Para-synthesis

Paper

AGARCIO, Ralph Vinze D.C

2019-03614
BSE- Filipino Language Education
Tristan C. Orbeta, M.A. Ed.
October 19, 2020
Tab
le
Part I: Indigenous Knowledge and Practices………...…3
Four Pics and Your Story…………………………..4
Synthesis…………………………………………….5
Reflection…………………………………………….6

of Resources……………………………………………7
Sources of Image………………………………..….9

Part II: Environmental Ethics and Justice….………......10

Con
Four Pics and Your Story……………………….…11
Synthesis……………………………………………12
Reflection………………………………………...…13
Resources…………………………………………..14

tent Sources of Image………………………………..…15

Part III: Patterns and Cycles in Nature….….………......16

Four Pics and Your Story……………………….…17

s Synthesis……………………………………………18
Reflection………………………………………...…19
Resources…………………………………………..20
Sources of Image………………………………..…21
Part IV: Animal Behavior and Society…........................22
Four Pics and Your Story……………………….…23
Synthesis……………………………………………24
Reflection………………………………………...…25
Resources…………………………………………..26
Sources of Image………………………………..…27
 P
A
Indigenous
Knowledge and
R
Practices
T
I
 1 Pakalugkog
My late grandfather, who was a farmer used a
traditional method called pakalugkog in dealing with
one of the rice field pests – maya birds. It was done
by pulling the rope with cans hanged between four
poles plotted at the two sides of the rice field, thus
creating a distracting sound for the birds. Later on
the mayas became resistant with this method giving
way for the use of kuwitis (firecrackers) which is way
more effective than pakalugkog. This process
manifests a uniquely agricultural practice that was
passed down because of their experience and
innovation.
3 The Amulet
There are amulets we use in our family, an example
of this is my father’s amulet that came from Negros.
My father who has a recurring pain on the lower part
of his body sought the help of a folk healer who
made the amulet from dried mountain figs and
branches while performing a ritual ceremony. It is
always worn by him around the lower abdomen and
sometimes as a necklace. The pain was relatively
alleviated but still persists despite the use of the
amulet. Drawing the line between science and
folkways is made by this kind of practices.
4 PARASYNTHESIS PAPER
2 Pagpapausok
Mango trees are also abundant in the province of
Bulacan that is why it is very a crucial process to
make these trees healthy and fruitful. An indigenous
method called pagpapausok was employed to boost
the flowering of the mango trees. This method was
scientifically proven to be effective because of the
organic substances contained in the smoke of the
burning dried mango leaves. Surface cutting is also
done on the branches of the tree because it is
believed that cuttings will also make flowering fast,
thus the producing of mangoes. These practices
exhibits the intersection of science and tradition.
4 Alagaw Leaves
I myself was treated with the use of alagaw (Prema
odorata), a healthcare method for flatulence. The
coconut oil collected was applied to alagaw leaves.
These leaves will then be placed near a candlelight
until it is warm enough to be placed on the abdomen.
The process will be repeated for several times until
the gassy feeling inside the body reduces. This old
method claimed to have successful results, the
reason why other families adapted such practice
when one of them experiences flatulence. This
phenomenon leads us to an idea that indigenous
practices could be an instrument of scientific
investigation.
 Synthesis
Indigenous knowledge and practices in the Philippines are mostly
found on agriculture and medicine. Agriculture which greatly partakes in
the country’s development entails the experiences of every farmer to
provide a bountiful harvest which includes unique practices such as
pakalugkog and pagpapausok, honed by interacting with the
environment which soon produces innovative idea and techniques.

These indigenous knowledge and practices heavily rely on

medicine. The Philippines has a broad spectrum of cultural beliefs
creating a special place for folk healing and the use of herbal medicine.
Folk healing entails the use of amulets and ritual ceremonies that varies
in every region. Herbal medicine is widely used as an adaptation of the
Western medicine that was passed down and Filipinos adapted. An
example of this is the use of alagaw leaves for flatulence and other
medicinal plants to treat common Filipino diseases.

