Introduction to the

Philosophy of the
Human Person
Quarter 1 – Module 4:
The Human Person in the
Environment
Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 1 – Module 4: The Human Person in the Environment
First Edition, 2020

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Introduction to the
Philosophy of the
Human Person
Quarter 1 – Module 4:
The Human Person in the
Environment
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

Alternative Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on The Human Person in the
Environment!

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by educators

both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or facilitator in
helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while
overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and independent
learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also aims to help
learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into consideration
their needs and circumstances.

In addition to the material in the main text, you will also see this box in the body of
the module:

Notes to the Teacher

This contains helpful tips or strategies
that will help you in guiding the learners.

As a facilitator you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this module.
You also need to keep track of the learners' progress while allowing them to
manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist
the learners as they do the tasks included in the module.

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For the learner:

Welcome to the Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person Alternative

Delivery Mode (ADM) Module on The Human Person in the Environment!

The hand is one of the most symbolized part of the human body. It is often used to
depict skill, action and purpose. Through our hands we may learn, create and
accomplish. Hence, the hand in this learning resource signifies that you as a
learner is capable and empowered to successfully achieve the relevant
competencies and skills at your own pace and time. Your academic success lies in
your own hands!

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful opportunities
for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You will be
enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while being an active
learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

What I Need to Know This will give you an idea of the skills or
competencies you are expected to learn in
the module.

What I Know This part includes an activity that aims to

check what you already know about the
lesson to take. If you get all the answers
correct (100%), you may decide to skip this
module.

What’s In This is a brief drill or review to help you link

the current lesson with the previous one.

What’s New In this portion, the new lesson will be

introduced to you in various ways such as a
story, a song, a poem, a problem opener, an
activity or a situation.

What is It This section provides a brief discussion of

the lesson. This aims to help you discover
and understand new concepts and skills.

What’s More This comprises activities for independent

practice to solidify your understanding and
skills of the topic. You may check the
answers to the exercises using the Answer
Key at the end of the module.

What I Have Learned This includes questions or blank

sentence/paragraph to be filled in to
process what you learned from the lesson.

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 What I Can Do This section provides an activity which will
help you transfer your new knowledge or
skill into real life situations or concerns.

Assessment This is a task which aims to evaluate your

level of mastery in achieving the learning
competency.

Additional Activities In this portion, another activity will be given

to you to enrich your knowledge or skill of
the lesson learned. This also tends retention
of learned concepts.

Answer Key This contains answers to all activities in the

module.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in

developing this module.

The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on any part of
the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises.
2. Don’t forget to answer What I Know before moving on to the other activities
included in the module.
3. Read the instruction carefully before doing each task.
4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking your
answers.
5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.
6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you are through with it.
If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this module, do not
hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always bear in mind that you are
not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience meaningful learning
and gain deep understanding of the relevant competencies. You can do it!

iv
 What I Need to Know

This module was designed and written with you in mind. It is here to help you
realize that the human person is being in and with the environment. Because of
human activities, the environment is facing destruction which in turn puts the
whole of humankind to its greatest challenge: survival.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in an
aesthetic way.
2. Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being and
sustainable development.
3. Demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards environment

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 What I Know

Before moving forward with our lesson, let us check what you already know.

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

_____1. It deals with the moral relationship between the human person and
his/her environment.

A. Environmental Ethics C. Environmental Conservation

B. Environmental Challenges D. Environmental Value System
_____2. It refers to how a person sees and values environmental concern.

A. Environmental Ethics C. Environmental Conservation

B. Environmental Challenges D. Environmental Value System
_____3. These are the threats that our environment is facing.

A. Environmental Ethics C. Environmental Conservation

B. Environmental Challenges D. Environmental Value System
_____4. Advocates of this view wish to lessen the impact of human influence to the
environment by reducing and lessening the consumption of natural
resources.

A. Anthropocentrism C. Ecocentrism
B. Technocentrism D. Homocentrism
_____5. It is a philosophical perspective which puts human needs and interests to
be of highest value and importance.

A. Anthropocentrism C. Ecocentrism
B. Technocentrism D. Homocentrism
_____6. It stresses that environmental problems can be solved through science and
technology, and holds that technology is a key ingredient in improving the
standard of living.
A. Anthropocentrism C. Ecocentrism
B. Technocentrism D. Homocentrism
_____7. It is regarded as one of the major environmental challenges that the world
is facing today.

