OVERVIEW

*Name:*		*Date:*	*Score:*
Subject:	Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person
Topic:	The Human Person in the Environment
Content Standards:	The learner understands the interplay between humans and their environments
Performance Standards:	The learner is able to demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards his/her environment
Learning Competencies:	4.1. Notice disorder in an environment (PPT11/12-Ii-4.1) 4.2. Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in an aesthetic way (PPT11/12-Ii-4.2) 4.3. Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being and sustainable development (PPT11/12-Ij-4.3) 4.4. Demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards environments (PPT11/12-Ij-4.4)
What is this module all about:	Earth is suffering immensely today. You don’t need to get very sophisticated tools to verify this fact. By simply observing what is happening around the world—massive forest fires, disturbed weather patterns, flooding, heat wave, etc. you can already conclude about the extent of the environment’s “sickness.” This has prompted some environmentalists to warn us that the Earth, our only home, is already dying. Sadly, most scientists are convinced that this illness has been caused by its most intelligent residents. And so, since we are the ones who caused the planet’s destruction, we should also be the one to cause its needed healing by changing the way we relate with the Earth.
Module Content:	Lesson 1: Relationship with the Earth Lesson 2: Environmentalism & Sustainability

Components in each Lesson
	What I Need to Know Learning Objectives
	What I Know? Pre-Assessment
	What’s In? Review Activity
	What’s New? Motivational Activity
	What is It? Lesson Proper
	What’s More? Performance Task
	What I Have Learned? Generalization
	What I Can Do? Application
	Assessment Post-Assessment

What I Need to Know?

At the end of this module, the learners will be able to:

1. discuss philosophical views and how they influence human action regarding environment;

2. show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being, and sustainable development; and,

3. demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards the environment.

The following are your guides for the proper use of this module:

1. Follow closely the instructions in every activity.

2. Be honest in answering and checking your exercises.

3. Answer the pre-test before going over the material to find out what you already know.

4. Answer the exercises at the end of every lesson.

5. Review the lesson that you find difficult to understand.

6. Seek assistance from your teacher if you need help.

7. Ask permission from your parents/guardians whenever you have research and requirements to be conducted outside your home.

What I know

A. Answer each questions correctly in its corresponding item. Write your answers in your activity notebook.

1. This refers to a branch of philosophy that is concerned with the natural environment and humanity’s place in it.

A. Environmental ethics C. Frugality B. Environmental aesthetics D. Prudence

2. This view believes that man is the most important species on the planet.

A. Biocentrism C. Anthropocentrism B. Ecocentrism D. Environmentalism

3. This view asserts that all organisms have intrinsic value and should be protected.

A. Anthropocentrism C. Biocentrism B. Environmentalism D. Ecocentrism

4. This view places great value on ecosystem and biological communities.

A. Ecocentrism C. Environmentalism

B. Biocentrism D. Anthropocentrism

5. Which of these statements about humankind and nature is not true?

A. Humankind can use the resources without regard for the consequences.

B. Humankind has a unique relationship with nature.

C. Humans are capable of changing the environment.

D. Humans are stewards of nature.

6. This view advocates action to address environmental problems.

A. Biocentrism C. Ecocentrism

B. Environmentalism D. Anthropocentrism

7. This is refers to a moral approach in understanding the relationship between humans and the environment.

A. Environmental justice C. Environmental justice

B. Environmental aesthetics D. Environmental ethics

8. Which of the sentences below does not reflect environmental ethics? A. Humans must act together to solve environmental problems.

B. Natural disasters are unrelated to human activities.

C. We should reflect on how our actions affect the environment.

D. We must uphold the welfare of the earth and everything in it.

9. This concept refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits and the burden of addressing climate change.

A. Environmental aesthetics C. Environmental ethics

B. Environmental justice D. Environmental philosophy

10. Which of these statements is not related to sustainable development? A. Human activities must promote the integrity of the earth.

B. Natural resources are to be used wisely and efficiently.

C. Resources must be conserved for other people.

D. Humankind must use up all natural resources.

B. Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it is wrong.

______11. Communities that do not practice proper waste disposal often have dirty surroundings.

______12. Human actions will always bring negative effects on the environment. ______13. One’s misuse of a resource often means that other people do not benefit from it.

______14. Prudence is the ability to regulate one’s actions and behavior.

______15. As human persons, it is our responsibility to treat with respect everything in our world.

______16. There is no need to preserve the environment for the next generation. ______17. Anthropocentrism considers humans as the least significant species on the planet.

