Good day learners! Congratulations on making it this far in Introduction

to the Philosophy of the Human Person. We continue now with the next

topic at hand, the Human Person in their Environment. In this module, we

will explore the connection of the human person and their environment

as well as the substantial roles of the human person in maintaining the

well-being and sustainable development of the environment where they

live in. Afterwards, we will test how far you have understood the lesson

through short tests as well as reflective activities.

Specifically, this module consists of the following learning competencies:

1. Notice the disorder in an environment

2. Notice things that are not their proper place and organize them in

an aesthetic way.

3. Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being

and sustainable development

4. Demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards

environment.

In the previous quarter, you were familiarized with the famous dictum of Socrates that

an unexamined life is not worth living as espoused by Aristotle that it is our nature to

desire to know. Thus, we continually seek questions and in search for answers in the

quest for truth. This reminds us of the etymological definition of Philosophy as the love of wisdom

wherein as lovers of wisdom, we are an embodied spirit. Thus we continue to ask questions in our

experience of dread, death and transcendence. Asking questions is not simply a mental exercise

University of San Jose – Recoletos

Senior High School Department

Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person

Module IV | The Human Person and the Environment

but it’s the very act of doing Philosophy strengthened by the conscious effort of applying the

methods of philosophizing. But if you were to describe your experience in the 1st quarter, what

was it like?

Activity 1: What’s The Relationship

A particular category will be given to you dear learners. You will then choose an example from that

category and describe that example like presenting its characteristics. After that, you will into how

that example represents or connects to what you have learned or experienced in the first quarter.

Example: Dessert (category) Halo-halo – a mixture of flavors and so on.

The state of life cannot be simply reduced to a mere experience. One

has to learn from these experiences and live on these lessons so as

to create a meaningful relationship from these endless possibilities.

And so to speak, relationship is not solely constrained with other

human beings but also extends to its utmost level of consciousness

to our environment.

Activity 2: Picture Analysis

Using the picture shown below, you will be analyzing the message/s conveyed by answering the

process questions.

Process questions:

1. What message is conveyed on the picture presented?

2. What virtues are implied in the picture?

3. What is frugality? Prudence?

4. How does the picture demonstrate frugality towards the

environment?

5. How does the picture demonstrate prudence towards the

environment?

The relationship between human beings and the environment is sometimes wrongly viewed in an

instrumental way. The earth is valued only because of its resources. This type of relation is that of

extraction and exploitation. What is really our role as people to the environment?

Activity 3: Expound Further

You will be sharing your thoughts or views on the famous line of Protagoras using the process

questions below:

Process Questions:

1. How does this statement make sense to you?

2. How does this statement extend to the relationship between human beings and the

environment?

3. What should be the relationship between human beings and the environment, instrumentality

or reciprocity? Justify your answer.

4. Is this kind of relationship a matter of idealism or realism?

5. What could be done?

As man is the measure of all things, our actions towards the environment is also a moral choice.

Take for example our spending and consumption patterns, it isn’t just for a mere survival discourse

but more on values, a demonstration of the virtues of frugality and prudence towards the

environment.

Activity 4: Pep Pep

A picture will be presented to you dear learners. . Important terms or concepts about the lesson

will be discussed. The meaning, definition or description will be provided but the students will

expound of how these terms/concepts are conveyed in the picture. Thus, giving the picture a new

life and energy.

The Human Person in their Environment

Environmental Philosophy – It is the branch of philosophy that is concerned with the natural

environment and humanity’s place within it. The major issues tackled by environmental

philosophers are humanity’s role in the natural world, the interaction between nature and human

activities, and humanity’s response to environmental challenges

Various views regarding the role of man in nature:

Anthropocentrism

It is the belief that humans are the central and most significant species on the planet.

Humans are considered as the primary cause that drives changes in the environment

DEEP ECOLOGY

It sees the natural world as being maintained by the interrelationship among living

organisms and that every living thing on the planet is dependent on each other for survival.

For deep ecology we are always one with nature. We do not own the Earth but rather we

belong to its as part of a whole.