The society will inevitably see the implication of these developed

knowledge and practices in science and technology. Some of these may
be invalidated by scientific reasoning or investigation but it is also
important to note that these practices can be further studied and
preserved through science thus, forming an interrelatedness despite the
major changes brought by industrialization and commercialization.

5 PARASYNTHESIS PAPER
Reflection
The Epilogue of the Story

Preserving indigenous knowledge and practices is left as a

challenge for the Filipinos. It is an established fact that the country is a
home for agricultural practices and innovation many of which are
inspired from the old practices of farming of the indigenous tribes in
Cordillera. Irrigation, owning a farmland, low cost of rice are few of the
major causes for the farmers to resort to inexpensive machineries.
Adding the fact that these natural methods are difficult to execute since
commercialization of lands are imminent and expanding. Thus, the role
of these practices will be further developed and will continue if there is a
sufficient support from the government.

The role of medicinal practices and knowledge is already etched in

the history of the country. It is important to note that before the
colonizers came, the Philippines already had its own healthcare system.
Adapting the role of science and technology is no disadvantageous until
these practices will be disregarded, subordinated and undocumented.
Hence, the role of the modern medicine is to appreciate these
techniques to have a better understanding of country’s capacity in
disease treatment.

A true preservation of these techniques can be acquired through a

collective effort to educate and cater everyone’s curiosity.
 Resources
6 PARASYNTHESIS PAPER

Abad, P. J. B., Tan, M. L., Baluyot, M. M. P., Villa, A. Q., Talapian, G. L., Reyes, M.
E., Suarez, R. C., Sur, A. L. D., Aldemita, V. D. R., Padilla, C. D., & Laurina,
M. Y. (2014). Cultural beliefs on disease causation in the Philippines:
challenge and implications in genetic counseling. National Center for
Biotechnology Information, 5(4), 399–407.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4159471/#Sec2title

Balangcod, T. D., & Balangcod, A. K. D. (2011). Ethnomedical knowledge of plants

and healthcare practices among the Kalanguya tribe in Tinoc, Ifugao, Luzon,
Philippines. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 10(2), 227–238.
http://nopr.niscair.res.in/handle/123456789/11497

Camacho, L. D., Gevaña, D. T., Carandang, +.A.P., & Camacho, S. C. (2015).

Indigenous knowledge and practices for the sustainable management of
Ifugao forests in Cordillera, Philippines. International Journal of Biodiversity
Science, Ecosystem Services & Management, 12, 4–13.
https://doi.org/10.1080/21513732.2015.1124453

Flor, A. G. (2013). Exploring the downside of open knowledge resources: The case
of indigenous knowledge systems and practices in the Philippines. Open
Praxis, 5(1), 75–80.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270019408_Exploring_the_downsid
e_of_open_knowledge_resources_The_case_of_indigenous_knowledge_syst
ems_and_practices_in_the_Philippines

International Labor Organization. (1995). Indigenous knowledge systems and

practices among selected Philippine ethic groups and their promotion through
cooperatives. Inter-Regional Programme to Support Self-Reliance of
Indigenous and Tribal Communities through Cooperatives and Other Self-
 Help Organizations, 25–36. https://www.ilo.org/wcmsp5/groups/public/---
asia/---ro-bangkok/---ilo-manila/documents/publication/wcms_542426.pdf

Mazzocchi F. (2006). Western science and traditional knowledge: Despite their

variations, different forms of knowledge can learn from each other. EMBO Rep.
7(5): 463–466

8 PARASYNTHESIS PAPER
 Sources of
Image
First Picture

Reddit.com. (2018). Tin Can [Photograph].

