The Human Person In Their Environment

The most excellent option for nature and mankind to coexist in harmony is to cultivate and embrace environmental
ethics. There is a need to show concern by supporting man’s needs while at the same time not ignoring environmental
needs. Humans can use the earth’s resources but, as good stewards, they should be responsible enough to take care of
such reserves for future generations.

Man does not see agriculture as destructive of nature but remembers that God intended the earth to be cultivated (Gen
2:5, 15). “Experts” are becoming progressively more alarmed that our over utilization of resource and disrespect and
ignorance for the penalties and consequences of greediness will result in extreme madness in the future.

Unfortunately, solving such problems cannot be achieved by following a conventional, conservative straight line. There is
absolutely no fancy way out when it comes to trade-offs in reducing impacts of environmental destruction and global
warming.

THE Environment !

 Do you know that the world’s natural resources are controlled by only few individuals? And that the
environment we have now is rapidly deteriorating as a result to the wanton destruction brought about by the
insatiable greediness of this few individuals.
 But, what does it mean by the word “environment”? The word “environment” is derived from the medieval
French word “environnement” which is used to describe the action of surrounding something and also to refer
to conditions in which a person or other organism lives and develops.
 Environment represents all surroundings to an existing being.
 It refers to the external settings and circumstances in broad-spectrum influencing the natural life cycle and
survival of all living and non-living creatures.
 It also includes the set of natural, social and cultural morals and ethics presented in a specific location at a
precise period, which has impact in the existence of the humankind and in the generations to take place.
 It is not only the place in which life progresses, but it moreover incorporates living creatures, objects, water, soil,
air and the associations connecting all of them on top of intangibles like culture.

Environmental Perspectives

 Eco-centric - Nature centered - with minimum disturbances to nature

Ecocentrism
o Humans are not more important in comparison to other creations or species
o All living creatures has essential value
o Humans need to protect its habitat and ecosystems
o Resources are limited and scarce
o People need the earth more than it needs us
o Ecocentrism is the ecological or personal honor that mankind postulate which reflects our morals and
values towards nature. In this aspect, individuals are fervent to conserving the entirety of Earth’s
biodiversity and the active operation of its life-supporting system.

Three (3) Theories on Eco-centric Model

1. Deep Ecology – an ecological philosophy developed by Arne Naess in the early 1970s. He emphasizes
that all creatures have an equally corresponding right to exist. He trusts that the living environment
ought to be appreciated, valued and viewed as having rights to prosper, autonomous of its use,
function, or benefit to humans.
2. Social Ecology – a critical social theory founded by an American anarchist and libertarian socialist
author Murray Bookchin. It is intellectualized as a critique of current social, political, and anti-
 ecological trends, it espouses reconstructive, ecological. Communitarian, and ethical approach to
society.
3. Ecofeminism – also known as ecological feminism. It explores the links and correlations between
women folk and nature. Its name was coined by French feminist Francoise d’Eaubonne in 1974. A
philosophical inkling that relates both feminism and ecology concerns, accentuating that they
mutually endure from their dealings in a male dominated society.

 Anthropocentric - People centered – humans are managers of the planet

Anthropocentrism
o Humans are the most important of all creations
o A humanity centered environmental viewpoint
o Nature is used to benefit the human population
o The unreasonable or excessive utilization of environment’s resources which give rise to ecological crisis.
As such, it ensues that human egotism towards nature is defensible to gratify human interest. Now and
then, people espouse an exploitative approach each time nature is merely pondered as a channel for
one’s profit or advantage.

Some Effects of Anthropocentrism

1. All kinds of pollution - Drought and water crisis
2. Deforestation - Famine
3. Soil erosion - Stronger typhoons
4. Depletion of natural resources - Global warming/Climate Change

 Technocentric - Technology centered – technology solves problems

Technocentrism
o The environmental perspective that relies on technology to solve ecological problems caused by men.
o A value system that is focused on technology and its competence to manage and protect the
environment.
o Techno-centrics have complete confidence in technology and modern industry and strongly consider
mankind as having control over nature.
o Techno-centrics further believe in classical science, technology, conventional economic thinking, and in
the human control over nature. They are confident in the ability of experts to invent new techniques to
extract and allocate resources.

Current condition of our environment

We cannot refute the fact that our environment is continuously changing. The older generation, our ancestors, can
certainly attest to the changes they have seen and compare the past and present condition of our environment.