______18. Environmental ethics can guide governments to commit to responsible action for the environment.

______19. Humankind is part of the world.

______20. Environmental integrity involves maintaining the state of the environment.

Lesson 1: Relationship with the Earth

Learning Competencies: Notice disorder in an environment (PPT11/12-IIi-4.1)

Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in an aesthetic way (PPT11/12-IIi-4.2)

What’s New?

Activity 1: “Living Encounter”

Walk around your backyard or your entire neighborhood and look for all organisms (which include but are not limited to domesticated animals and gardened plants) that you can find there. Copy the table below on a piece of paper and use it to jot down your observation.

*Organisms*	*Present Condition* *(Short Description)*	*Possible Reason behind this Existing* *Condition*
Ex. Chickens	Some of the chickens in our backyard are sick.	Abrupt changes in the weather condition.
1.
2.
3.

1. Have you found a lot of plants and animals in your community? Are they generally well? Why? Why not?

______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

2. Can you find a connection between human action and the condition of these organisms? What is it? Please elaborate.

______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

What is It?

“Malamig ang simoy ng hangin…” the first line of the song “Himig ng Pasko” which highlights the cool breeze of Amihan (Northeast Monsoon) that Filipinos used to experience during the “ber” months of the year. The word “used” is emphasized here because there are instances in the last few years when this observation no longer holds true. These months are just getting warmer and humid in many parts of the Philippines. Not only that but our country, as well as its neighbors, has also endured a lot of hotter and dryer summer months, stronger and more frequent typhoons, wetter rainy season and massive flooding and the like over the years. Indeed, our world is changing and it seems that it is changing for the worse.

Pause for a while now and reflect on why these natural calamities are happening and recurring in our world. What has been causing all of these?

___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

“Ang lahat ng bagay ay magkaugnay, magkaugnay ang lahat…” one of Joey Ayala’s masterpieces that talks about how everything is connected to everything else. If, for example, you indiscriminately dispose (walang pag-aalilangang pagtapon ng basura) your garbage in your backyard, your surrounding becomes dirty and polluted. If your environment is not clean, it becomes a source for disease-causing organisms which may give you and your family serious infections and diseases. And if the disease is not treated properly, this might be the cause of death. This only illustrates that all our actions have a significant effect to everybody and to everything in our community and in the bigger world.

Can you cite actions that you are used to do that may have a significant effect to the environment? What are these?

___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Undeniably, humankind is part of the world. Everything that we do will result to serious consequences. It is important therefore for us to examine our relationship not only with other people but also with the Earth—the relationship that exist between humanity and the environment.

There are three major perspectives that we can use in understanding humanity’s relationship with the environment. Study the terms and their meaning on the table below:

Anthropocentrism – this view believes that humans are the most important species on the planet and that they are free to transform nature and use its resources.

Biocentrism – the belief that humans are not the only significant species on the planet, and that all organisms have inherent value and should be protected.

Ecocentrism – this view believes that humankind is part of a greater biological system or community and that we have a significant role as stewards or guardians of nature.

From these perspectives, which do you think can become very destructive if not examined well? Why?

___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

The influence of humanity on the environment can be best understood if we consider the individual person, you, as a dynamic source of change within your particular environment. Once again, look around your neighborhood and reflect on the state of its surroundings. Do you consider your place clean and orderly? If not, how should you respond then to this situation?

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________ We can apply the principle of environmental aesthetics (kagandahan ng kapaligiran) to create a clean and orderly environment. This philosophical view insists that by maintaining order in the environment we can bring out the natural beauty of the surroundings and in the process contribute to the well-being of the people and other organisms living in it. Needless to say, our appreciation of the beauty of nature can help us become more concern for the environment and move us to treat nature with great respect.

What’s More?

Activity 2: Research on at least three (3) specific environmental problems happening in our country. Analyze them using any of the major philosophical views. Use the table below to guide you in your work.

Environmental Problem	Analysis

Research

Criteria			Rating
The research made by the student is relevant to the topic.	5	4	3	2	1
The student’s work convey a deep personal reflection about the topic	5	4	3	2	1
The analysis made are supported by clear arguments.	5	4	3	2	1
The work is creatively done and neat.	5	4	3	2	1

Lesson 2: Environmentalism & Sustainability

Learning Competency: Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being and sustainable development. (PPT11/12-Ij-4.3)

Demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality

towards environments (PPT11/12-Ij-4.4)

What’s New?