Https://Www.Reddit.Com/r/ATBGE/Comments/7cdigr/This_1000_sterli
ng_silver_tin_can_from_tiffany_co/Dpq2xqc/.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ATBGE/comments/7cdigr/this_1000_sterling_
silver_tin_can_from_tiffany_co/dpq2xqc/

Shutterstock. (n.d.). Rice Field in The Philippines [Photograph]. Shutterstock.

https://ak.picdn.net/shutterstock/videos/6262250/thumb/1.jpg

Second Picture

Haiti Virtual Tourist. (n.d.). Smoke [Photograph]. Haiti - Coupe Pye Mango
Pou Fe Shabon. http://www.haitivirtualtourist.com/haiti-photos/haiti-
coupe-pye-mango-pou-fe-shabon.html

Third and Fourth Picture

The third and fourth picture are owned by Ralph Vinze D.C Agarcio.
 P
9 PARASYNTHESIS PAPER

A
Environmental
Ethics and Justice
R
T
II
 1 Marilao River
Marilao River, one of the most polluted river in the
Philippines became the subject of some of our
researches in high school pertaining to heavy metals
such as lead and cobalt located on it. It is a
manifestation of anthropocentrism considering the life
of marine animals before it entirely gets polluted or
even the health of the residents near the river.
Despite these, the residents still recognize the
economic benefits they obtain from working in these
factories that house toxic materials and dispose of
heavy metals – a weighing factor for one to be
reluctant to get involved in environmental protection.
3 Spratly Visit
This photo was taken on the clean-up drive held in
Spratly, an area in our barangay which is only
accessible by boat. This was conducted in
collaboration with the school community and Institute
of Skin Divers of Ateneo de Manila University. When
I found this photo in Facebook, I was delighted
because that island is oftentimes unnoticeable thus
the barangay services are not completely delivered.
This program is a way of stewardship because of this
2 Gina Lopez
Gina Lopez was an icon of eco-centrism manifested in
her advocacies. I really admire her show ‘G Diaries’
that features some Filipinos effort to preserve and
protect the environment through their small or large-
scale initiatives. Aside from valuing the welfare of the
children, she indeed spent her life pushing for a
sustainable ways of utilizing our natural resources.
She also fought against the mining companies during
her term as the DENR secretary. I myself also
consider her as an epitome of ecofeminism because
of the message she left -- to strive to be a steward for
the environment.
4 Geoffy’s Travel
Geoffy is our second Persian cat. At first, I was
worried because he will be from Laguna and that
place is miles away from Bulacan. He had to be on a
stop-over in Quezon City to not get stressed in his
journey. I asked my cousin whether he was safely
placed in a cage or was put in a well-conditioned
area of a vehicle while he was being transported. I
know that these things are vital considering their
 Synthesis
11 PARASYNTHESIS PAPER

Environmental ethics and justice involve the humankind’s

significant participation in its implications and development.
Anthropocentrism, a human-centered perspective generated an array of
misguided perceptions that compromised other biotic and abiotic
components. These perceptions came to reality through urbanization
and industrialization leading to severe environmental impacts leading but
not limited to air, water and land pollution. On the other hand, eco-
centrism addresses the problem of anthropocentrism by placing values
to all creations not just only for the living (biocentrism). This may include
ecofeminism in which breaking the domination of destructive operations
perpetuating the loss of habitat like mining, as Gina Lopez had done.

Through a collective action, a good environmental stewardship can

be achieved motivated by one’s perspective or expected outcome. The
effort of non-government organizations to raise environmental concerns
and initiate programs is an example. Part of being a good steward is the
consideration of animal’s lives by acknowledging their rights through an
established law like R.A 8485 or the Animal’s Welfare Act of 1985 in the
Philippines.
 Eco-centrism serves as an umbrella for the succeeding concepts
to reach its fulfilment if and only if people will learn to properly utilize the
resources the world provides for them.

Reflection
12 PARASYNTHESIS PAPER

Beyond the Products We Purchase

Majority of the people holds an anthropocentric worldview as if

their environment is only owned by them. The products that we buy
unfortunately after using them, contributed to an increasing level of flood
every year but people get surprised as if they are not also the culprit.
The people consume mostly these products for short-term—a cause for
the number of wastes to significantly skyrocket as the human population.