Change is inevitable…

As much as we want progress, there are things that will surely be sacrificed. Therefore, there is a great need to address
this concern as well if we truly want to experience and enjoy true progress not only for us living in the present, but more
so for our children and the future generations.

There are certainly means and ways to prevent negative impact on our environment. People must be educated and be
disciplined in doing even the smallest things for the environment. It is a collaborative effort and should not be left in the
hands of the government or the environmentalists alone.

Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being, and sustainable development

 What is Green Revolution? It is a movement to boost food production through:

 a. launching of high-yield crop varieties
b. use and treatment of fertilizers and pesticides
c. application of advanced agricultural techniques

The objective is to eliminate or at the very least, reduce hunger by further enriching crop performance.

 Common reasons on the Need for Green Revolution:

1. Continuous increase in population
2. Food shortage
3. High cost of production
4. Environmental problems

Green Revolution: A Promise of Hope

1. Hunger reduction/elimination
2. Intensify food production
3. Foster technological knowledge
4. Availability of materials to local farmers
5. Strengthen and improve global carrying capacity

Biotechnology: the next green revolution

 Supports farmers produce higher yields on less land as compared to conventional plant breeding
 More precise state of the art farming technology
 Farming methods/practices becomes less time consuming

Green Revolution and Biotechnology in the 21st Century

There is a need to obviously continue because:

1. Food shortage is a global problem

2. Overpopulation puts pressure and threatens food supply
3. Modern technologies can facilitate in enhancing food production

DEMONSTRATE THE VIRTUES OF PRUDENCE AND FRUGALITY TOWARDS THE ENVIRONMENT

 If being frugal is being practical and/or economical, therefore, in a philosophical sense, does frugality help the
environment?
 Society's impact on the environment continues to be the cause of serious global concern. It was triggered by the
growing awareness that human activities have become the biggest factor in the loss of biodiversity.
 With the continuous increase in the price of almost all commodities brought about by accelerating cost of fuel,
not to mention the equivalent swelling of environmental and health problems, alternatives to go natural has
intensified. Moves to save money (cost), people's health, and Mother Earth, in general, has been given much
attention in recent times in an attempt to save the future.

FREEDOM AND THE HUMAN PERSON

ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSPHY - The branch of philosophy that is concerned with the natural environment and
humanity’s place within it.

 ANTHROPOCENTRISM - This view believes that humans are considered the primary cause that drives changes in
the environment.
 DEEP ECOLOGY - The notion which claims that the natural world is being maintained by the interrelationship
among living organisms that every living thing on the planet rely on each other for survival.
  GAIA HYPOTHESIS - The concept which suggest that non-organic elements in the planet play a significant role in
maintaining balance in the environment as they interact with living organisms to regulate the various systems
that enable life to continue thriving on Earth.
 SOCIAL ECOLOGY - The concept that applies ecological and ethical approach in analyzing society, and sees a
relationship between social and environmental problems.

I am free, no matter what rules surround me. If I find them tolerable, I tolerate them, If I find them obnoxious, I break
free because I know, I alone am morally responsible for everything I do. – Robert A. Heinlein

The really important kind of freedom involves attention, and awareness, and discipline, and effort, and being able to
truly care about other people and to sacrifice for them, over and over, in myriad pretty little uneasy ways, every day. –
David Foster Wallace

Freedom is not advanced in the permissive society, which confuse freedom with license to do anything whatever it takes
and which, in the name of freedom proclaim a kind of general amorality. It is a caricature of freedom to claim that
people are free to organize their lives with no reference to moral values. Such an attitude is destructive of freedom and
peace. – Pope John Paul II

What is FREEDOM?

 Freedom or Liberty – is a social and political concept which has great significance in how people participate in
society.
 Intellectuals pondered on the origins of society and the state and the nature of human freedom.
 The term freedom emerged as an important philosophical issue in the 18th century Europe during the Age of
Enlightenment.
o Enlightenment thinkers believed that early man existed in a “natural state” and had absolute freedom.
o However, in the establishment of societies people are required to surrender some of their freedoms in order
to live in harmony with others and ensure the survival of society.
o In establishing society, people entered into a “social contract” which defined the freedoms that they will be
enjoying as members of a society and the state.
o Freedom in a political and social context means the freedom of an individual from oppression, compulsion,
or coercion from other persons, an authority figure, or from society itself.