Activity 1: Haiku Analysis. Study the stanza and answer the questions that follow.

Embracing the sun,

Dashing with water and wind… Earth’s my only home!

1. Do you believe that the Earth is our only home? Why? Why not?

______________________________________________________

2. Why do we need to care for the Earth?

______________________________________________________

What is It?

When Taal Volcano erupted in the early days of 2020, several netizens called not only for the rescue of human beings but also of beasts—farm animals and pets. This is not surprising at all because animals have their rights and that Filipinos in general are animal lovers. There are Filipinos even who disclosed that they could not dare to eat the food prepared from the animals that they personally raised in their backyard. This only proves that a human being cannot really harm other beings or the Earth itself as a whole if only he or she understands properly his or her role and connection with them.

What about you? Have you experienced raising a pet? Tell us about your relationship with your domesticated animal in the space below:

___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

From the previous lesson, we already learned that our anthropocentric (nakasentro sa tao) understanding of the environment has led to its destruction. Because the environment was merely seen as a thing to be used to satisfy human needs, it resulted to environmental abuse and the decline of environmental health. And now, we are reaping its negative effects—the global devastation brought about by Climate Change.

It is in this setting that environmentalism come into view. Environmentalism is comprise of many related ideas and advocacies that address the various environmental issues and concerns. One important perspective from environmentalism is environmental ethics. This ethics for the environment examines how we as human persons relate with the Earth and all within it. It also frames a critical understanding on how our human activities create an impact to the environment.

So, have you ever thought on how your actions affect nature? In what way do these affect the Earth? Please write your response on the space provided below: ___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________ Aside from what has been already stated above, environmental ethics also contributes the following:

a. It serves as a basis for reflecting on how our actions show our regard for nature;

b. It guides us in upholding the welfare of the environment;

c. It also encourages governments, institutions, corporations, and other related organizations to commit to a responsible action for the environment.

d. It demands environmental justice, a concept that calls for a fair distribution of environmental benefits, as well as the burden of meeting the effects of climate and other environmental changes.

One of the major concepts that goes along with environmentalism is sustainability or sustainable development. This concept teaches us to make wise decisions concerning the use of Earth’s resources today so that there is still enough left for tomorrow. This principle in other words, calls us to think for others, including those who are yet to be born in the future, as we use and consume the resources of the planet in our generation. To put it simply, sustainability is like eating your meal, being satisfied with it to a certain extent, but you have to consciously leave some food on the table which is good enough to meet the needs of those who have yet to arrive and eat.

Now, reflect on how you have been using these resources: food, fuel, water, and electricity. Have you been using them responsibly and efficiently? How can you use these resources more sustainably?

___________________________________________________________________

Sustainability is founded on three important principles, namely, environmental integrity, economic efficiency and equity. The values of prudence and frugality are also associated with living sustainably. Check the table below for their respective meaning

Environmental integrity – refers to maintaining the state of the environment in the midst of human activities. Here, human activities are well-thought and managed in such a way that their impact to the ecosystems becomes minimal.

Economic efficiency – refers to the wise use of resources, that is, using the resources in their entirety, if possible, to avoid unnecessary waste.

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.

Prudence – the ability to discipline and govern one’s actions and behavior.

Frugality – the quality of being economical on the use of one’s resources.

How will you apply these principles and values in responding to the specific environmental concerns that you have in your home, school, and community?

Please give concrete examples in the space provided:

___________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Indeed, since it is human activity that has seriously threatened the integrity of the environment, it is also our duty to do something to restore it. We already have the tools of environmentalism and sustainability in our hands, why not start reaching out for the healing of this broken Earth—trees, fish, mountains, seas… lands?

What’s More?

Activity 2. Pledge for the Earth. Reflect on how you and your family use natural resources at home. Then, write a pledge of commitment to personally promote a sustainable use of these resources in your household. Fill the table below with appropriate responses.

Activities that show sustainable use of resources	Activities that show misuse of resources	My Pledge of Commitment

What I Have Learned?

• Philosophers believe that persons have a special relationship with nature because of their rationality. They are not only part of nature but they can also transform it. However, this also means that they are capable of inflicting the most harm on it.

• Environmental philosophy is a branch of philosophy that is concerned with the natural environment and humanity’s place in it. It deals with issues concerning humanity’s role in the world, the interaction between nature and humans, and human response to environmental challenges.