We only hope for the 3R’s effect but this is only a part of a bigger
picture. If people continually disposes wastes and the needs for these
products grows stronger, the principle of 3Rs may be undermined. We
campaign through the principles of deep ecology yet a lot of people
chose to ignore the environment’s situation. The world needs a better
treatment from humans and humans will do their part through education.

A good stewardship starts from the little houses of us. To reduce at

least the adverse effects of this continual production is to think for those
 outside our established walls. Otherwise, an eco-centric view will remain
theoretical.

Resources
13 PARASYNTHESIS PAPER

Bennett, Nathan & Whitty, Tara & Finkbeiner, Elena & Pittman, Jeremy & Bassett,
Hannah & Gelcich, Stefan & Allison, Edward. (2018). Environmental
Stewardship: A Conceptual Review and Analytical Framework.
10.31230/osf.io/tb85n.

Besthorn, F. H., & McMillen, D. P. (2002). The Oppression of Women and Nature:
Ecofeminism as a Framework for an Expanded Ecological Social Work.
Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Human Services, 83(3),
221–232. https://doi.org/10.1606/1044-3894.20

Kopnina, Helen & Washington, Haydn & Taylor, Bron & Piccolo, John. (2018).
Anthropocentrism: More than Just a Misunderstood Problem. Journal of
Agricultural and Environmental Ethics. 10.1007/s10806-018-9711-1.

R.A 8485. (1998, February 11). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines.
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/1998/02feb/19980211-RA-8485-
FVR.pdf

Rottman, J. (2014, August 20). Breaking down biocentrism: two distinct forms of
moral concern for nature. PubMed Central (PMC).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4138930/

Uy, M. (2014, May 31). Animal welfare organizations in the Philippines. The
GUIDON. https://www.theguidon.com/1112/main/2013/10/animal-welfare-
organizations-in-the-philippines/
 Washington, H., Taylor, B., Kopnina, H., Cryer, P., & Piccolo, J. J. (2017). Why
ecocentrism is the key pathway to sustainability. The Ecological Citizen, 1,
35–41.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315580893_Why_ecocentrism_is_th
e_key_pathway_to_sustainability

Sources of
14 PARASYNTHESIS PAPER

Image
First Picture

Celis, N. (2017, March 18). Marilao River Pollution [Photograph]. The Asean
Post. https://www.theaseanpost.com/sites/default/files/7120.jpg

Second Picture

ABS-CBN. (2019, August 28). Gina Lopez [Photograph]. Postively Filipino.

https://images.squarespace-
cdn.com/content/v1/508da03be4b0d28844ddf21c/1566992426922-
T3KNU3CAQ9U4J6LV6976/ke17ZwdGBToddI8pDm48kDMH1sRHgYvtoA
Wo1uasCeVZw-
zPPgdn4jUwVcJE1ZvWQUxwkmyExglNqGp0IvTJZamWLI2zvYWH8K3-
s_4yszcp2ryTI0HqTOaaUohrI8PID4Q5-1ZXJSgBJuHFlPifoDFrQ1EUh-
R7BtvRHdUbZX4KMshLAGzx4R3EDFOm1kBS/Gina+Lopez+DENR.jpg?
format=1500w

Third Picture
 Lalic, A. D. (2017, September 9). Greener Atlag Project [Photograph]. Facebook.
https://scontent.fcrk3-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-
9/21430618_278869452612681_9183710230802462627_n.jpg?
_nc_cat=104&_nc_sid=8bfeb9&_nc_eui2=AeHGpDl8SiTG5p-
HK3DOYewUed8befamZy953xt59qZnL8DhI55-
4SKyn7QP9HdzBaILlSauq1-
9oC48v8Td4dBJ&_nc_ohc=1U2PHCMEFR8AX9XedKp&_nc_ht=scontent
.fcrk3-1.fna&oh=94bbc5c6f6717f1330fd06d905d376de&oe=5FA97E0C

