The document discusses the interconnected relationship between humans and the environment, emphasizing that human activities significantly impact ecological systems and vice versa. It outlines three major philosophical views: anthropocentrism, which prioritizes human needs; biocentrism, which values all living beings; and ecocentrism, which emphasizes the importance of ecosystems as a whole. Additionally, it references various ecological theories such as deep ecology, social ecology, and ecofeminism that address environmental crises stemming from human actions and societal structures.

1. No man is an island,
entire of itself; every
man is a piece of the
continent , a part of
the main
JOHN DONNE

3. How do you think human activities affect the
environment?
What personal responsibilities do you have in
preserving the environment?
What steps can you take to reduce your
ecological footprint?
What emotions do do these environments
evoke in you? How important is nature to
human life?

4. LESSON 4
THE HUMAN PERSON
IN THE ENVIRONMENT

5. ENVIRONMENTAL PHILOSOPHY
Means that as a human person, we interact not
only with our fellow human beings, but also
with other living and non-living elements in our
environment.
Human kind is a part of the world, we
significally affect our environment in the same
way that changes in our environment affect us.

6. PHILOSOPHERS
Believe that the human person
has the ability to change the
environment to suit his purpose.

7. 3 MAJOR VIEWS

1. ANTHROPOCENTRISM– focuses on the
significant role of human kind in the world and
considers nature as the means by which humans
are able to meet their needs and survive. This
view believes that human are the most important
species on the planet and they are free to
transform nature and use its resources.

8. Company cuts down
large portions of
forests to build
infrastructure,
create farmland or
gather timber,
prioritizing human
economic growth
over the preservation
of ecosystem.
DEFORESTATION

9. 2. BIOCENTRISM
Believes that humans are not the
only significant species on the
planet, and that all other organism
have internet value and should be
protected. This view advocates
ethical treatment of animals.

10. EXAMPLE
A community decides to protect a forested area from
being developed into commercial complex, not
because of its potential benefits to humans (like
recreation or resources), but because they recognize
the intrinsic value of the plants and animals living
there.
They believe that the forest has the right to exist and
that the animals and plants have a right to their
habitat, independent of human interests.

11. 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.

12. EXAMPLE
A government decides to halt a large mining project
because it would disturb the entire ecosystem of a river
valley, including not only the wildlife but also the soil,
water quality, and overall biodiversity. The decision
isn’t based solely on protecting endangered species or
preventing human health risks, but on the belief that
the ecosystem as a whole-its air, water, land, and all
forms of life – is valuable and worth preserving. The
interconnectedness of all these elements is prioritized
over short – term human economic gain.

13. ECOLOGICAL CRISIS
An unfair utilization
of the environment
result.

14. NUMEROUS THEORIES SHOW CARES THE
ENVIRONMENT
1. DEEP ECOLOGY – ecological crisis is an
outcome of anthropocentrism , which is
already discussed. The controlling
attitude of humankind is extended to
nature , when in fact , humanity is part
of nature.

15. EXAMPLE
MINIMALIST LIFESTYLE – significantly
reducing their consumption and
environmental impact. They implement
practices like

16. Growing their own food using organic
farming techniques.
Living in eco-friendly homes made of
sustainable materials.
Reducing waste by reusing and recycling
as much as possible.
Limiting their energy consumption and
choosing renewable energy sources.

17. 2. SOCIAL ECOLOGY
This ecological crisis results from
authoritarian social structures.
Destroying nature is a reflection
wherein few people overpower others
while exploiting the environment for
profit or self-interest.

18. EXAMPLE
COMMUNITY FORMS A LOCAL COOPERATIVE
FARM
- Decisions are made collectively, and the food
produced is shared equally among the members. The
farm uses sustainable practices, such as organic farming
and permaculture , and avoids harmful industrial
methods that degrade the environment .

19. 3. ECOFEMINISM
Argues that ecological
crisis is a consequences of
male dominance .

20. EXAMPLE
Women lead a movement to
stop the deforestation caused
by logging companies that are
destroying local forest.

21. ACTIVITY
Based on your own understanding ,
compare and contrast the
Anthropocentrism and Eco centrism
models.