INTRODUCTION TO PHILOSOPHY IN THE HUMAN PERSON

WHAT IS PHILOSOPHY
PYTHAGORAS – a mathematician and scientist,
The word philosophy comes from two Greek he was credited with formulating the Pythagorean
words: philos (love) and sophia (wisdom). Theorem.

The ancient Greeks used this term to refer to

“love of wisdom” and they soon applied it to the
study or discipline that uses human reason to
investigate the ultimate causes, reasons, and
principles which govern all things.
 Philosophy is the study of general and
fundamental questions about existence,
knowledge, values, reason, mind, and
language.
 Philosophy in simple words is a way of
thinking about the world, the nature of HERACLITUS – he proposed that everything that
human thought, the nature of the exists is based on a higher order or plan which he
universe, and the connections between called logos.
them. The ideas in philosophy are often
general and abstract.
 Philosophy is the study of humans and the
world by thinking and asking questions. It
is a science and an art. Philosophy tries to
answer important questions by coming up
with answers about real things and asking
“why”.

WONDER
To be filled with curiosity or doubt. DEMOCRITUS – he devoted himself to the study
 An event inexplicable by the laws of of the causes of natural phenomenon.
nature; a miracle.
 A feeling of puzzlement or doubt.

WANDER
Walk or move in a leisurely, casual, or aimless
way.
 An act or instance of wandering.
NOUN – wandering, stroll, saunter, ramble
VERB – roam, ramble, rove, and stray

Philosophers’ definition arises out of

wonder, out of curiosity, out of desire to learn and
to understand things.
DIOGENES OF SINOPE – he was a known
PHILOSOPHERS advocate of living a simple and virtuous life.
Are people who engage in Philosophy,

Pythagoras Epicurus
(570 BCE to 495 BCE) (341 BCE to 270 BCE)
Heraclitus Socrates
(535 BCE to 475 BCE) (470 BCE to 399 BCE)
Democritus Plato
(460 BCE to 370 BCE) (472 BCE to 347 BCE)
Diogenes of Sinope Aristotle
(412 BCE to 323 BCE) (384 BCE to 322 BCE)

EPICURUS – he believed that philosophy could

enable man to live a life of happiness.
  For him, all ideas and views are based on
perception and our reality is based on
what we can sense and perceive.
 His studies in logic led to the formulation
of a formal process of analyzing reasoning
which give rise to deductive reasoning –
the process by which specific statements
are analyzed to reach a conclusion or
generalization.

SOCRATES – he was considered the foremost

philosophers of ancient times. He was credited
with formulating the Socratic Method.
 Means of examining a topic by devising a
series of questions that let the learner
examine and analyze his knowledge and
views regarding the topic.

ETYMOLOGY
Derived for Greek words etimos and logos.
Etimos – root, origin, cause, basis, history
Logos – study
EPISTEME – means knowledge
KNOWLEDGE – is only a million formation;
simple data that comes from the outside that
PLATO – a student of Socrates, he wrote down pass to our senses.
his mentor’s teaching and incorporated some of WISDOM – is an awareness of something which
his own ideas into them. is basic; one is intended product of
 Plato’s most significant ideas included his philosophizing; refers to a person’s ability to
Theory of Forms, which proposes apply knowledge to daily life particularly in
everything that exist is based on an idea making sound choices and judgment.
or template that can only perceived in the
mind. WHY IS THERE A NEED TO PHILOSOPIZE
 Plato is also known for his dialectic – a (Greek) Plato traced man’s need to
method of inquiry where two opposing philosophize to HIS SENSE OF WONDER – What?
ideas are discussed in an attempt to arrive Where? Why? How?
at new knowledge. (French) Rene Descartes traced man’s
 Plat’s lasting contribution to learning was need to philosophize to DOUBT.
his founding of the Academy, an (Swiss-German) Karl Jaspers traced man’s
institution of higher learning. need to philosophize because of EXPERIENCE also
called LIMIT SITUATIONS.
Socrates: the need to philosophize is
driven by LOVE FOR WISDOM.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HOLISTIC AND

PARTIAL
THINKING
HOLISTIC THINKING
Refers to a perspective that considers large-scale
patterns in system.
 It requires an individual to have an open
mindset and an ability to get the general
sense or impression regarding a situation.