P
Fourth Picture

The fourth picture is owned by Ralph Vinze D.C Agarcio

A
15 PARASYNTHESIS PAPER

R and
Patterns
Cycles
T in Nature

III
 1 Migratory Birds
I watched on TV that the coming of migratory birds
are seen in the Philippines. Some of them were
found in Pampanga, a province rich also in farmlands
and agriculture. An example of them is the Kentish
plovers that resembles the appearance of a
Philippine maya. According to the Haribon
foundation, these phenomena occurs as a signal of
the amihan season or northeast monsoon. It is
generally a pattern that is followed by these migratory
birds in changing their habitat temporarily.
Additionally, these birds may exhibit this seasonal
rhythm which is heavily influenced by the cues in
their environment.
2 Tree Cutting
This image shows the start of tree-cutting, particularly
the mangroves in Barangay Taliptip, Bulakan, a
nearby town to our city, in which the Aerotropolis
airport will be built. The primary concern in this agenda
is the disruption it may cause to hydrological cycles
given that Bulacan is also experiencing frequent heavy
rains in a year. This activity is considered as land
covering which directly affects the vegetation and the
water runoff once the trees and plants located there
will be vanished. Also, the people and animals residing
on the area will be negatively affected.
 3 Carbon Emission 4 Organic Fertilizers

This was my pre-pandemic weekly experience when I
go back to my dormitory in Los Banos. Smoke
belching vehicles including also the private ones have
contributed to the increase in temperature. A good
comparison is the temperature felt when travelling to
Los Banos taking first the great Manila divide. The air
is significantly cooler in Los Banos because of trees
and minimal urbanized areas, while on Manila, I could
not even stand a straight walk for half an hour on the
streets. This only leads us that these emissions affect
the carbon cycle leading to a rapid change in
temperature.
During this quarantine period, we became plantitos
and plantitas. The growth of our plants is really a
success and a fulfilment that is why we purchased
organic fertilizers. Little did I know that these kind of
fertilizers are rich in nitrogen which is being added to
the process of nitrogen cycle in the atmosphere.
These fertilizers may also cause water acidification
when exposed to coastal areas and diminished
amount of calcium and other minerals on the soil.
Indeed, it has its own advantages by boosting the
plant’s growth but considering its environmental
effects is much essential and holistic.

Synthesis
17
PARASYNTHESIS

Biological rhythms are what the living organisms particularly

human and animals need to maintain homeostasis. Circannual rhythm is
an example that involves fluctuations and hormonal changes. In
connection with this, seasonal rhythms associated with birds rely with
environmental cues available for their activities (e.g migration). These
cues are heavily influenced by global warming, an effect of human’s
intervention. Some of them are too early to migrate and mismatches of
growth between them and their prey lead to their decreased number.

These chain of effects of human intervention also involves a

sudden change in hydrological cycle because of deforestation and land
covering – an agent of commercialization. A factor for transpiration of
 plants and water runoff to disrupt in a specific area. Urbanization plays a
remarkable role in society’s progress. Consequently, it also top notched
when it comes to amount of emitted carbon dioxide supported by burning
of fossil fuels and carbon-emitting vehicles. Production of nitrogen
through fertilizers and other human activities speed up nitrogen fixation
thus, adding a significant amount in the atmosphere which in turn results
to global warming.

The increasing demand of society is inevitable; however, adapting

innovative techniques like bioremediation potentially addresses this
system disruption.

Reflection
18
PARASYNTHESIS

Should Humans Still Continue Their Activities?

It is important to take note that these patterns and cycles sustained

the planet billion years ago. Humans have the capacity to reduce the
effects of this harmful interventions. The following solutions may be
considered.

Instead of converting a large area of trees to a hall of buildings,

areas that may have a poor vegetation and low level of flora and fauna
could be considered. If land covering is really a necessity, pipes to allow
the water’s runoff during a storm or a typhoon connected to the local
canals may be considered to avoid severe flooding. Public and private
vehicles apparently contribute to the emission of larger amount of carbon
dioxide to the atmosphere. Carpooling, using public utility vehicles and
 number coding is necessary. Instead of using nitrogen-rich fertilizers,
explore other innovations as an alternative, modify the current farm
practices, and reduce fossil fuel combustion.

