DLP Philo LC4 Notes 1

PHILOSOPHY also seeks to explore the relationship between humanity and the environment
Environmental philosophy/ environmental ethics – studies the moral relationship of human beings with the environment and its
non-human contents
THREE MAJOR VIEWS REGARDING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMANITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
1. ANTHROPOCENTRISM – considering human beings as the most significant entity of the universe. 2 :interpreting or regarding
the world in terms of human values and experiences; 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
2. Biocentrism – believes humans are not the only significant species on the planet, and that all organisms have inherent value
and should be protected; drives the activities of humane organizations that advocate the ethical treatment of animals (R.A.
8485 “the animal welfare act of 1998”.
3. Ecocentrism – places great value on ecosystems and biological communities; believes that humankind is part of a greater
biological system and community and that we have a significant role as stewards or guardians of nature; promotes the idea
that order and balance in nature brings about stability and beauty
a. Deep Ecology and Gaia Hypothesis – emphasize the important role of interaction between the living and non-living
components of the environment; all biological organisms interact with each other and that each occupies a significant
niche within the ecosystem.
Disorder – exists in the environment; (1) can be brought about by sudden changes in nature such as natural calamities like
typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslide; (2) Human Activities causing environmental problems like
pollution, environmental degradation, the depletion of natural resources, global warming, and climate change
Human actions that contribute to environmental problems – littering, improper disposal of waste and improper use of
resources
HOW CAN HUMANITY ADDRESS THE DAMAGE INFLICTED ON THE ENVIRONMENT?
ENVIRONMENTALISM – advocates to address the growing environmental problems; encourages governments, institutions,
organizations, and corporations to commit to responsible action for the environment
Has also 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.
Examples:
1) the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, where various nations committed to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in order to curb
global warming.
The Philippines is a signatory and our government has enacted laws such as Clean Air Act of
1999, Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, and the Wildlife Resources
Conservation and Protection Act
2) Celebration of Earth Day – first instituted in 1970, is a global effort to raise awareness of environmental issues and inspire
action among communities
Environmental Ethics
 Moral approach that analyses the relationship between humans and the environment
 Also discusses environmental problems caused by human activities and social issues that impact the environment
 Serves as a basis for reflecting on how our actions show our regard for nature
 Guides us in upholding the welfare of the environment and everything in it
The development of Ethical Views regarding the environment – emerged in the 1970s, advocating human responsibility and action
with regard to environmental issues. Its main ideas are the following:
 All nonhuman elements of the world, including animals and natural resources, have intrinsic value and should be
preserved
 The preservation of the environment will benefit humans by providing for the needs of present and future generations
 Humankind has a responsibility to safeguard the plant as stewards of creation
Environmental Ethics has resulted in the development of varied views:

 Social Ecology – applies an ecological and ethical approach in analysing society, and sees a relationship between social
problems and environmental problems. Society should therefore implement changes in order to address issues
regarding the environment
 Concepts such as climate ethics and climate justice arose from the growing concern with climate change, and consider
it a significant ethical, social and political issue. These views were greatly influenced by the concept of environmental
justice, which refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits, as well as the burden of meeting environmental
challenges. Advocates of environmental justice emphasize equity and the meaningful involvement of communities and
governments in addressing environmental challenges, and in planning and implementing environmental policies
 Environmental Aesthetics – believes that 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 living organisms in it ; appropriation of natural
beauty brings about concern for the environment and helps people relate more effectively with nature
Originally focused on concepts of beauty in nature, but has become increasingly influenced by environmental concerns.
Began in 20th century, concerned primarily with natural beauty in the context of maintaining order and balance in the
environment
WHAT CAN I DO TO UPHOLD ENVIRONMENTALISM AND CARE FOR NATURE?
Means for humanity to take action and uphold its missions as stewards of nature:
Sustainability or Sustainable Development – focuses on reconciling human activities and economic development with the
protection of the environment; making wise decisions regarding the use of natural resources to ensure that there is still
enough left for future use
Three Important Principles of Sustainability:

1. Environmental Integrity – maintaining the state of environment; human activities should not unruly disrupt the
ecosystems and human communities located in the area
2. Economic Efficiency – 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
Values Needed/Necessary:
1. Prudence – the ability to regulate one’s actions and behaviour
2. Frugality – being thrifty with the use of one’s resources

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PHILOSOPHY also seeks to explore the relationship between humanity and the environment

HOW CAN HUMANITY ADDRESS THE DAMAGE INFLICTED ON THE ENVIRONMENT?

Environmental Ethics has resulted in the development of varied views:

WHAT CAN I DO TO UPHOLD ENVIRONMENTALISM AND CARE FOR NATURE?

Three Important Principles of Sustainability:

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