Unit 5: Humans as Stewards of the World
Lesson 1: The Wonder of the Universe
 In contemporary society, the ease with
which we accept knowledge about
natural phenomena is largely owed to
the structured education provided in
schools.
 The era of the Presocratics, a group of
thinkers predating the influential
philosopher Socrates, stands out as a
pivotal time when humanity began
seeking rational explanations for natural
events. This intellectual pursuit was
particularly remarkable given the
prevailing dominance of mythological
explanations during that period.
 Thales of Miletus proposed a profound
concept by asserting that water served
as the foundational element for all
existence. His emphasis on the
ubiquitous role of water in nature, from
sustaining life to transforming materials
like rocks and minerals, was
groundbreaking for its time.
 Heraclitus introduced the intriguing
notion that fire was the fundamental
building block, symbolizing not only
creation but also destruction. This dual
symbolism led him to a philosophical
perspective wherein everything in the
universe is in a perpetual state of flux,
constantly changing.
 Leucippus and Democritus delved into
the realm of the unseen, postulating the
existence of atoms as the indivisible and
irreducible basic components of all
matter. While their concept was widely
accepted for centuries, it underwent
significant refinement with the
discovery of subatomic particles in the
late 19th century.
 Anaximander departed from the
singular elemental explanations of his
contemporaries, introducing the
concept of the "apeiron" or the
boundless. This boundless entity,
according to Anaximander, served as
the source of the four basic elements
(water, fire, air, and earth) and their
perpetual combinations.
 The pioneering efforts of these ancient
philosophers laid the groundwork for
scientific thinking. Their commitment to
offering explanations rooted in
empirical observations marked a crucial
shift away from reliance on
mythological narratives.
 Although the ideas of the Presocratics
may appear rudimentary in today's
advanced scientific landscape, their
contributions were revolutionary during
a time when humanity grappled with
profound questions about the nature of
the universe.
 In a poignant moment of reflection, Carl
Sagan's request for a photograph of
Earth from the Voyager 1 spacecraft,
capturing our planet as a mere Pale
Blue Dot from 3.7 billion miles away,
serves as a humbling reminder of
humanity's insignificance in the vast
cosmos. This visual metaphor prompts
contemplation about the conflicts
waged over control of a tiny dot and the
environmental challenges we face,
echoing the Presocratics' journey from
superstition to science.
Lesson 2: The Universe in your Hands
Global Environmental Crisis:
 Daily exposure to distressing news
underscores the worsening state of the
world's habitability.
 Scientists actively explore alternative
planets, underscoring the urgency of
addressing Earth's challenges.
Human Responsibility:
 Individuals are urged to take action to
save the planet as a means of self-
preservation.
 The recognition of a shared
responsibility emphasizes the
interconnectedness of personal actions
and global consequences.
Judeo-Christian Perspective:
 St. Thomas Aquinas' concept of God as
the "summum bonum" shapes an
ethical framework centered around
fulfilling God's will.
 The duty of stewardship is highlighted,
emphasizing the responsibility to care
for God's creation.
Ethical Virtues and Union with God:
 St. Augustine's advocacy for virtues as a
means of soul purification aligns with
the pursuit of a union with God.
 Theologians propose heavenly rewards
for those adhering to God's will in their
mortal lives.
Secular Utilitarianism:
 Unit 5: Humans as Stewards of the World
 Utilitarianism, as proposed by Jeremy
Bentham, introduces the
consequentialist idea that actions are
right if they maximize pleasure and
minimize pain.
 The pragmatic approach encourages
considering the impact of
environmental care on personal well-
being and quality of life.
Confucian Ethical Guidelines:
 Confucius' Golden Rule, emphasizing
reciprocity, guides behavior by
prompting individuals to consider the
impact of their actions on others.
 The application of this rule to
environmental care implies a reciprocal
relationship between humanity and
nature.
Natural Calamities and Environmental
Responsibility:
 Public perception often links natural
calamities to nature's response to
human actions, emphasizing humanity's
vulnerability.
 Applying the Confucian Golden Rule to
environmental care suggests that
preserving nature ensures reciprocal
care.
Philosophical Reflection on Progress:
 Writers argue that the pursuit of
progress and wealth has blinded
humanity to the true value of nature.
 Philosophical perspectives offer avenues
for contemplating and rectifying the
environmental impact of
industrialization.
Utilitarian Maxim:
 The Utilitarian maxim, advocating for
the greatest happiness for the greatest
number of people, underscores the
collective responsibility for the well-
being of society.
 This perspective extends to
environmental care, aligning with a
broader goal of ensuring collective
prosperity.
Lesson 3: The Universe in our Hands
Vegetarianism Defined:
 Refers to the practice of abstaining from
meat and animal products such as milk
or eggs.
Environmental Ethics and Sentience:
 Raises questions about the ethical
aspects of human consumption of non-
human animals.
 Emphasizes animals as sentient beings
capable of experiencing pain and
pleasure.
 Argues for the recognition of animals'
entitlement to well-being and a fulfilling
life.
Global Criticism and Yulin Dog Meat Festival:
 Highlights the global issue of animal
abuse and slaughter for various
purposes, exemplified by the Yulin Dog
Meat Festival in China.
 Extends concerns beyond dogs to
include various animals like cows,
chickens, pigs, lambs, and sharks,
slaughtered daily for human
consumption.
Philosopher Peter Singer's Perspective:
 Describes Singer's strong argument
against "speciesism," comparing it to
sexism or racism.
 Asserts that decisions affecting the
environment should consider sentient
beings.
 Links Singer's perspective to the
broader moral obligation of alleviating
pain when possible.
Morality in a Capitalistic Society:
 Examines Singer's critique of highly
capitalistic societies, questioning the
morality of luxury spending when funds
could address urgent global issues.
 Points out the philanthropic efforts of
billionaires, celebrities, and
businessmen as a response to Singer's
moral stance.
Utilitarian vs. Deontological Ethics:
 Explores Singer's utilitarian approach,
emphasizing consequences for humans,
animals, and the world.
 Contrasts this with Deontological ethics,
which focuses on the intrinsic value of
actions, irrespective of consequences.
Ethical Reevaluation and Responsibility:
 Prompts readers to reconsider decisions
affecting the environment and to be
more careful and prudent in choices.
 Stresses the responsibility humans hold
as rational, conscious beings, especially
considering the finite nature of natural
resources.
Collective Human Responsibility:
 Unit 5: Humans as Stewards of the World

 Recognizes the urgent need for a

collective response to environmental
challenges such as climate change,
ecological dilapidation, and species
endangerment.
 Encourages contributions through
policies, activism, and progressive
projects, underlining the shared
responsibility of safeguarding the
environment.