ARISTOTLE – he attended the Academy, and was PARTIAL THINKING

the prominent student of Plato. Focuses on specific aspects of a situation.
  It is an important component of analytical INFERENCES are made by constructions of
thinking. arguments.
 Philosophy utilizes holistic thinking in  A philosophical study on the correct
making sense of problems and issues processes of thinking.
related to human experience.  The systematic study of argument.
 The rule of inference.
REFLECTION  Distinguishing valid from invalid
Reflection requires a person to be willing to argument.
examine one’s thoughts, feelings, and actions  Examination fallacies.
and learn more about one’s life and experiences.  Using correct argument patterns.
 Reflecting on situations, activities and
decisions enables a person to gain insights EPISTEMOLOGY
that will help in effective decision-making. Knowledge science
 Explores the nature and limitations of
BRANCHES OF PHILOSOPHY knowledge.
AESTHETICS  It is the branch of philosophy concerned
Sensori-emotional values with the nature and scope (limitations) of
 Explores the nature of beauty, art, and knowledge.
taste with the creation and appreciation of QUESTIONS:
beauty. What is knowledge? How is knowledge acquired?
 Branch of philosophy which deals with How do we know what we know?
beauty and what makes things beautiful.  Definition of knowledge.
QUESTIONS:  Investigates how knowledge is obtained.
What is beauty? What is art? What is the value of  Explores the relationship between belief,
beauty and art? Who should judge what is truth and knowledge.
beautiful or artistic?
ETHICS
LOGIC branch of philosophy which deals with moral
Rules for thinking questions and dilemmas.
 The systematic principles (or rules) for  How should we live?
thinking rationally.  Is right and wrong the same everywhere
 Branch of philosophy which deals with or different everywhere?
correct reasoning.
 Rules of logic determine which arguments METAPHYSICS
are valid and which are fallacies. Knowledge science
 Branch of philosophy which deals with the
fundamental nature of reality and being
(existence).
 Ontology; existence; objects; properties;
space and time; cause and effect.

METHODS OF PHILOSOPHIZING

DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN It is the conformity between the mind and the

TRUTH AND OPINION object.
Philosophers often wrestle with the concept of the  People need the truth about the world in
truth. Knowledge must be truthful to gain validity order to thrive. The truth is important,
and acceptance. believing what is not true is apt to spoil
 For example, when we answer a “True or people’s plan and even cost them in their
false” test, we judge if the statements we lives.
read are true or false. This means that
statements may have truth or may have KNOWLEDGE
not truth. The clear awareness and understanding of
 Statements about the world or reality are something. It is the product of questions that
called “proposition” and these tallow for clear answers provided by facts.
propositions may or may not carry truth.  Our knowledge is comprised of ideas and
PROPOSITIONS – are usually stated as short beliefs that we know to be true.
statements or sentences.
EXAMPLE:
TRUTH “I know that . . .
I know why . . .
I know how . . .” Can we use our senses to prove this
statement as fact?
These statements correspond to one important
aspect of knowledge – that is based on reality. A BELIEF is true if
 This simply means that what we know is  It is based on facts.
what is observable or evident in the real
world. A BELIEF is true if
 You get a consensus and people agree on
FACTS a common belief. But this approach has
Propositions or statements which are observed to certain limitations.
be real or truthful. Getting everyone agree on something may not
make that belief true.
EXAMPLE:
“I know that fish live in water.”
How do we know” Because fish really do live in A BELIEF is true if
water.  There are official documents/supporting
facts.
CLAIM
Statements that are not evidently or immediately A BELIEF is true if
known to be true.  A person can prove a statement through
 They require further examination to an action.
establish whether it is true or false.
Philosophers argue that a BELIEF is true if
EXAMPLE:  It is subjected to tests to determine the
“I know that my school is the best school in the truth.
city.”
You may know that reading is a better activity OPINION
than playing basketball but the truth of your An opinion is a statement that cannot be proved
statement will be contested by other people. or checked.
 It tells what someone thinks, feels, or
HOW DO WE KNOW IF SOMETHING IS TRUE? believes.
Ancient Greek Philosophers approached the
problem of truth by looking at the nature of Comprised of statements which not only give
knowledge and how we know wht we know. facts but also provide “conclusions” or
 We assume that everything we know perspective regarding certain situations.
about this world is true.  They may advance a “belief” about certain
 But philosophers who pondered upon the things or provide “explanations”.
origins of knowledge doubted everything  The bases for making “arguments” and
there is to know about themselves and the convincing people that a certain claim is a
world. fact. They are often influenced by bias.