• Major philosophical views regarding person’s relationship with nature include anthropocentrism, biocentrism, and ecocentrism. Anthropocentrism considers human as the most significant species on the planet, and that natures provide humankind with the means to survive and develop. Biocentrism views equal importance to all organisms on the planet, and considers them having an inherent worth. Ecocentrism emphasizes ecosystems and biological communities, and considers humans steward of nature.

• Human activities have a significant impact on the environment. Current specific evidence proves that human activities over the centuries have resulted in great changes in climate patterns throughout the world. Climate change and its related effects are among the most important environmental issue we face today.

• Environmentalism is a perspective that advocates action to address growing environmental problems. One philosophical view related to environmentalism is environmental ethics, which analyzes the relationship between humans and environment and seeks to address environmental problem brought about by human activities.

• Sustainability or sustainable development is a concept that advocates the wise and efficient use of natural resources. It emphasizes that human activities must not unduly harm the environment, that natural resources must be used wisely, and the environment must be preserved for the next generation.

What I Can Do?

Choose a view in environmental ethics and draw a caricature depicting this view, its main ideas, and how it sees humanity in relation to the environment.

Caricature

Criteria			Rating
The drawing clearly conveys the message regarding the selected issue or topic.	5	4	3	2	1
There is effective use of symbolism in the drawing	5	4	3	2	1
The work is creative and artistic; imagery used is thought-provoking.	5	4	3	2	1
The work has impact and effectively uses humor or irony.	5	4	3	2	1

Assessment

A. Answer each questions correctly in its corresponding item. Write your answers in your activity notebook.

1. This refers to a branch of philosophy that is concerned with the natural environment and humanity’s place in it.

A. Environmental ethics C. Frugality B. Environmental aesthetics D. Prudence

2. This view believes that man is the most important species on the planet.

A. Biocentrism C. Anthropocentrism B. Ecocentrism D. Environmentalism

3. This view asserts that all organisms have intrinsic value and should be protected.

A. Anthropocentrism C. Biocentrism B. Environmentalism D. Ecocentrism

4. This view places great value on ecosystem and biological communities.

A. Ecocentrism C. Environmentalism

B. Biocentrism D. Anthropocentrism

5. Which of these statements about humankind and nature is not true?

A. Humankind can use the resources without regard for the consequences.

B. Humankind has a unique relationship with nature.

C. Humans are capable of changing the environment.

D. Humans are stewards of nature.

6. This view advocates action to address environmental problems.

A. Biocentrism C. Ecocentrism

B. Environmentalism D. Anthropocentrism

7. This is refers to a moral approach in understanding the relationship between humans and the environment.

A. Environmental justice C. Environmental justice

B. Environmental aesthetics D. Environmental ethics

8. Which of the sentences below does not reflect environmental ethics? A. Humans must act together to solve environmental problems.

B. Natural disasters are unrelated to human activities.

C. We should reflect on how our actions affect the environment.

D. We must uphold the welfare of the earth and everything in it.

9. This concept refers to the fair distribution of environmental benefits and the burden of addressing climate change.

A. Environmental aesthetics C. Environmental ethics

B. Environmental justice D. Environmental philosophy

10. Which of these statements is not related to sustainable development? A. Human activities must promote the integrity of the earth.

B. Natural resources are to be used wisely and efficiently.

C. Resources must be conserved for other people.

D. Humankind must use up all natural resources.

B. Write TRUE if the statement is correct and FALSE if it is wrong.

______11. Communities that do not practice proper waste disposal often have dirty surroundings.

______12. Human actions will always bring negative effects on the environment. ______13. One’s misuse of a resource often means that other people do not benefit from it.

______14. Prudence is the ability to regulate one’s actions and behavior.

______15. As human persons, it is our responsibility to treat with respect everything in our world.

______16. There is no need to preserve the environment for the next generation. ______17. Anthropocentrism considers humans as the least significant species on the planet.

______18. Environmental ethics can guide governments to commit to responsible action for the environment.

______19. Humankind is part of the world.

______20. Environmental integrity involves maintaining the state of the environment.

12

The Human Person in the Environment

Table of Contents

OVERVIEW

Lesson 1: Relationship with the Earth

Activity 1: “Living Encounter”

Research

Lesson 2: Environmentalism & Sustainability

Caricature

REFERENCE