Political freedom consists of two type of liberties.

o Positive liberty refers to a person taking control of his or her own life and fulfilling one's potential.
o Negative liberty is freedom from external restrain, barriers, and other inferences from other people.
 LIBERALISM – upholds the preservation of individual rights and stresses the role of the government in protecting
these civil liberties.
 LIBERTARIANISM – on the other hand, believes that the individual, not the government, is the best judge in
upholding and exercising rights.
 SOCIALISM considers freedom as the freedom to acquire economic resources and the ability to work and act
according to one’s desires.

Freedom also entails the recognition of certain rights and entitlements of persons.

2 types of rights

 Natural rights - refer to rights which are innate in the person such as the rights to life.
 Legal Rights - are rights that are base on society's customs and laws, and are enacted by legislation and enforced by
a government.

Theological Views - Defines freedom as freedom from sin and living a life of righteousness.
Christians defines freedom in the context of living in accordance with the will of God.

What makes us free? And How does freedom shape our experiences?

- Freedom, in its simplest sense, is the freedom to make choices in life.

- Human agency refers to the capacity of a person to act and exert control over his or her behavior.

Human Freedom is expressed in two ways namely;

o Free Will is the capacity to choose from alternative courses of action or decision.
o Free Action is the freedom to perform an action without any obstacle or hindrances

Different views regarding the nature of free will and how it influences human action:

1.) Faculties model refers to free will as the use of our mental faculties and that each human action is based on
rationality and sound judgment.
Example: A student deciding to participate actively in class to improve his or her grades, indicates that he/she
uses judgment to implement an action, thus exercising free will.
2.) Hierarchical model – argues that free will is based on human wants and desires.
Wants and Desires - A person exercises free will when he/she identifies the one that he/she desires as
acceptable and decide to act on it.
Example: A newly-graduate senior high school student who decides to pursue either Engineering or Medicine in
college is exercising free will. Should he or she choose Medicine, he/she must want to become a doctor.
3.) Reasons-responsive view – believes that man has free will because he is able to entertain reasons not to enact a
certain decision and act upon them when the need arises.
Example: A person decides to cross the street but sees a car rapidly approaching, he or she exercise free will by
choosing not to cross the street and allow the speeding car to pass.

What can prevent us from exercising our freedom? Constraints on free action include external obstacles such as:

1. Prohibitions
2. Laws
3. Social controls

External factors that may restrict free action includes:

4. Weather
5. Accidents
6. Poverty

Constraints on free will includes certain methods that cloud a person's judgement such as manipulation and
brainstorming.

Determinism - is a philosophical view that believes that every event in the world is brought about by underlying causes
or factors.

If a man is indeed free, how can he exercise his free will and action in a world where events are already determined by
outside forces?

Free will being exercised in a deterministic scenario is how people deal with things that are "outside their control".

Factors to consider:

7. Influence in society
8. Socioeconomic situation
9. Culture
10. People
11. Community
 Marxist Philosophy - believes that society imposes certain controls on people, and that a person's social group
largely influences how he think or acts.
 Moral Responsibility - refers to a person's status of deserving praise and reward, or blame and punishment for
an action.

Christian doctrine establishes that all good, moral actions will result in rewards such as blessing and salvation, while evil
deeds merit punishment both in this world and in the afterlife.

MAN ON HAPPINESS

Happiness, and the means to achieve it, has been an important topic of discussion in Philosophy since ancient times.
Various views have emerged to describe a "happy life", and the steps a person can take to achieve a state of happiness
or contentment in life.

What does it mean to be happy?

o It can be interpreted as a state of mind? One say that he or she is happy or "is in a good mood" today. One can
still maintain happiness even if experiencing difficulties in life.
o It can be an evaluation of one’s experiences in life. In this case, being happy means having a satisfying life that
goes well for the person living it
 Eudaimonia (good spirit) from Greek word means a person's state of well-being or happiness. Happiness is
something to be achieved and a happy life is a good life.
 PLATO - Equates Happiness with living a moral life, practicing virtues, fulfilling personal duties, and controlling one's
desire.
 ARISTOTLE - Happiness is the primary reason for human action, and one becomes happy through the practice of
virtues and the accumulation of achievements.
 EPICURUS - For the Epicureans happiness means life of peace that is free from fear and discomfort.

