11

Introduction to
the Philosophy of
the Human Person
1st Quarter: Module 9
The Human Person in the Environment

Marlon Q. Tiña
Rogelio DG. Burce
Module Writers

Philo. Q1. Wk.9 Marlon Q. Tiña

I.OBJECTIVE:

A. Content Standards:

The learner understands the interplay between humans and their

environment.

B. Performance Standards:

The learner is able to demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality

towards his/her environment.
C. Learning Competency:
1. Notice things that are not on their proper place and organize them in an
aesthetic way.
D. Learning Objectives:
At the end of this module the students will be able to:

1. Discuss philosophical views and how they influence human action regarding
the environment.
2. Enumerate the three major philosophical views regarding the relationships
between humanity and the environment.
3. Organize aesthetically the things that are not in their proper place.

EXPECTATIONS

This module will equip you with necessary content knowledge, skills, and
competencies about the human person in the environment that you can apply in
understanding and analyzing, proposing solutions, decision-making, alternatives, and
is actively engaged in doing philosophy in all aspects of your life.
You read and understand carefully each part of the module so that you can be
able to answers various activities that will help you develop your potentials in
understanding the lesson.
In this module, you will be able to encounter terminologies such as
environmental ethics, environmental aesthetics, anthropocentrism, etc. You are
expected to identify the disorder in the environment, the effects of different
philosophical views of humanity affecting the environment, and the aesthetic way to
organize the things that are not in the proper place. Through this, you will be able to
act morally on the environment and develop your environmental care.
There are various activities prepared by the writer/s that will help you
understand the human person in the environment. It is hoped that you will learn to
value the knowledge and wisdom of this module.

PRE-TEST

Direction: Multiple Choice. Choose the letter of the correct answer. Shade the circle
on the right side which corresponds to your answer.
1. This view places great value on ecosystem and biological a b c d
communities.

Philo. Q1. Wk.9 Marlon Q. Tiña

 a. anthropocentrism c. ecocentrism
b. biocentrism d. environmentalism
2. This view believes that all organisms have inherent worth a b c d
and should be valued and protected.
a. anthropocentrism c. ecocentrism
b. biocentrism d. environmentalism
3. This view considers man as the most important species on the a b c d
planet.
a. anthropocentrism c. ecocentrism
b. biocentrism d. environmentalism
4. This is the branch of philosophy that is concerned with the a b c d
natural environment and humanity’s place in it.
a. environmental aesthetics c. environmentalism
b. environmental justice d. environmental philosophy
5. Which of these statements about humankind and nature a b c d
is not true?
a. Humankind can use natural resources without regard
for the consequences.
b. Humankind has a unique relationship with nature.
c. Humans are able to transform and change the environment.
d. Humans are the steward of nature.
6. This is the moral approach in analyzing the relationship a b c d
between humans and the environment.
a. environmental aesthetics c. environmentalism
b. environmental justice d. environmental philosophy
7. Which of the following is NOT showing a moral action on a b c d
the environment?
a. Throwing trash into the river c. Planting trees
b. Saving electricity d. Using reusable bags
8. Which of the following is NOT the effect of disorderly a b c d
environment.
a. Economic development c. Loss of lives
b. Great damage to property d. Poverty
9. What is the main reason why having an environmental a b c d
problems?
a. cultural factor c. human factor
b. economic factor d. Political factor
10. Why is the environment important to humanity? a b c d
a. It gives natural resources to humanity.
b. It serves as a shelter for humanity.
c. It gives food to humanity.
d. All of the above

LOOKING BACK

Directions: Choose at least three words from the word bank below from the previous
module entitled The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit, and explain each.

transcendence externality dignity free will

embodied spirit morality self-determination self-awareness

Philo. Q1. Wk.9 Marlon Q. Tiña

1. _________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________

INTRODUCTION OF THE LESSON

Have you seen the real situations of your environment? Are the relationships of
humanity and the environment getting good or worst? Are all-natural calamities,
landslides, flooding, diseases, and global warming considered the effects of
undisciplined and injustice relationships of humanity on the environment? We cannot
hide the truth that the environment has a big role in the existence of humankind. It
said, "No man is an island." Humanity will never live if the environment doesn't exist
and become nonsense if there are no stewards. God created man as a steward of all of
His creations.

In the first part of this chapter, you will be able to know the important role of
philosophy that influences a man to interact the way he/she likes. Whatever kind of
interaction of humanity to the environment is due to their philosophical views toward
it. If others think that environment is there to benefit, but the others see that there are
special relations between humanity and the environment. If the environment will be
destroyed, humanity will be surely affected by flooding, earthquake, calamities, global
warming, pollution, climate change, etc. On the other hand, if the environment will be
preserved and taken care of, humankind will surely benefit from it.

In other words, you will enumerate the different philosophical views toward our
understanding and interaction on the environment. Philosophers believe that there are
special connections and relations between humanity and the environment. Wherein,
humankind can transform the environment into the best where they live.

What Is It?
The Scope of the Human Person in the Environment
A. How does philosophy define the person’s relationship with the environment?

Like physical science, philosophy also seeks to explore the relationship between
humanity and the environment. The discipline in philosophy that examines the moral
relationship of human beings with the environment and its non-human contents is
called environmental philosophy or environmental ethics. Environmental scholars
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.
Whatever philosophical views of humanity, their interaction surely affects the
environment for the good or worst. They can transform it into the way they benefit
from the environment, but always remember that whatever humanity’s activities
toward the environment may result in environmental changes that negatively affect
humanity such as great damages to property, injuries, and even loss of lives.