EXAMPLE: CONCLUSION
I am alive; I have a body; I can breathe. Judgment based on certain facts.

DOUBT BELIEFS
As it drives our desire to discover truth. In Statements that express convictions that are not
philosophy, systematic doubt is employed to easily and clearly explained by facts.
determine truth.  To judge the truthfulness of a belief, we
 This means that every statement, claim, must also consider things such as the
evidence, and is scrutinized and analyzed. person’s experiences and views.
 Nothing is taken as true unless there is
sufficient reason and evidence to prove EXAMPLE:
that is indeed true. “I believe that God put me on this Earth to spread
his message of love”
EXPLANATION
A BELIEF is true if Statements that assume the claim to be true and
 It can be justified or proven through the provide reasons why the statement is true.
use of one’s senses.
EXAMPLE: EXAMPLE:
I am Filipino. “My sister is selfish because . . .”
 ARGUMENTS 1650), dubbed as the “Father of Modern
Series of statements that provide reasons to Philosophy”.
convince the reader or listener that a claim or  Using the Methodic doubt, propositions
opinion is truthful. from each class are scrutinized, that if a
 They often take the form of statements way can be thought of doubt the truth of
that are either claims of facts and are any statement, then all other statements
phrased in such a way that they seem of that class are also dismissed as
reasonable. dubitable, though not necessarily false.

EXAMPLE: THE “LIVED EXPERIENCE” –

Encountered in formal debates. PHENOMENOLOGICAL METHOD OR INQUIRY
 Phenomenological inquiry studies
LOGIC phenomena, that is, objects and events as
Is the branch of philosophy that focuses on the perceived and understood in the human
analysis of arguments. consciousness, and not of anything
independent of consciousness.
HOW CAN AN UNDERSTANDING OF  Phenomenology is a method philosophy
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUTH AND that focuses on the essence of lived
OPINION experienced.
LED US TO WISDOM
It is important to realize that the methods of DIALECTICAL METHOD – HEGELIAN
philosophy lead to wisdom and truth. No doubt, DIALECTICS
philosophy is practical and significant as it  Dialectical method is also called Hegelian
develops one’s critical mind. dialectics as this was proposed by Georg
 In addition, philosophy provides the most Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770-1831), a
fundamental as its methods lead to German philosopher and a significant
discovering wisdom and truth. figure of German idealism,
 In his lecture (the basis of this article),
Filipino philosophy professor and textbook
author Jensen DG. Manebog explains how
that Hegelian dialectic leads to truth (and
wisdom). He clarifies that in this
interpretive method in philosophy, the
contradiction between a proposition
(thesis) and its antithesis is resolved at a
higher level of truth (synthesis).
 This can be clearly understood in the three
stages of development or “the triad”
comprising the Hegelian dialectic:

FIRST STAGE: A THESIS

This refers to a beginning proposition or
statement of an idea.
METHODS OF PHILOSOPHIZING
“THE ELENCHUS” – SOCRATIC METHOD SECOND STAGE: THE ANTITHESIS
 Socratic Method leads to wisdom and truth this is a reaction that contradicts or negates the
for it asks a series of incisive questions to thesis.
determine whether a supposed knowledge
could rationally be justified, defended, and THIRD STAGE: THE SYNTHESIS
accepted with clarity and logical It is a proposition through which the differences
consistency. between the two points are resolved.