A. Climate Change C. Preservation of Endangered Species

B. Sustainable Development D. Energy Crisis
_____8. It is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs.
A. Climate Change C. Preservation of Endangered Species
B. Sustainable Development D. Energy Crisis

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____9. It focuses on human responsibility towards the natural world.

A. Deep EcologyB. Land Ethic C. Environmentalism D. Acclimation

_____10. It holds that the survival of any part is dependent upon the well-being of
the whole.
A. Deep EcologyB. Land Ethic C. Environmentalism D. Acclimation

Lesson
Human Person: Being In and
1 With the Environment

There has been a growing concern for the environment in the past 40 years. This
concern has prompted groups from scientists, philosophers, conservationists,
environmentalists and others to propose different ways and approaches in this
observed disorder in the environment.

What’s In

Looking Back
Answer the following questions reflectively.

1. What are the similarities and differences of Plato’s and Aristotle’s

ideas of human being?

Plato Aristotle
Similarities

Differences

2. How should we deal with our limitations?

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Notes to the Teacher

Encourage the students to complete the module. Tell them to
always prepare their writing implements, papers and notebooks,
and if they have internet connections, their cell phones, while
working on the module. Students may write questions in their
notebook to be discussed with the teacher when face to face
meeting is possible.

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 What’s New

Listen Up!
Listen to the song “Masdan Ang Kapaligiran.” What is the message of the song?
Why was it written? When was it written? Who wrote it?

Now listen to the song “Earth Song.” What is the message of the song? Why was it
written? When was it written? Who wrote it?

Compare your answers. What did you notice? You may notice that you might have
the same answer regarding the what and why of the songs, and different answers
regarding the when and who of the songs.

The songs are written 17 years apart by people from different sides of the globe. It
only shows us that the call for the caring of the environment is still the same for
all. Though lots of people from different generations already called for the
protection of the environment, it may have landed on deaf ears as our generation
and maybe the future generation will face the same.

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 What is It

Humans and the environment are expected to coexist. The environment gives the
needs of humans like food, shelter and other things needed to survive, and in
return, humans must protect the environment and make sure the future
generation will enjoy the same benefit. The sad thing is, humans went beyond
their power. They started abusing the environment and brought upon problems
such as global warming, ecological imbalance and pollution.

The challenge for the people now is how to prevent their own kind from extinction.
There are already environmental warriors tirelessly campaigning to save the
environment. They give hope to humanity that the world would return to its
original glory and beauty. With hopes that people will finally realize that if they are
the cause of the problem, then, they too are the solution.

1. Environmental Ethics
Environmental Ethics is also known as environmental philosophy. It deals with the
moral relationship between the human person and his/her environment. It also
deals with the moral responsibilities of the human person as far as his/her natural
environment is concerned. This discipline was develop because on the effects of
technology, population, industry, and even economic expansion on the
environment.

The main task of this discipline is outlining one’s moral obligations in the
worsening environmental problems. Two important questions must be answered to
address this issue: What are the duties of the human person in his/her
environment? Why must he/she have to fulfill such duties and obligations? To be
able to answer these questions, one must be able to realize that he/she owes
everything to the environment and he/she is duty-bound to take care of it.

2. Environmental Value System

An environmental value system refers to how a person sees and values
environmental concern. It can be classified into three major categories:
ecocentrism, anthropocentrism, and technocentrism.

A. Ecocentrism
The perspective of ecocentrism focuses on the interests of all species and
natural features of Earth's ecosystems, refusing to place any aspect or
species above the others. Ecocentrists focus on the intrinsic value of all
these entities in their own right while acknowledging their instrumental
value to one another as part of the natural process. The term itself
preferences the ecosystem as the most important unit or source of value.
Advocates of this view wish to lessen the impact of human influence to the
environment by reducing and lessening the consumption of natural

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 resources. This particular value system is divided into two types: the land
ethic and deep ecology.
1. Land Ethic
Land ethic was first advocated by Aldo Leopold in the late 1940s and
implied the responsibility of human beings for natural communities. It
focuses on human responsibility towards the natural world. The land
ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils,
waters, plants, and animals, or collectively: the land. It changes the role
of human beings from conqueror of the land-community to plain member
and citizen of it. It implies respect for his fellow-members, and also
respect for the community as such.
2. Deep Ecology
Deep ecology is a newer concept in ecocentric philosophy. This value
system intensively inquires about a person’s set of values and lifestyles
that cause serious environmental problems. Deep ecologists hold that
the survival of any part is dependent upon the well-being of the whole. Its
core principle is the belief that the living environment as a whole should
be respected and regarded as having certain basic moral and legal rights
to live and flourish, independent of its instrumental benefits for human
use.