In environmental ethics, it helps humanity to morally act on the environment.

Their actions and activities must not destroy but instead, preserve the environment for

Philo. Q1. Wk.9 Marlon Q. Tiña

the next generation. Once the environment will be continued destroyed, humanity will
soon extinct.

B. Three major views regarding the relationships between humanity and the
environment

The interaction of humankind on the environment depends on their

philosophical views. These are anthropocentrism, biocentrism, and ecocentrism. One
view, anthropocentrism, focuses on a significant role of humankind in the word and
considers nature as to how humans can meet their needs and survive. This belief
assumes 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.

The next view is biocentrism. This 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. 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, This view places great value on ecosystems and biological communities.
This is the so-called ecocentrism emphasizing that humankind has a significant role
as stewards or guardians of nature and a part of a greater biological system or
community and that we have. This view also promotes the idea that order and balance
in nature bring about stability and beauty.

Besides, 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 contribute to result in disease or accidents. Environmental
aesthetics is what we are referring to. This is one philosophical view that regards
maintaining order and harmony 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.

What’s More (Activity)

Activity 1.1: Truth or Bluff: Put a checkmark on the Truth or Bluff column if the
statement is showing a truth or just a bluff.

Truth Bluff
1. Anthropocentrism considers man as the most important
species on the planet.
2. Biocentrism places great value on ecosystems and
biological communities.
3. Environmental aesthetics is one philosophical view that
believes maintaining order and harmony in the
environment will bring out the natural beauty of the
surroundings.
4. Ecocentrism believes that all organisms have inherent
worth and should be valued and protected.
5. Environmental ethics is the discipline in philosophy that
examines the moral relationship of human beings with the
environment and its non-human contents.

Philo. Q1. Wk.9 Marlon Q. Tiña

Activity 1.2: Happy Face or Sad Face: Put a happy face symbol on the space
provided if the following scenario is happily reasonable and acceptable, and a sad face
symbol if not.

1. Cutting down the trees __________

2. Putting garbage into the river __________
3. Planting trees __________
4. Cleaning your backyard _________
5. Sorting out the biodegradable __________
and non-biodegradable
6. Throwing stones to animals __________
7. Using reusable bags _________
8. Saving electricity __________
9. Print as little as necessary _________
10. Burning trash __________

What I Have Learned.

Activity 1.3: Discuss: Explain the following.

1. How does philosophy define the person’s relationship with the environment?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. Among all the major philosophical views mentioned above, which one is agreed and
applied most. Why?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3. How are you going to maintain order, and make your environment beautiful?
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Activity 1.4: Graphic Organizer: Complete the dialogue boxes below by supplying at
least two ways each on how to act morally on the environment in different settings.

……………………Home…………………….
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_______________
……………………Community……………...
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_______________
……………………School…………………….
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_______________
……………………Nature…………………….
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
_______________

Activity 1.5: Reflection: Make your reflection about man as the steward of
creation/nature by God.

Philo. Q1. Wk.9 Marlon Q. Tiña

 _____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

CHECKING YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Direction: Describe the following terms.
1. Environmental Philosophy
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. Anthropocentrism
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3. Biocentrism
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
4. Ecocentrism
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
5. Environmental Aesthetics
_________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

POST TEST
A. Multiple choice
Direction: Choose the letter of the correct answer. Shade the circle on the right which
corresponds to your answer.
1. Which of the following is NOT showing a moral action on a b c d
the environment?
a. Throwing trash into the river c. Planting trees
b. Saving electricity d. Using reusable bags
2. Which of the following is NOT the effect of disorderly a b c d
environment.
a. Economic delevelopmentc. Loss of lives
b. Great damage to property d. Poverty
3. What is the main reason why having an environmental a b c d
problems?
a. cultural factor c. human factor
b. economic factor d. Political factor
4. This view places great value on ecosystem and biological a b c d
communities
a. anthropocentrism c. ecocentrism
b. biocentrism d. environmentalism
5. This view believes that all organisms have inherent worth a b c d
and should be valued and protected.
a. anthropocentrism c. ecocentrism

Philo. Q1. Wk.9 Marlon Q. Tiña

 b. biocentrism d. environmentalism
6. This view considers man the most important species on the a b c d
planet.
a. anthropocentrism c. ecocentrism
b. biocentrism d. environmentalism
7. Why is the environment important to humanity? a b c d
a. It gives natural resources to humanity.
b. It serves as a shelter for humanity.
c. It gives foods to humanity.
d. All of the above
8. Which of these statements about humankind and nature a b c d
is not true
a. Humankind can use natural resources without regard
for the consequences.
b. Humankind has a unique relationship with nature.
c. Humans are able to transform and change the environment.
d. Humans are steward of nature.
9. This is the branch of philosophy that is concerned with the a b c d
natural environment and humanity’s place in it.
a. environmental aesthetics c. environmentalism
b. environmental justice d. environmental philosophy
10. This is the moral approach in analyzing the relationship a b c d
between humans and the environment.
a. environmental aesthetics c. environmentalism
b. environmental justice d. environmental philosophy

ENRICHMENT
Additional Activity
Direction: Enumerate the things that you notice that are not in their proper place,
and aesthetically organize them.

Home Aesthetic way

1.

2.

School Aesthetic way

1.

2.

Community Aesthetic way

1.

2.

Philo. Q1. Wk.9 Marlon Q. Tiña