CRITICAL METHOD – KANT”S

“METHODIC DOUBT” – CARTESIAN TRANSCENDENTAL IDEALISM
PHILOSOPHY  The so-called critical method (also called
 The “Methodic Doubt” is also called Kant’s transcendental idealism) suggests
Cartesian Philosophy because it was that in knowing things we should focus on
introduced by French philosopher d the analysis of the conditions and limits of
mathematician Rene Descartes (1595- knowledge.
  The idea was introduced by the influential expert in archeology by looking into other articles
German philosopher in the Age of the author has written, as well as the author’s
Enlightenment Immanuel Kant (1724- occupation, university degree or affiliate
1804). organization.
The Critical Method teaches that to get the
answers to our philosophical questions is to RELIABILITY
investigate our mental faculties and not to do a An opinion’s perceived reliability may be
metaphysical speculation of the universe around influenced by the trustworthiness of its source
us. and the extent to which it is based on valid
 For Kant, the mind is not a passive evidence.
receptor as it dynamically forms our  Reliability is the credibility and accuracy of
perception of reality. the source.

INDUCTIVE AND DEDUCTIVE REASONING EXAMPLE:

 Induction or reasoning inductively is As the author was present at the event, his
fundamentally inferring a general record of it is likely to be very trustworthy.
conclusion from a collection of particular
facts. PURPOSE
 For example, one might conclude that “All The purpose of an opinion may range from
flowers are fragrant”, because ilang-ilang informative to persuasive, to influence the
sampaguita, rose, and rosal are fragrant. listener or reader.
 On the other hand, deduction is a process  Purpose is why the author or speaker has
of reasoning in which reasons are given in given the opinion.
support of a claim. An argument is thus
deductive if the premises claim to give EXAMPLE:
conclusive grounds for the truth of the To support a specific moral or ethical position, it
conclusion. can indicate a potential bias or subjectivity in the
opinion, as it is influenced by the speaker’s
EVALUATE OPINION values and beliefs.
Distinguishing between fact and opinion requires
attention and scrutiny, because it is indeed a BIAS
challenge to weed out opinions based on one’s Opinions may be influenced by unconscious
biases and subjective views from facts based on biases, such as personal experiences, beliefs, or
accurate and objective information, prejudices, which can affect their objectivity and
 Thus, there must be a set of criteria in our credibility.
examination of these opinions and beliefs  Bias is the tendency of the speaker or
before accepting them as true. author to express a particular viewpoint.

EXAMPLE:
Men might rate men higher than women, or older
employees might rate their contemporaries more
favorably.

ASSUMPTION
Refers to the limitations or assumptions that were
made in reaching the conclusions presented in
the information.
 The underlying assumptions to understand
SOURCE the logic and reasoning of the author.
The author’s credentials and expertise can be
used to determine the credibility of their opinion. EXAMPLE:
 Source is the author or speaker providing If a study used a small sample size or biased
the opinion. selection, it may lead to inaccurate conclusions.
EXAMPLE:
A researcher could ascertain that the author of an
article on the discovery of a fossil is an actual
THE HUMAN PERSON AS AN EMBODIED SPIRIT

HUMAN PERSON The most basic definition of human being relates

to the nature of humans as animals. Philosophers,
however, believe that the human being is not just “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every
a mere animal. opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in
 There is something in the human every difficulty.”
individual that sets him or her apart from - Winston S. Churchill
other beings. These special traits make a
human distinct individual person. POSSIBILITY – it is defined by Merriam-Webster
dictionary as a chance that something might
exist, happen, or be true;
The state or fact of being possible;
Something that might do or might happen;
Something is possible;
Abilities or equalities that could make someone or
something better in the future.

As an embodied spirit, it provides us numerous

MAN – the general term commonly used to refer opportunities to explore everything around us
to the entire human race. and even within us. Though we enjoy a number of
HUMAN – refers to man as species. advantages compared to other beings, still there
HUMAN BEING – used to distinguish man from are a number of things that we naturally cannot
other animals. do.
PERSON – refers to a human being granted  Although we have physical limitations, we
recognition of certain rights, protection, can transcend them because of our
responsibilities, and dignity above al. spiritual dimensions. Being physically
 It is the totality of an individual possessing limited in our abilities does not prevent us
awareness, self-determination, and the from hoping for or aspiring to greater
capacity to interact with others and with things.
him/her.
PERSONHOOD – refers to the state of being a EXAMPLES:
person. Your school grades
HUMAN NATURE – refers to the characteristics Winning a scholarship
(like thinking, feeling and acting) that distinguish Receiving an academic award or prize
humans from all other creatures.
 These traits are considered to form the TRANSCENDENCE
essence of humanity, and without them, The state of excelling or surpassing or going
an individual may not be considered a beyond usual limits.
human person.  It comes from the Latin preficx trans,
meaning “beyond”, and the word
PERSON scandare, meaning “to climb”.
Able to  It is also one important trait that
reach out distinguishes the human person from
Has self Has self and Has other beings in existence.
awareness determinatio interact dignity
n with
others

LIMITATIONS OF THE HUMAN PERSONS

Human persons are biologically deficient beings.
This mean that we are not equipped with the best
physical attributes among all the beings in the
world.