B. Anthropocentrism
Anthropocentrism is a philosophical perspective which puts human needs
and interests to be of highest value and importance. This viewpoint is
human-centered and believes that the natural world exists for him/her
alone, hence, concern for nonhuman entities is limited to those having value
to people. Here, the earth and its natural resources were looked at as an
instrument for man to explore and conquer, and to make use of, for the
benefit of man. The superiority of man could be traced back to Plato and
Aristotle when they gave importance to the unique capacity of man as a
rational being. This rationality is the key to being moral, thus, the
recognition that only human beings are moral due to his special ability
towards self-consciousness and deliberation.

C. Technocentrism
Technocentrism stresses that environmental problems can be solved through
science and technology, and holds that technology is a key ingredient in
improving the standard of living. Advocates of this view downplays the
effects of environmental problems such as global warming and illegal
logging. They contend that scientific and technological expertise are the
answers to the growing problems in the environment. These capabilities
allow humans control over nature, allowing them to correct or negotiate
environmental risks or problems.

3. Environmental Challenges

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In this age of technological advancement and scientific discoveries, nature is put at
the losing end, as it has always been the one being compromised. As human
advance their desire to raise the standard of living and improve the quality of their
lifestyles, their intervention in the natural courses of environment has become
uncontrollable. Their self-centered perspectives make them believe that they have
the world at their disposal. It is this perspective which serves as a challenge to the
environment.

A. Climate Change: The Present Challenge

Climate change is indeed regarded as one of the major environmental
challenges that the world is facing today. The impacts it presented is seen
all around the globe through the melting of the polar icecaps, drastic
rainfalls and thunderstorms, sea-level rise and the increase of the Earth’s
temperature. This is why the world’s major global issues are related to the
environment specifically to climate change. This can be seen especially
when the changing climate affects the social and economic conditions of the
world economies. It impacts greatly on the marginalized sector, especially
the poor, their basic needs such as food, shelter, water and health.

B. Preservatation of Endangered Species: The Continuing Challenge

Endangered species are any kind of species that are at risk of becoming
extinct. Extinction mostly occurs in animals due to human activities such
as hunting, habitat destruction, pollution, and species competition. A
number of species have already been extinct ever since life on Earth began
as human beings compete with other living things for space, food, and water.
In most cases, human beings are at the topmost level of the food chain and
they are very successful predators.

C. Sustainable Develoment: The Future Challenge

Sustainable development is defined as development that meets the needs of
the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to
meet their own needs. In other words, the notion of sustainable
development upholds the ideal that any social, environmental, and economic
advancement can be achieved within carrying capacity of the earth’s natural
resources. Thus, it is important to recognize the relationship that humans
have with nature. This can only be achieved through sustainable
development practices which aim to attain social and economic progress
through alternative ways that will not drain the earth’s finite natural
resources.

4. Environmental Initiative
As the Earth’s ecosystem and natural resources diminish due to various
environmental challenges it faces, the ability to mitigate these risks would
greatly affect every individual, community, country, and government around
the world. This only shows how crucial it is to show our support and work
hand-in-hand to prevent further environmental damages in the future.
Instead of doing the wait and see attitude, why not take a more proactive
approach. Every individual can contribute to counteract the various
environmental risks, threats and consequences it may cause in the future.
Individuals may join awareness-raising campaigns in promoting prudence
and responsibility for the environment. Private sectors can help work

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 alongside the government and non-government organizations to strengthen
environmental advocacy through the outreach and education among their
various stakeholders. These awareness campaigns will eventually drive
other individuals to take informed actions on environmental advocacy. A
change in behavior must happen from within and outside the household,
local and national level, and should be extended on the global level as well,
that is, an initiative as one world or one global village.

What’s More

Activity 1.1
Give the salient features of the following value systems in as far as the natural
environment is concerned?

Ecocentrism Anthropocentrism Technocentrism

1. 1. 1.

