Understanding Humanity's Role in the Environment

Sep 15, 2024

Philosophy Lecture: The Human Person in the Environment

Introduction

  • Lecturer: Sir Edward
  • Topic: Human Person in the Environment
  • Previous Topic: Human person as an embodied spirit

Environmental Disasters

  • Examples of Typhoons:
    • Typhoon Ondoy
    • Super Typhoon Yolanda
    • Typhoon Ulysses
  • Impact: Loss of lives and properties
  • Human negligence highlighted as a factor in disaster impact

Human Responsibility to the Environment

  • Humans as stewards of the environment
  • Earth's future is our responsibility

Environmental Philosophy

  • Definition: Studies the moral relationship of human beings with the environment and its non-human contents
  • Human ability to change the environment
  • Interaction with both living and non-living elements

Major Views on Humanity and the Environment

  1. Anthropocentrism

    • Humans are the most important species
    • Nature as a resource to meet human needs
    • Examples: Over mining, overfishing

  2. Biocentrism

    • All organisms have inherent value
    • Ethical treatment of animals
    • Example: Not removing starfish from their habitat

  3. Ecocentrism

    • Value on ecosystems and biological communities
    • Humans as part of a greater biological system
    • Example: Public transportation to reduce fossil fuel use

Environmental Aesthetics

  • Maintaining order in the environment enhances natural beauty
  • Contributes to well-being of organisms

Sustainable Development

  • Definition: Meeting the needs of the present without compromising future generations
  • Principles of Sustainability:
    1. Environmental Integrity: Maintain the environment's state, avoid disrupting ecosystems
      • Example: Controversy over Kaliwa Dam
    2. Economic Efficiency: Prudent use of resources to minimize waste
      • Examples: Using tumblers, cloth bags
    3. Equity: Conserve resources for future generations
      • Examples: Mangrove preservation, Boracay rehabilitation

Theories in Radical Ecological Philosophy

  1. Deep Ecology

    • All living things possess equal value
    • Balance in the ecosystem

  2. Social Ecology

    • Ecological problems traced to social issues
    • Example: Informal settlers and waste problems

  3. Ecofeminism

    • Male-centered view as root of ecological problems
    • Advocate for gender equality and respect for nature

Values for Environmental Stewardship

  1. Prudence

    • Direct and disciplined behavior
    • Cautious and avoids risks

  2. Frugality

    • Thriftiness and resource management
    • Environmental benefits through reduced resource usage

Recap

  • Importance of Environmental Philosophy
  • Emphasis on Sustainable Development
  • Human's significant impact on and from the environment

This concludes the lecture on 'The Human Person in the Environment'. Future discussions will continue in the second quarter lessons. Thank you and stay safe.