Despite these natural limitations, we have used

our intellect to devise means to achieve several
feats. EVALUATE ONE”S LIMITATIONS FOR
 We now use airplanes to fly, employ scuba THEIR TRANSCENDENCE
gear to swim underwater for extended Our mind is an important tool that allows us to go
periods, and invented tools and machines beyond many of our physical limits. As persons,
to lift gear weights and perform other we are able to exercise our imagination and
feats well beyond our physical capabilities. reflection to go beyond our own thoughts and
experiences.
POSSIBILITIES OF THE HUMAN PERSONS
  For example, we can imagine ourselves in
other places without traveling there. We
cannot travel through time, but we use
our minds to recall the past and even
imagine the future.
 Although we have physical limitations, we
can transcend them because of our
spiritual dimension. Being physically
limited in our abilities does not prevent us
from hoping for or aspiring to greater OVERCOMING LIMITATIONS
things. Bodily limits can be tested by trying on new
experiences and working on challenges with
Each individual within himself or herself the increasing levels of difficulty.
possibility of transcending his or her limits. Most  The human body, if given enough
of our personal limits often involve facing a exposure to any situation, can attain a
challenge or obstacle or overcoming a weakness. goal with efficiency.
 These limits, however, can be overcome
with enough effort and perseverance. For Social and environmental limitations are more
us to experience transcendence, we must difficult to overcome than bodily limitations
identify and face our own personal limits. because they involve the influence of other
people and the external world.
THE HUMAN BODY IN IMPOSING  However, with a proper mindset, clearly
LIMITS AND POSSIBILLITIES defined goals, and motivation to rise
From a biological and physical standpoint, it can above challenges, one may successfully
be recognized that the human body, although it overcome his or her limitations.
can perform many functions, also has limitations.
 Limits in the environment, demographics, Even though you are still young, you are not
and society may also hinder a person from prevented from further understanding yourself.
reaching transcendence.  Transcendence is even more possible
when you begin to understand that you
BODY LIMITATIONS can go beyond your limitations if you set
Mental and emotional disorders – example: your mind on your goals.
anxiety, intellectual disability
Disabilities – example: amputated leg, deafness SOME POINT TO REMEMBER WHEN GOING
Disease and illnesses – example: hypertension, BEYOND YOUR LIMITS
cough  You are connected to the external or
Failures ad experiences – example: failing a eternal world.
subject  Challenges are learning opportunities.
 Your goal is more important than your
fears.
 Think outside the box.
 Recognize that everyone has fears.

