The Human Person In

The Environment
What is the world made of? How did the
world come into being? And how can we
e x p l a i n t h e p r o c e s s o f c h a n g e ? We r e
philosophical questions already brought
up approximately
600 B.C.E.
“No man is an island, entire of itself; every man
is a piece of the continent, a part of the main”.

John Donne
 INTRODUCTION
This is a moral approach that analyzes the
relationship between humans and the
environment. It also discusses environmental
problems caused by human activities and social
issues that impact the environment . It serves as a
basis for reflecting on how our actions show our
regard for nature.
 ENVIRONMENTAL
PHILOSOPHY
• This means that as human person, we interact not only with our fellow
human beings, but also with other living and non-living elements in our
environment.

• Humankind is a part of the world, and we significantly affect our

environment in the same way that changes in our environment affect us.

• Environment philosophy is the discipline that studies the moral

relationship of human beings with the environment and its non-human
contents.

• Philosophers believe that the human person has the ability to change the
environment to suit his purposes.
 ENVIRONMENTAL
PHILOSOPHY
• It is in an orderly environment where human persons thrive best. Disorders
give rise to several problems and challenges for humankind.

• As a rational being, the person is not only capable of transforming the

world, but also of understanding the laws which govern nature. It can be
said that the world is a text which the person can read and understand in
order to live a better life. He may treat it as:
 01
A source of raw materials to be
used in any way he pleases

02
As something that envelops and
surround him, and thus have a
unique relationship with it
 This means that persons can help
environment become greater than what
it originally is
 Three Major Views
- focuses on the significant
role of humankind in the
world and considers nature
as the means by which
humans are able to meet
their needs and survive. This
view believes that humans
are the most important
species on the planet and
they are free to transform
nature and use its resources.
Anthropocentrism
places great value on
believes that humans are
ecosystems and biological
not the only significant
communities. This view
species on the planet, believes that humankind is a
and that all other part of a greater biological
organisms have inherent system or community and that
value and should be we have a significant role as
protected. This view stewards or guardians of
nature. This view promotes the
advocates ethical
idea that order and balance in
treatment of animals.
nature brings about stability
and beauty.
Biocentrism Ecocentrism
 DISCUSSION
• The influence of humanity on the environment
can be best understood if we consider the
individual person as a dynamic source of change
within his particular environment.
 Environmental Aesthetics

Philosophical view that believes maintaining
order 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.
The appreciation of natural beauty brings
about the concern for the environment and
helps people relate more effectively with
nature.

Environmental Ethics

This is a moral approach that analyzes the
relationship between humans and the environment. It
also discusses environmental problems caused by
human activities and social issues that impact the
environment
. As persons, it is our responsibility to start
with our own actions and how they affect our
immediate surroundings
 Environmentalism
This perspective advocates to address the growing environmental
problems. It has become an important issue in international politics as
governments and international organizations have devoted efforts to
discuss environmental issues and formulate plans to address them
(Kyoto Protocol in 1997, where various nations committed t reduce
their greenhouse gas emissions in order to curb global warming; and
the celebration of Earth Day, first instituted in 1970, a global effort to
raise awareness of issues and inspire action among communities).

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 Sustainable Development

This concept focuses on reconciling human

activities and economic development with
the protection of the environment.
Major ideas:

• We must make wise decisions regarding the use of

natural resources to ensure that there is still enough
left for future use.

• The misuse of resources often means that other

people do not get to benefit from it.
Principles of
Sustainability
1. Environmental Integrity - refers to maintaining the state of the environment.

• This means that human activities should not unduly disrupt the ecosystems and
human communities located in the area
• Care should be taken that the surrounding landscape is not drastically impacted
by human activities.
2. Economic Efficiency - refers to prudence in decision-making regarding the use
of resources to ensure that there is minimum to zero waste.

3. 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.
• Prudence is the ability to regulate one's actions and behavior
• Frugality is being thrifty with the use of one's resources
As human persons, it is our responsibility
to treat with respect not only our fellow
humans, but also everything in our world.
Upholding environmentalism and
sustainability will enable us to take the
first steps in addressing environmental
issues and contribute to solving the
greater environmental challenge of
climate change.
 THANK YOU
FOR LISTENING!