St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas - happiness is a union with GOD. A person's life is lived for the sole purpose of
achieving unity with the Divine, and man's eventual union with God is the epitome of happiness.

Greatest Happiness Principle - The person's actions are considered moral or desirable when they produce the greatest
happiness for other people.

Based on this, society should promote activities or actions that produce the greatest happiness or satisfaction for its
members.

Whole Life Satisfaction - Where a person is able to evaluate his or her life experiences and determine the level of
satisfaction with how he or she has lived life.

Defines happiness as "satisfaction with one's life as a whole. - Wladyslaw Tatarkiewicz

- This means that one views past experiences, present condition, and future prospects in life with satisfaction.

Traces a person's happiness based on a total life pattern-a person should only be satisfied with the life he or she has
lived, but must also feel constant joy and enthusiasm in life. - Richard Brandt

Wayne Summer approaches happiness in two ways.

o Cognitive perspective, one must be able to look back at past experiences have a positive evaluation of his or her
condition.
o Affective side, happiness is brought about by a sense of well being having lived a life is enriching and rewarding.
Distinct Elements

1. Contentment, which is satisfaction with one's life.

2. Welfare, which refer to the satisfaction of person's wants and desires.
3. Dignity, which defined as the ability to control and define one's own destiny, and freedom to live a life of one's
choosing.
 Each element of human well-being is independent of each other, a persons often determine their happiness by
prioritizing one element over another.
 One may be contended despite not having enough money, or one may have all the money in the world but still feel
unsatisfied in life.
 A, prisoner, who is without freedom, may choose to accept his or her fate and find contentment in the situation.
 The significance of happiness as a measure of life satisfaction is also recognized by the social sciences.

Psychologists define happiness as a balance between a  The morality or appropriateness of human

person's emotions, moods, and feelings. actions often revolves around the question of
personal satisfaction and the general welfare.
 Internal factors
 Social environment Aristotle proposes that to achieve happiness:
 Interpersonal relationships
 A person must plan his or her activities
 Existence of support system
 Form a set of life goal to achieve worthwhile
Economists use socioeconomic data to define happiness life.
and well-being in numerical terms, giving rise to various  Set worthwhile goals that will benefit society
statistics such as:  Determine role in society
 Devote public service
o Gross National Happiness Index
o Gross National Well-Being Index Epicureans believes:

This measures consider the over all well-being of  Happiness is possible if one enjoys the simple
countries and take into account various factors: pleasures of life and commits to a life of virtues.
 Desire for wealth and status are merely artificial
o Sustainable development goals and should not define one's happiness.
o Promotion of cultural values
o Preservation of environment St. Augustine believes:
o Good governance  Happiness cannot be found in the afterlife when
The United States recognized happiness as a the spirit reunites with God.
"fundamental human goal and universal aspiration" as  For Christians to live a life of virtue because it
has been issuing a World Happiness Report since 2012. sets us on a road toward achieving happiness.

 Ethics plays a significant role in discussing Jeremy Bentham believes: * Happiness is achieved
happiness and the means to achieve it. through wise decision-making.

Emmanuel Kant believes: * Happiness is impossible

because of the ever-changing nature of man's desires.

MAN ON SUFFERING AND DEATH

WHAT IS SUFFERING?

Suffering refers to an experience of unpleasantness, discomfort, and pain. It is often associated with threats to human
existence or the lack of pleasure or happiness in life.

Two types of Suffering:

  Physical-refers to physical sensations such as discomfort, hunger, distress, and pain. It is often caused by injury,
disease, and the lack of basic needs.
 Mental Suffering is associated with emotional and mental states such as depression, anxiety, fear, loneliness,
and grief. These maybe caused by unexpected situations in life such as sudden changes in lifestyles, loss of
employment, stressful situations, and grief caused by the death of a loved one

Suffering can also be caused by the conflict between one’s notion of a “perfect world” and the actual state of the world
he/she lives in, leading to feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and dread.

Philosophers have come up with various terms to define this condition:

o Weltschmerz is the term used to refer to man’s realization that the world can never live up to the ideal, “perfect
world,” resulting to feelings of sadness or apathy.
o Angst refers to fear and anxiety, and philosophers relate this feeling to existential dread – a crisis brought about
when a person begins to question his or her purpose and reason for being.
o Ennui is the feeling of weariness and discontent brought about by lack of interest or intense boredom with the
world.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF SUFFERING IN MAN’S LIFE

There are two major philosophical views regarding human suffering;

 Suffering is an undesirable human condition – human naturally seek pleasure and avoid pain, which means that
sufferings can be avoided by seeking pleasurable things or activities.
 Suffering is necessary to human existence – it is essential because it defines human existence. Without it, man is
unable to grow and improve, and his positive experiences lose meaning and significance.