In summary, the essence of transcendence is to

acknowledge our limitations, identify possibilities
for development, and change ourselves for the
better. It maybe physical or behavioral change
SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL LIMITATIONS such as trying a new sport or hobby or adopting a
Socioeconomic status – example: lower class, healthier life style.
middle class, upper class
Location of neighborhood – example: armed, HOW HUMAN BODY IMPOSES LIMITS
disorganized, or violent The nature of the person as an embodied spirit
Abusive relationship – example: emotional, provides numerous opportunities to explore
verbal, physical abuse everything around us and even within us, though
Negative influences – example: drug use our human nature still imposes limitations.
 It is true that a human person enjoys a
number of advantages compared to other
beings, but there are still number of things
that humans naturally cannot do.
Knowing oneself entails being aware of these
limitations imposed by one’s body.
  It is important to recognize how the  The things that we learn first are usually
human body imposes limits. For, the strongest, and anything learned later
regardless of who we are or what status will often be weaker.
and position we occupy in society, we are
still a human being – and this means that AS WE AGE
we have limits. Our biological or physical bodies are also in a
constant change as they grow, mature, and
LIMITATIONS develop. Nonetheless, with the passage of time,
The quality or state of being limited. There are they also weaken and become sick.
three types of limitations;
DEATH AS A LIMIT
PHYSICAL LIMITATION – it means the specific our biological or physical body also makes us
limitations to one or more physical abilities subject to the “law of death”, which is a sure
(strength, speed, energy capacity). form of limitation. Life follows a cycle, called “Life
cycle”, from birth to death. Death is a natural
EMOTIONAL LIMITATION – is a mental phenomenon in which our biological body
limitation that prevents you from openly weakens as the time passes and eventually stops
communicates your thoughts and feelings. functioning.
 It has the potential of preventing you from
being your authentic self as it affects your HUMAN PERSON IS AN EMBODIED SPIRIT
emotions and feelings (negative impact of Human person is composed of intrinsically
emotions to decision making, extreme intertwined body and spirit.
emotions).  The human body pertains to physical
appearance.
INTELLECTUAL LIMITATION – these are limits  It is bounded by space and time.
to a person’s ability to learn, understand,  Your body takes space.
comprehend, and judgment of something (low  It is evident in your body mass index
intelligence quotient, learning difficulty). (BMI).
 The size of your body develops as your
LEARNING CAPABILITY / CAPACITY grow.
The amount of information the brain can store in  Human body is also time bounded.
its many trillions of synapses is not infinite, but it  It begins in birth and ends in death.
is large enough that the amount we can learn is  Time is revealed in one’s age.
not limited by the brain’s storage capacity.  The concept of spirit is not a concept
However, there are factors that do limit how relevant to the study of religion.
much we can learn.
In Philosophy, spirit is the governing principle
wherein reason is part of it. It cannot be seen,
heard, touched, smelt, nor tasted. Spirit refers to
qualities that human intellect could understand
and grasps reasons.

SELF-AWARENESS
This awareness gives rise to the notion of the
“self” which the philosophers describe as the
person who is actively aware that he is perceiving
The first is our limited attention. and experiencing reality.
 We can only pay attention to a small
number of things at once, and paying This awareness of the self also enables us
attention is usually necessary to create to experience an “inner world” that is defined by
new memories. our personal thoughts and ideas.
 Because we have only so many waking  We experience interiority, that is, the
hours (and a good night’s sleep is quality of being focused on one’s inner life
necessary to create lasting memories), and identity. This interiority enables us to
this limits how many new memories we practice creativity.
can form.
Creativity also means that a person can create
A second factor is that the order in which we within himself what does not yet exist outside.
learn certain types of information matters. Having an inner world allows a person to create
goals, dreams and plans which may be realized
through activity.
 SELF-DETERMINATION
This refers to the capability of persons to make DIGNITY
choices and decisions based on their own Human dignity is rooted in the nature of the
preferences, monitor, and regulate their actions, human being, meaning, a person has dignity
and be goal-oriented and self-directed. simply because of the fact that he is human.
 We are persons because we act and we  Dignity is not defined by outside factors
are aware of our actions. like intelligence, beauty, skills, etc.
 Our free will enables us to do actions  A person retains his dignity in spite of his
whenever we want to and make various actions or behavior.
alternatives. The existence of free will
enables a person to act willfully, control TRANSCENDENCE OF HUMAN PERSON
his actions, and recognize himself as the Truly human body brings limitation, yet it also
source of action. provides possibilities. When human body
cooperates with the spirit, limitations can be
overcome.
Spirit is the driving force for the human
body to maximize its potentials, abilities, and
capacities. It encourages, motivates, and sustains
interest and passion. It sets goal and levels of
improvement to foster completeness and
satisfaction.
A human person can transcend guided by
a goal. Goal is the purpose of human
transcendence. Transcendence is the ability to
surpass limitations.
CONSEQUENCE – is the result or effect of an Nonetheless, when spirit solely moves or
action or condition. you are inspired but you hesitated to do an act,
 Philosophers believe that a person acts possibility remains the same. Another instance,
freely and with due regard for the you are physically capable of doing yet there is
consequences of his actions. absence of courage and determination, still there
is no transcendence.
MORALITY – is the goodness or badness of an
act of human action is such an important aspect HERE ARE SOME LIMITATIONS AND
of the person that many philosophers consider. POSSIBILITIES FOR TRANSCENDENCE:
 Human action as a way to reveal a  May not occur to everyone
person’s true nature.  Does not come at a specified period
 Human acts complete the person, as it is  Varies across all people
through his actions that his inner self  May coincide with physical limitations of
revealed to others, and it is through action the body
that a person is able to explore and fulfill  Developing a positive outlook in life
his potential.  Working towards reaching a goal
 learning from experience
EXTERNALITY
This refers to the capability of a person to reach POSSIBILITIES FOR TRANSCEDENCE
out and interact with others and the world. It is also important to know that transcendence
 The realization that we are not alone and may not be applied to present worries by living in
that there are indeed other people around the present.
us enables us to reach out and establish  This means that life is lived from moment
meaningful relationships with others. to moment in a carefree and cheerful
manner where concerns for stress are
Philosophers consider man as a social reserved for the future< and regret or
being and that a person never exists in isolation. guilt feelings are kept in the past.
Man has the natural tendency to seek out fellow
human beings, and the relationships established “It is through our limitations that possibilities
by this interaction are a vital component for become real.” The body limits us. Unlike birds
survival. that can fly, we have no wings to make us fly. But
with creative minds, we invented jets and planes
to make us fly even farther than any bird,

