarding the relationship between humanity and the environment:

  1. Anthropocentrism

  2. Biocentrism

  3. Ecocentrism
• ANTHROPOCENTRISM

  •  considers humans as the most significant species on the planet and that they are free to transform nature and use its resources to suit their needs.
• ANTHROPOCENTRISM Sample applications of this view are the farmlands being converted to commercial and residential spaces, mining companies digging up lands, loggers clearing forests for lumber, and construction companies leveling mountains to build dams.
• BIOCENTRISM

  • is a philosophical and ethical premise that all living organisms should be considered as equals. This means that the human person is not the most significant species on the planet because all other organisms share such inherent value and therefore should be equally protected. Consider the Animal Welfare Act that recognizes the rights of animals to be treated kindly. Such is an example of the application of this view. 
• ECOCENTRISM

  • 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 is an ethical stance that argues that ecological concern should be of utmost priority in making decisions affecting the environment. Most environmental policies of the government are based on ecocentric perspective.  
• • Practically speaking, anthropocentrism is the view applied by most people as we observe our surroundings but ecocentrism seems to be the most ideal since this view promotes the idea that order and balance in nature bring about stability and beauty
• • Ecocentrism is the key pathway to sustainability. Sustainability would mean reconciling human activities and economic development with the protection of the environment. It rests on the premise that we must make wise decisions regarding the use of natural resources to ensure that there is still enough left for future use
• 1. ENVIRONMENTAL INTEGRITY

   - refers to maintaining the state of the environment. This means that human activities should not disrupt the ecosystem or impact the surrounding landscapes of a particular area.
• 1. ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY 

  refers to being discreet in decision-making regarding the use of resources to ensure that there is minimum waste to zero waste 
• •  EQUITY - demands that we use our natural resources in such a manner that these are conserved so that the next generation will be able to use them.
• 1. PRUDENCE  - the ability to have good judgment that allows avoidance of dangers and risks, exercising caution and conforming to reason and decency.
• 1. FRUGALITY  - the quality of being thrifty or economical in the consumption of resources and avoiding waste, lavishness, or extravagance.
• Think of it.

  It cannot be denied that these values and principles are needed because the environment is nearing destruction as evidenced by climate change and extreme weather conditions to name a few. The human person must personally contribute in its conservation and preservation being the one responsible in safeguarding the planet and as stewards of creation.