Other views on Sufferings:

 Theologians also pondered on the concept of human suffering and relate it to God’s providence.
 For Irenaeus of Lyons, believed that suffering is a consequence of free will, and that it is necessary to achieve
moral perfection.
 Origen (184 A.D.) considers the world as “a school and hospital for souls” where sufferings play a role in
educating and healing the person.
 Christian Theology considers suffering as a means to achieve a higher meaning in life.

HOW SHOULD ONE FACE SUFFERING AND ADVERSITIES IN LIFE?

 People experience suffering in various forms and at different levels throughout life.
 The most common everyday adversity that most people face include stress, anxiety, or disappointment.

 Major life changes that bring about suffering and great adversity are job loss, accidents, disease, or even death
of a loved one.
 However small or large life’s adversities may be, there are ways of coping with these changes.

WHAT IS COPING?

 Coping refers to the means that a person employs in dealing with difficult life situations, and involves a
conscious effort to solve personal and interpersonal problems.
 Coping also entails identifying sources of stress and conflict, and devising means to tolerate or minimize their
effects.
  Coping with life's difficulties can be done through various means. Ways of coping can range from positive means
such as anticipating and preparing for stress, seeking support from other people, and implementing stress
management through physical activity, relaxation, constructive emotional release, and humor.
 Others, cope with adversity through negative means such as withdrawal. avoidance, and escapism.

VARIOUS PHILOSOPHERS WAYS OF DEALING WITH SUFFERING

 Epicureans believe that suffering can be avoided by seeking only the pleasurable things in life and avoiding those
that cause harm or pain.
 Stoics believe that one must face difficulties in life with fortitude and patience.
 Nietzsche's views human suffering emphasize the individual's role in making sense of adversity. When faced with
difficulties, a person should not blame other people or look at external factors to explain his or her suffering.
Rather, a person should face his or her suffering and take responsibility for it.
 Utilitarian philosophers suggest that in order to alleviate suffering in the world. people should focus on actions
that are beneficial to society.

WHAT IS DEATH?

 It is the end of all biological functions that sustain a living organism. In medical terms, the death of a human
being is associated with "brain death" or the ceasing of all brain functions.
 The causes of death include aging, disease, and fatal injury Death is considered to be natural occurrence in old
age or senescence.

In psychology, the experience of death is often associated with negative emotions such as grief, anxiety, anger, and fear.

o The death of a loved one is a powerful emotional experience that often leads to stress and depression.
o Cultures have varied ideas, values, and beliefs regarding death and these are reflected in traditions, funerary
practices, religion, and philosophy. How people deal with death is often influenced by culture.

Loss, Grief, Dying, and Death

 Loss - An aspect of self no longer available to a person

 Death - Cessation of life
 Grief - Pattern of physical and emotional responses to bereavement
 Grief work - adaptation process of mourning a loss
 Mortality - The condition of being subject to death

Historical Overview - Not all losses are obvious or immediate

Obvious Losses Not-So-Obvious losses

 Death of a loved one  Illness

 Divorce  Aging
 Breakup of a relationship  Changing schools, jobs
 Loss of a job

Losses may be actual or perceived

Actual loss is easily identified - A woman who has a mastectomy

Perceived loss is less obvious

 Loss of confidence
 A woman who hopes to give birth to a female child delivers a male child instead
 Perceived losses are easily overlooked or misunderstood yet the process of grief involved is the same as an
actual loss
Maturational Loss

> Loss resulting from normal life transitions

>Loss of childhood dreams, the loss felt when adolescents when a romance fails, loss felt when leaving family home for
college or marriage and establishing a home of one's own

> As an individual ages, they experience menopause and loss of hair, teeth bearing and "youth"

Situational Loss

A loss occurring suddenly in response to a specific external event

Sudden death of a loved one. or the unemployed person who suffers low self-esteem

Personal Loss

> Any loss that requires adaptation through the grieving process

Loss occurring when something or someone can no longer be seen, felt, heard, known, or experienced; individuals
respond to loss differently