HUMAN PERSON IN THEIR ENVIRONMENT

  Sandblast  Low
temperature
 Lightning  Heat
 Ozone  Flooding
 Air pollutants

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.
ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY
Also known as Environmental ethics is the Because of this ability to “access” nature, the
discipline in philosophy that studies the moral role of the person in relation to it can take on
relationship of a being with the environment and different forms.
its non-human contents.  He or she in a way may opt to treat the
 Environmental philosophers tackle issues environment as an object, as source of
such as humanity’s role in the natural raw materials to be used in any way he or
world, the interaction between nature and she pleases.
human activities, and humanity’s  A person may also view the environment
response to environmental challenges. as something that envelopes and
surrounds him or her, and thus they have
Philosophers believe that the person has a special a special and unique relationship with it.
relationship with nature.  The raw state of the environment can be
 The early history of humankind shows that likened to a blank canvas that needs to be
wherever humans came together to form painted on.
communities, the landscape and the
environment changed. This means that persons can help the
 Forests gave way to farmlands. Mountains environment become greater than what it
were mined for minerals and metals, and originally is if they take the risk.
rivers and lakes were transformed to yield
more reasons for mankind. THREE MAJOR VIEWS

It is an orderly environment where human ANTHROPONCETRISM – focuses on the

persons thrive best. Disorders can give rise to significant role of humankind in the world and
several problems and challenges for humankind. considers nature as the means by which humans
 This is most evident after any natural are able to meet their needs and survives.
disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic  This view believes that humans are the
eruptions, and severe typhoons which most important species on the planet and
results in great damage to property, they are free to transform nature and use
injuries, and even loss of lives. its resources.

DISORDERS
HERE ARE SOME OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL
DISORDERS:
 Wind  Hail
 DISORDER
BIOCENTRSIM – believes that humans are not Disorders can be brought about by sudden
the only significant species on the planet, and changes in nature. For instance, natural
that all organisms have inherent value and calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes,
should be protected. volcanic eruptions, and landslides bring about
 This view drives the activities of humane destruction in our surroundings.
organizations that advocate the ethical  These have great effect on human
treatment of animals. communities as these disrupt normal
activities and result to damages to
property and loss of lives.

