Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

Lesson 4: The Human Person in the Environment

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. .

There are three major views regarding the relationship between

humanity and the environment. One view, anthropocentrism, focuses

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

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 particular 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 our 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,
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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

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.

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.

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

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 groups that 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

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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

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 rights, 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.

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. Que 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 left for future use.

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 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 is the ability
to regulate one's actions and behavior, while frugality is being thrifty with the use of one's resources. Reflect
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Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person by Roberto D. Abella, M.Div., D.Min.

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?