Choosing to continue these industrial processes may be a practical

decision for humanity’s sake. We cannot deny that through these
operations, the energy and other basic needs that we have can be
obtained. However, we cannot subordinate the value of these natural
processes occurring in the environment.

19
PARASYNTHESIS
Resources
Bailey, A. M., Demas, G. E., & Kriegsfeld, L. J. (2014). Biological rhythms. Reference
Module in Biological Sciences, 1–6.
https://demaslab.files.wordpress.com/2018/01/bailey-et-al-2014-br.pdf

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (2019). Carbon cycle.

https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/climate/carbon-cycle#:
%7E:text=Human%20activities%20have%20a%20tremendous,of%20carbon
%20into%20the%20atmosphere.&text=The%20ocean%20absorbs%20much
%20of,released%20from%20burning%20fossil%20fuels.

Spring. (1997). Human alteration of the global nitrogen cycle: Causes and
consequences. Issues in Ecology, 1, 1–15. https://www.esa.org/esa/wp-
content/uploads/2013/03/issue1.pdf

Zhou, Tian & Haddeland, Ingjerd & Nijssen, Bart & Lettenmaier, Dennis. (2016).
Human-Induced Changes in the Global Water Cycle: Natural and Human-
Induced Impacts. 10.1002/9781118971772.ch4.
 20

Sources of
PARASYNTHESIS

Image
First Picture

Quimpo, D. (2016). Kentish plovers standing on a windy shore [Photograph]. Haribon

Foundation. https://haribon.org.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Kentish-
plover-by-David-Quimpo.jpg

Second Picture
 Agham. (2018, June 5). Tree cutting in barangay taliptip [Photograph]. Medium.
https://miro.medium.com/max/2835/1*Ld8_cIn6R_cPJy-qO11Nsw.jpeg

Third Picture

CNN Philippines. (2019, July 30). Smoke belching vehicles [Photograph]. Business
Mirror. https://businessmirror.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/smoke-
belching.png

Fourth Picture

P
wisegeek. (2020, October 6). Inorganic fertilizers [Photograph]. Wisegeek.
https://images.wisegeek.com/fertilizer-in-hands.jpg

A
R
21
PARASYNTHESIS

T Behavior
Animal
and Society
IV
 1 Cat’s Instinct
Georgina and Geoffy are our two adorable Persian
cats. Two open containers with cat litters are
always provided for them whenever they need to
release their stools or urinate. The most noticeable
behaviour we observe from them is their automatic
covering of their stools with cat litter. We thought
that they learned this from their previous owner (the
seller) but it turned out that this is one of their
instincts. I also consider the smell of the cat litter to
indicate where they could do their business. This is
a good starting point to observe their similarities
with human’s behaviour.
2 Bong-bong’s Behavior
Bong-bong our dog is known for his sweet, loving,
playful and serious characteristics. During afternoon,
he joins with his group to stroll and eat grasses as
medicine. He always manages to go outside every
night to be with other neighbour’s dog to interact with
them which is presumably their time to look for other
dogs to mate. Despite this group, his dominant
behaviour emerges when some animals would try to
share with his food – a time to growl and attack them.
These scenarios indicate that there really is a social
organization among them and exhibition of dominance
and submission is prevalent.
 ]

3 Feral Animals 4 Cat’s Massage

I read about feral dog’s disadvantages across the
different countries in terms of their wildlife
conservation. A simple abandonment of these dogs
may lead for a greater problems once they found the
wild including the preying on plants and animals that
by chance could be endangered. This phenomenon
is a crucial factor to consider in Southeast Asian
countries especially in the Philippines because of
dog’s massive population. There are also other
known feral animals like pigs, cattle, and cats that
may contribute to this problem by spreading
diseases in the wild which is a subject to a socio-
ecological discourse.
Our two cats exhibit a unique behaviour that we
truly admire. We call this as ‘massaging’ that they
always do whenever they lie on a soft object like
pillow or thick blanket. This is their instinct where
they mimic a human activity especially when they
‘massage’ while they are on our laps. We can
see that this poses some similarities with our
behaviour, a reason why we look forward to see
often their massage activity. This kind of case led
humans and animals the subject of studies,
particularly how animal behaviour links to ours, a
tool in studying developmental psychology.