ECOCENTRISM – it places great value on

ecosystems and biological communities. THE HUMAN FACTOR CAN BE CLEARLY SEEN
 This view believes that humankind is part IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS:
of a greater biological system or  Pollution
community and that we have a significant  Environmental degradation
role as stewards or guardians of nature.  The depletion of natural resources
 This view also promotes the idea that  Global warming
order and balance in nature brings about  Climate change
stability and beauty.
Human actions that contribute to environmental
The influence of humanity on the problems include littering and improper use of
environment can be best understood If we resources.
consider the individual person as a dynamic
source of change within his or her particular EXAMPLE:
environment.  Communities that do not practice proper
waste disposal often have dirty
We benefit greatly from a clean and surroundings, with garbage littered on the
orderly environment. Clean and orderly streets.
surroundings contribute to safety, well-being, and  The accumulating garbage caused
health, while dirty and disorderly surroundings flooding and becomes a health hazard
result in disease or accidents. because it spreads dirt and diseases.
 Factories often release harmful smoke and
ENVIRONMENTAL AESTHETIC fumes into the air, while others dump their
It is one philosophical view that believes waste into nearby bodies of water.
maintaining order in the environment will bring These harmful actions contribute to disorder in
out the natural beauty of the surroundings and our environment.
contribute to the well-being of the people and
other organisms living it.
 The appreciation of natural beauty brings
about concerns for the environment and
helps people relate effectively with nature
ENVIRONMENTALISM
This perspective advocates addressing the Environment ethics emerge in the 1970s,
growing environmental problems. advocating human responsibility and action with
 Philosophy has a significant role in the regard to environmental issues. Its main ideas
development of environmental awareness are the following:
and actions.  All non-human elements of the world,
 Several ideas and perspectives regarding including animals and natural resources,
environmental action have emerged. have intrinsic value and should be
preserved.
 The preservation of the environment will
benefit humans by providing for the needs
of present of the future generations.
 Humankind has a responsibility to
safeguard the planet as stewards of
creation.
Environmental ethics has resulted in the
development of varied views:

SOCIAL ECOLOGY
ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS Applied an ecological and ethical approach in
This is a moral approach that analyzes the analyzing society, and sees a relationship
relationship between humans and the between social problems and environmental
environment. problems.
 It also discusses environmental problems
caused by human activities and social CLIMATE ETHICS / CLIMATE JUSTICE
issues that impact the environment. Arose from growing concern with climate change,
and consider it a significant ethical, social, and
It serves as basis for reflecting on how our political issue.
actions show our regard for nature.  This view is also greatly influenced by the
 We often complain about the trash concept of environmental justice, which
scattered around our community, but refers to the fair distribution of
what steps have we taken to be an environmental benefits, as well as the
example of cleanliness and order in our burden of meeting environmental
homes and communities? challenges.

Environmental ethics also guides in upholding the Environmental ethics has resulted in the
welfare of the environment and everything in it. development of varied views:
As persons, it is our responsibility to start with Environmental Aesthetics
our own actions and how they affect our  Originally focused on concept of beauty in
immediate environment. nature, but has become increasingly
 Apart from individual action, influenced by environmental concerns.
environmentalism also encourages This began in the twentieth century,
governments, institutions, organizations, concerned primarily with natural beauty in
and corporations to commit to responsible the concept of maintaining order and
action for the environment. balance in the environment.
 An important part of environmentalism is
collective actions spearheaded by Significant social movements that were inspired
environmental groups that call attention by increased environmental awareness include
to environmental problems and the environmental protection and conservation
environmental abuse. movement, animal rights, and green politics.
 Environmentalism has also become an
important issue in international politics as
governments and international
organizations have devoted efforts to
discuss environmental issues and
formulate plants to address them.

One of the major concepts that drive

environmentalism is sustainability o sustainable
development.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF ETHICAL VIEWS
REGARDING THE ENVIRONMENT
This concept focuses on recording human
activities and economic development with the
protection of environment.
 One of the major ideas of sustainability is
that we must make wise decisions
regarding the use of natural resources to
ensure that there is still enough left for
future use.
Sustainability relies on three important principles:

ENVIRONMENT INTEGRITY
Refers to maintaining the state of the
environment. This means that the human
activities should not unduly disrupt the
ecosystems and human communities located in FRUGALITY
the area. Is being thrifty with the use of one’s resources.
ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY NOTE:
Refers to prudence in decision-making regarding As human persons, it is our responsibility to treat
the use of resources to ensure that there is with respect not only to our fellow humans, but
minimum to zero waste. also everything in our world.
 Upholding environmentalism and
EQUITY sustainability will enable us to take the
Demands that we use our natural resources in first steps in addressing environmental
such a manner that these are conserved so that issues and contribute to solving the
the next generation will be able to use them. greater environmental challenge of
climate change.

PRUDENCE
Is the ability to regulate one’s actions and
behaviors.