introduction to the philosophy of the human person

1. By. Ms. Jo Marie Nel C. Garcia

2. John Donne: “No
man is an island,
entire of itself; every
man is a piece of the
continent, a part of
the main.”

3.  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.

4.  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:
1. A source of raw materials to be used in any way he
pleases
2. 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

5. 1. Anthropocentrism – 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.
2. Biocentrism – believes that humans are not the
only significant species on the planet, and that all
other organisms have inherent value and should
be protected. This view advocates ethical
treatment of animals.

6. 3. Ecocentrism – places great value on ecosystems
and biological communities. This view believes that
humankind is a part of a greater biological system
or community and that we have a significant role
as stewards or guardians of nature. This view
promotes the idea that order and balance in nature
brings about stability and beauty.
 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.

7.  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.

8.  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. It also guides us in upholding the welfare of
the environment and everything in it.
 As persons, it is our responsibility to start with our own actions
and how they affect our immediate surroundings

9.  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).

10.  This concept focuses on reconciling human activities and
economic development with the protection of the environment.
Major ideas:
1. We must make wise decisions regarding the use of natural
resources to ensure that there is still enough left for future
use.
2. The misuse of resources often means that other people do
not get to benefit from it.

11. 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.

12. 2. Economic efficiency – refers to
prudence in decision-making
regarding the use of resources to
ensure that there is minimum to zero
waste.

13. 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

14. 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.