2. 2. 2.

3. 3 3.

In all honesty, which of these systems will you advocate? Why?

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Activity 1.2
Go around the house and identify the things that can be reduce, reuse and recycle.

Reduce Reuse Recycle

1 1 1
2 2 2
3 3 3
4 4 4
5 5 5

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How do you think this simple activity will help the environment?

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 What I Have Learned

1. Environmental Ethics, also known as environmental philosophy, deals with

the moral relationship between the human person and his/her environment.
It also deals with the moral responsibilities of the human person as far as
his/her natural environment is concerned.

2. An environmental value system refers to how a person sees and values

environmental concern. It can be classified into three major categories:
ecocentrism, anthropocentrism, and technocentrism.

3. A number of challenges on the environment could be identified and every

living person on this planet would have to take on the moral obligation of
preservation and conservation by taking mitigation and adaptation measures
in order to deal with these challegnes.

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 What I Can Do

Green Eat
Start your own backyard vegetable garden. If you don’t have a backyard, you may
use recyclable containers and put it in a convenient place in your house. You may
invite your family to do the activity with you. Take some pictures and paste it
inside the box. Then write your reflection or feedback about this activity.

Reflection/Feedback

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 Assessment

Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a
separate sheet of paper.

_____1. These are actions or steps done by different entities to protect and save the
environment.

A. Environmental Ethics C. Environmental Initiative

B. Environmental Challenges D. Environmental Value System
_____2. It upholds the ideal that any social, environmental, and economic
advancement can be achieved within carrying capacity of the earth’s natural
resources.

A. Water Scarcity C. Deep Ecology

B. Sustainable Development D. Climate Change
_____3. It is the challenge to protect other living things from extinction.

A. Climate Change C. Water Scarcity

B. Sustainable Development D. Preservation of Endangered Species
_____4. Which among the following actions show concern for the environment?
A. Using pesticides and fertilizers
B. Turning off appliances when not in use
C. Burning leaves after cleaning the backyard
D. Dishwashing on a running water from the faucet
_____5. Advocates of this view downplays the effects of environmental problems
such as global warming and illegal logging.
A. Technocentrism C. Enthnocentrism
B. Anthropocentrsim D. Ecocentrism
_____6. It changes the role of human beings from conqueror of the land-community
to plain member and citizen of it. It implies respect for his fellow-members, and
also respect for the community as such.

A. Land Ethic C. Social Ecology

B. Deep Ecology D. Climate Ethic
_____7. This viewpoint is human-centered and believes that the natural world
exists for him/her alone, hence, concern for nonhuman entities is limited to those
having value to people.

A. Technocentrism C. Enthnocentrism
B. Anthropocentrsim D. Ecocentrism
_____8. It focuses on the interests of all species and natural features of Earth's
ecosystems, refusing to place any aspect or species above the others.

A. Technocentrism C. Enthnocentrism
B. Anthropocentrsim D. Ecocentrism

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_____9. The main task of this discipline is outlining one’s moral obligations in the
worsening environmental problems.

A. Environmental Ethics C. Environmental Initiative

B. Environmental Challenges D. Environmental Value System
_____10. Its core principle is the belief that the living environment as a whole
should be respected and regarded as having certain basic moral and legal rights to
live and flourish, independent of its instrumental benefits for human use.

A. Land Ethic C. Social Ecology

B. Deep Ecology D. Climate Ethic

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 Additional Activities

Trace your hand using a crayon of your favorite color. In each finger, write down
things you will do to help the environment. On the palm write a promise to fulfill
those things.
You Got the Whole World in Your Hand

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 16
What I Know Assessment
1. A 1. C
2. D 2. B
3. B 3. D
4. C 4. B
5. A 5. A
6. B
6. A
7. A
8. B
7. B
9. B 8. D
10.A 9. A
10. B
Answer Key
References

Maria Paula G. Sioco, PhD and Ignatius H, Vinzons, Introduction to the Philosophy
of the Human Person (Quezon City: Vibal Group, Inc., 2016)

Nuelan A. Magbanua et al, Foundations of Philosophy (Quezon City: Brilliant

Creations Publishing Inc., 2017)

Maulton, Sunday, Ecocentrism in Environmental Ehtics,

https://study.com/academy/lesson/egocentrism-in-environmental-ethics.html

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