Theological views hold that mankind is intended to live in harmony with all creation. The

Bible says that God created man and granted him dominion over all creatures and tasked

him to subdue the earth (Gen. 1;26-28)This dominion did not mean wanton exploitation

and destruction but rather to care for nature and the environment, enhance it and

contribute to its growth and development

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS Emerged in the 1970’s and advocated human responsibility and action with regard to environmental issues. It emphasizes key ideas that combine philosophical, pragmatic, and theological perspectives.

First: Nonhuman elements include animals, natural resources, have intrinsic value and should be preserved. Second: The preservation of environment is beneficial to humans, as it continue to provide for the present and future generations. Third: man has a responsibility to safeguard the planet as it has been entrusted to him by GOD.

Environmental Aesthetics A perspective which applies philosophical concepts of beauty in discussing nature SOCIAL ECOLOGY – Applies ecological and ethical approach in analyzing society, and sees a relationship between:

Social Problems Environmental Problems

Society, should therefore, implement changes in order to address issues regarding environment.

Frugality-Characterized by being thrifty or economical in the consumption of consumable

resources such as food, time or money, and avoiding waste, lavishness or extravagance

Prudence- the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason

Process Questions:

1. What disorder in the environment that is very evident or noticeable to you?

2. If you were to suggest a solution, how should this disorder be organized aesthetically?

3. How does the care for the environment contribute to health, well-being and sustainable

development?

4. In the understanding of the reciprocal relationship between human beings and the

environment, what essential values will be forged?

5. How will you demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards the environment?

Individuals can impact the environment through their choices and actions. Collectively, a lifestyle

change through sustainable consumption behaviors, low carbon emissions, informed-decision

makings and functional education are channels to frugality and prudence towards the

environment that will impact in accelerating climate action. Consequently, this will contribute to

our health, well-being and for sustainable development.

PRUDENCE

-PRACTICAL

-WISE

-RESOURCES

FRUGALITY

-THRIFTY

-SAVING

-VALUE

Activity 5: Pep Talk

Pep talk is usually a brief and intense talk designed to influence and encourage an audience

positively. Students will choose a term or concept based from the discussion. Then they will do a

pep talk about their chosen topic within 1 to 2 minutes following the format Content (What is it

about?), Purpose (What is it for me?) and Relevance (What is it for you?). The CPR format in the

Pep Talk must also put the target learning competencies about the module in a nutshell which are

the following:

Notice the disorder in an environment

Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in an aesthetic way

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

development

Demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards environment

Process Questions:

1. What important life lesson is acquired from the discussion?

2. How will you translate this lesson that you’ve learned into action?

3. What particular core value of our institution is espoused in the module we’ve covered?

4. As both Josenian students and as citizens, how can you contribute in fostering a positive

relationship with the environment?

CRITERIA SCORE RATING

5 4 3 2 1

CONTENT

The discussion is done excellently in terms of comprehensiveness, holistic approach, concreteness and depthness.

The discussion is comprehensive, holistic, concrete and depth.

The discussion presents good salient points but some ideas are not thoroughly covered.

The content of the discussion lacks substantiation and connectedness but the presentation is good.

The content of the discussion not only lacks substantiation but also ideas are disconnected, not thoroughly covered and presentation is not commanding.

PURPOSE

The presentation is impactful and personalized through connecting to life experience that gives more meaning to the content.

There is a blend of personalizing the content grounded on one’s experience and its functionality but the personal impact is less powerful.

The talk presents the merits of the concepts on a personal level but lacks deepening and impact.

The talk narrowly presented how the concepts can be utilized in the personal life of the speaker.

There is no presentation of how the concepts to be deepened have purpose on the life of the speaker or how can it improve one’s life view.

RELEVANCE

The talk commands power, uplifting and inspirational to the audience that it conveys a message of acceptance of differences and respect for people with disabilities and underprivileged.

The talk presents a message of acceptance of differences and respect for people with disabilities and underprivileged. It’s uplifting but less powerful.

The talk although naturally motivational but is seemingly a narration of what the audience must learn.

There is an attempt from the speaker to sound motivational but the way the message is delivered and the message itself is insufficient.

The speaker failed to bring the message across to the audience.

The costs of natural disasters are on the rise and if not responded to accordingly will further bring

us to a higher degree of severity. The need for action is immediate and imperative. Collective

action from the business, government and the society is the way forward to amplify a unilateral

green initiatives.