Synthesis
23
PARASYNTHESIS

Animal behaviour is a manifestation of the independent biological

and social processes taking place in animals as witnessed by humans.
Either domesticated or wild, their instincts constitute an important role in
maintaining their survival. An example of this are cats which by instincts,
learned covering their stools or urine containing pheromones, an
essential marker of their territory or presence. Animals also form a social
organization as humans did as seen in live stocks and wildlife. This
organization act as their defense from predators, maintaining their kind,
 an instrument of interaction or mating, and a foundation to recognize a
leader that will initiate their actions.

On the other hand, the presence of feral animals in the wild

contributes significantly to ecological problems. It is manifested by the
loss of native plants caused by grazing, tight competition between other
predators, and the risk of transmitting diseases. These problems poses
several implications in environmental planning which involves
educational and political institutions.

These behaviours exhibited by animals paved the way for a series

of comprehensive studies of their behavioural processes which marked
tremendous developments in human psychology. These animal-oriented
studies gained several reactions from critics rooted from their impressive
yet some plausible observations.

Reflection
24
PARASYNTHESIS

Ordinary or Systematic: Which is more Advantageous?

Determining the similarities between animal and human behaviour

serves as the cornerstone of behavioural studies which is also a concern
of human psychology. We often see our pet imitating our gestures that is
why it is our instant response that they are ‘learning’ from us but this only
appears to be deceptive. This behavioural comparison may be explained
through ordinary or systematic ways where the former is what nearly
 describes our perception towards their mimicry of human behaviour—a
product of casual observation. The latter is the pivotal phase of these
observations where scientific and empirical investigations are
introduced.

However, we shall not fall into the error of thinking that one of
these ways is much superior to the other. Each method has its own
strengths and weaknesses. For instance, ordinary ways act as a façade
to arouse curiosity from these observed behaviours and facilitate
systematic studies for the development of the learning process – an
important element of interaction.

The awareness of its limitations implied through these studies is

truly substantial to fully understand the human’s complex learning
process. Animal and human’s behavioural responses could be similar
but the processing itself is totally different and also influenced by other
considerations.

25
PARASYNTHESIS
Resources
Bonacic, Cristian & Almuna, Rocío & Ibarra, J.. (2019). Biodiversity Conservation
Requires Management of Feral Domestic Animals. Trends in Ecology &
Evolution. 34. 10.1016/j.tree.2019.05.002.

Glencoe Science. (2005). Animal diversity [E-book]. McGraw-Hill Glencoe.

http://glencoe.com/sec/science/ose/modules/life2005/docs/c_chap05.pdf

Lattal, K. A. (2001). The human side of animal behavior. Behavior Anlayst, 24(2),
147–161. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03392026
 Ramya, N. (2014). Social organization in animals [Slides]. Author STREAM.
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/drramya187165-2599406-social-
organization-animals/

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PARASYNTHESIS Sources of
Image
First Picture

The picture is owned by Ralph Vinze D.C Agarcio.

Second Picture
 The picture is owned by Ralph Vinze D.C Agarcio.

Third Picture

Misher, C. (2017, May 2). A feral dog chasing a wild boar [Photograph]. The
Conversation. https://images.theconversation.com/files/167289/original/file-
20170430-12979-apfd4b.JPG?ixlib=rb-
1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=1200&h=675.0&fit=crop

Fourth Picture

The picture is owned by Ralph Vinze D.C Agarcio.

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PARASYNTHESIS