APPROACHES TO

UNDERSTANDING THE
RELATIONSHIP OF THE
HUMAN PERSON WITH THE
ENVIRONMENT
4 CAUSES OF THE
ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS:

1.Physical
2.Legal
3.Socio-economic
4.Attitudinal
BELIEFS & VALUES THAT EXPLOITS
THE ENVIRONMENT:

1. Homo Economicus – economic

well being is primary and will bring
about well being in all other areas
2. Progressivism – human condition
will gradually improve through
abundance.
BELIEFS & VALUES THAT EXPLOITS
THE ENVIRONMENT:

3. Industrialism – mass-production and

rationally designed institutions &
programs are the best way to perfect
human society
4. Consumerism – belief that well being
is achieved through abundance and
consumption
 THREE PHILOSOPHICAL
APPROACHES TO ENVIRONMENTAL
ETHICS
Environmental ethics is the discipline in
philosophy that studies the moral
relationship of human beings to, and also
the value and moral status of, the
environment and its nonhuman contents.
– Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
 ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS
Approach Moral Attribute Bearer of Moral
Rights
Anthropocentric Rationality Humans
Ecocentric Sentience Humans,
(pleasure and Animals and
pain) Plants
Biocentric Membership in Humans and
Ecological Animals
Systems
Fixing our lives
in line
with…
 Call for ecological conversion

• At heart, this document, addressed to “every person on the planet” is a

call for a new way of looking at things, a “bold cultural revolution”
(No. 3, 114).
• We face an urgent crisis, when, thanks to our actions, the earth has
begun to look more and more like, in Francis’ vivid language, “an
immense pile of filth” (No. 21).
• Still, the document is hopeful, reminding us that because God is with
us… We can awaken our hearts and move towards an “ecological
conversion” in which we see the intimate connection between God
and all beings, and more readily listen to the “cry of the earth and the
cry of the poor” (No. 49). 
 Indigenous Peoples

146. In this sense, it is essential to show particular concern for indigenous

communities and their cultural traditions. They are not merely one
minority among others, but should be the principal dialogue partners,
especially when large projects affecting their lands are proposed.
For them, land is not a commodity but rather a gift from God and from their ancestors who
rest there, a sacred space with which they need to interact if they are to maintain their
identity and values. When they remain on their land, they themselves care
for it best.
 Nevertheless, in various parts of the world, pressure is
being put on them to abandon their homelands to make
room for agricultural or mining projects which are
undertaken without regard for the natural and cultural
degradation.
In Interreligious Dialogue, there are two Common Words: Love
and Home
Laudato Si is inspired
by St. Francis of Assisi
‘We can awaken our hearts and
move towards an “ecological
conversion” in which we see
the intimate connection
between God and all beings,
and more readily listen to the
“cry of the earth and the cry of
the poor” (No. 49).
 VI. Admonitions (Practical Things to Do)
1. Wean ourselves from
addiction to fossil fuel
and seek transition to
alternative energy
sources.
VI. Admonitions (Practical Things to Do)
2. Plant trees.
VI. Admonitions (Practical Things to Do)
3. Turn-off unnecessary lights.
VI. Admonitions (Practical Things to Do)
4. Segregate and recycle waste.
VI. Admonitions (Practical Things to Do)
5. Reduce water consumption.
VI. Admonitions (Practical Things to Do)
6. Cook only what you can consume.
VI. Admonitions (Practical Things to Do)
7. Learn what you can or do for the environment.
VI. Admonitions (Practical Things to Do)
8. Reduce time spent on smartphones.
 VI. Admonitions (Practical Things to Do)
9. Build real relationships
instead of relying on internet
communications.
VI. Admonitions (Practical Things to Do)
10. Undergo ecological conversion.
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
POINTS FOR REFLECTION
POINTS FOR REFLECTION