The Three Main Paradigms: (Theories In Radical Ecological Philosophy)

1. Deep Ecology – is a contemporary ecological philosophy. Proponents were disillusioned with existing modes of
depletion of natural resources and the heavy pollution they cause. It emerged as a reaction to this shallow ecological
point of view. It also recognizes an inherent worth/intrinsic value of other beings aside from their utility. It
emphasizes the interdependence of organisms within ecosystems and that if ecosystems with each other within the
biosphere (Arne Naes-1970s)
2. Social Ecology – is an offshoot of the movement against the domination of existing hierarchical structures in
society that pre-empt the development of the full nature of an individual. Bookchin (2011), in his article Ecological
Problem, states that our present ecological problems cannot be clearly understood, much less resolved, without
resolutely dealing with problems within society. (Book Chin 2011)
3. Ecofeminism – is a reaction against male domination and the corresponding oppression of women, there is
superiority and subordination. In ecofeminism, men are assumed to be superior to women and nature, which results
in domination and exploitation. As we try to link feminism with ecology, it seeks to eradicate all forms of social
injustice, not just injustice against women and the environment. Ecofeminism believes that a society characterized by
a mentality that tolerates the oppression of women is directly linked with its tendency to tolerate abuse of the
environment and the degradation of nature. (Vinzsons 2016).

ENVIRONMENTAL AESTHETICS
Environmental Aesthetics is a philosophical view that believes in maintaining order in the environment will bring out
the natural beauty of surroundings and contribute to the well-being of the people and other organisms living in it
(Endriga, 2017).

ANCIENT THINKERS (Mabaquiao, 2016)

Anaximander
According to his “Creation-Destruction”, the sketch of the genesis of the world (cosmology), the evolution of the
world begins with the generation of opposites in a certain region of Nature. Nature is indeterminate boundless in
that no boundaries between the warm and or the moist and dry regions are originally present within.

Pythagoras
He described the universe as a living embodiment of nature’s order, harmony, and beauty. He sees our relationship
with the universe as involving biophilia (love of other living things) and cosmophilia (love of other living beings).

MODERN THINKERS (Wang, 2017)

Immanuel Kant
“The orderliness of nature and the harmony of nature with our faculties guide us toward a deeper religious
perspective.”

Herbert Marcuse
“Human have power over nature.”

George Herbert Mead

“Man have duties and responsibilities in nature”
Day 4

One important development that arose during the late 20th century was environmentalism. This perspective
advocates to address the growing environmental problems.

One important philosophical view of environmentalism is environmental ethics. This moral approach analyzes the
relationship between humans and the environment period it also discusses environmental problems caused by
human activities and social issues that impact the environment.
Environmental ethics serves as a basis for reflecting on how our actions show our regard for nature. It also guides us
in upholding the welfare of the environment and everything in it. Aspersions, it is our responsibility to start with our
own actions and how they affect our immediate environment.

Environmental ethics has resulted in the development of varied views:

 Social ecology applies to an ecological and ethical approach in analyzing societies, and size relationship
between social problems and environmental problems.
 Climate ethics and climate justice arose from the growing concern with climate change, and consider it as a
significant ethical, social, and political issue.
 Environmental justice refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits, as well as the burden of
meeting environmental challenges.
 Environmental aesthetics originally focused on the beauty of nature but has become increasingly influenced
by environmental concerns. 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 to the environment.

One of the major concepts that goes along with environmentalism is sustainability or sustainable development. This
concept teaches us to make wise decisions concerning the use of Earth’s resources today so that there is still enough
left for tomorrow.
One 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 enough left for future use.
This principle in other words, calls us to think for others, including those who are yet to be born in the future, as we
use and consume the resources of the planet in our generation.

Sustainability relies on the three important principles: environmental integrity, economic efficiency, and equity.

3 principles

Environmental integrity – refers to maintaining the state of the environment in the midst of human activities. Here,
human activities are well-thought and managed in such a way that their impact to the ecosystems becomes minimal.

Economic efficiency – refers to the wise use of resources, that is, using the resources in their entirety, if possible, to
avoid unnecessary 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.

2 Values

Prudence – the ability to discipline and govern one’s actions and behavior.

Frugality – the quality of being economical on the use of one’s resources.