Introduction to the

Philosophy
of the Human Person
(LAS)
First Semester - Week 7

The Human Person in

the Environment

Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION VII CENTRAL VISAYAS
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 DIVISION OF TAGBILARAN CITY
MANGA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Manga District, Tagbilaran City, Bohol

INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON

Name of Learner: ____________________________________ Grade Level: _____________

Section: _________________Contact No. ________________________ Date: ____________________
LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS (LAS)
Week 7

THE HUMAN PERSON IN THE ENVIRONMENT

Competencies: The learner is able to;

1. Notice disorder in the environment PPT11/12-Ii-4.1
2. Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in an aesthetic way.
PPT11/12-Ii-4.2
3. Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being, and sustainable development.
PPT11/12-Ij-4.3
4. Demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards the environment PPT11/12-Ij-4.4
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Day 1 (11:00-12:00) Human Person’s relationship with the environment

Humankind is part of the world and we significantly affect our environment in the same way that changes in
the environment affect us.
Philosophy seeks to explore the relationship between humanity and the environment. Environmental
philosophy or environmental ethics is the discipline in philosophy that studies the moral relationship of human
beings with the environment and its non-human contents. Environmental philosophers tackle issues such as
humanity’s role in the natural world, the interaction between nature and human activities, and humanity’s response
to environmental challenge.
The early history of humankind shows that wherever human humans came together to form communities, the
landscape and the environment changed. Forests gave way to farmlands, mountains were mined for minerals and
metals, and rivers and lakes were transformed to yield more resources for mankind.
It is in an orderly environment were human persons thrive best. Disorder can give rise to several problems and
challenges for humankind. This is most evident after natural disasters such as earthquakes (Bohol), volcanic eruptions
(Taal), and severe typhoons (Typhoons Yolanda, Rolly, Ulysses) which result in great damage to property, injuries,
and even loss of lives. Normal activities are disrupted in cities and communities.
As a rational being, the person is not only capable of transforming the world, but also of understanding the
laws which governs nature.

Activity 1: Notice the order and disorder in your environment

1. Look around your home and community. Look for the evidences of changes in the environment caused by
people. Mention at least 3 observations and describe these changes:
a.
b.
c.
2. Look around the surroundings of your home;
a. which part do you consider most orderly?
b. which part is most orderly? Why do you think it is disorderly?
c. How can you transform the make the disorderly home into an orderly place?
3. What do you consider as a source of pollution in your home? How has this pollution affect your health and well-
being of your family?
Day 2 (11:00-12:00) Relationship between the Humanity and the Environment

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 There are three major views regarding the relationship between humanity and the environment. One view,
anthropocentrism, 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. This view believes that humans are the most important
species on the planet and they are free to transform nature and use its resources. Landscapes were reshaped so
schools, buildings, and other structures can be built on them. Farmers till vast tracts of land and even level
mountains to access minerals and metals.
Biocentrism, on the other hand, believes that humans are not the only significant species on the planet and
that all organisms have inherent value and should be protected. This view drives the activities of human
organizations (i.e. PETA, PAWS, PAWA, I.R.O.) that advocate the ethical treatment of animals. In fact, or government
has passed laws that recognize the rights of animals to be treated kindly, such as R.A. 8485 or “The Animal Welfare
Act of 1998.”
Finally, ecocentrism places great value on ecosystems and biological communities. This view believes that
humankind is part of a greater biological system o community and that we have a significant role as stewards or
guardians of nature. This view also promotes the idea that order and balance in nature brings about stability and
beauty. Biologists believe that all biological organisms interact with each other and that each organism occupies a
significant niche within an ecosystem.

Activity 2.1: Political Cartoon. Choose a view in environmental philosophy. On a long bondpaper, draw a
political cartoon depicting this view, its main ideas, and how it sees humanity in relation to the environment.

Activity 2.2. Give a short explanation about your drawing at the back of the bondpaper.

POLITICAL CARTOON

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 Day 3 (11:00-12:00) Environmentalism

One important development that arose during the late twentieth century (20 th) was
environmentalism. This perspective advocates addressing the growing environmental problems. Philosophy
has a significant role in the development of environmental awareness and action. Several ideas and
perspectives regarding environmental action have emerged.

One important philosophical view from environmentalism is environmental ethics. This is a moral
approach that analyzes the relationship between humans and the environment. it also discuses environmental
problems caused by human activities and social issues that impact the environment.

Have you ever thought about how your actions affect nature? When throwing away a piece of trash,
do you reflect on what will happen should you decide to just throw it anywhere in your home or in your
community? Do you see the importance of cleaning your surroundings, throwing trash properly, segregating
wastes, and saving water?

Environmental ethics also guides us in upholding the welfare of the environment and everything in it.
As persons, it is our responsibility to start with our own actions and how they affect our immediate
environment. Have you ever taken the initiative to tidy up your room or help clean your house? Starting in
your own home is an important step towards becoming a more responsible steward of nature.

Environmental aesthetics is a philosophical view that believes 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
organisms living in it. The appreciation of natural beauty brings about concern for the environment and helps
people relate more effectively with nature.
It cannot be denied that disorder exists in our environment. Disorder can be brought about by sudden
changes in nature. For instance natural calamities such as the earthquake that happen in Bohol, the eruption of the
Taal Volcano, and landslides and flood during the landfall of Typhoon Rolly and Typhoon Ulysses bring about
destruction in our surroundings. These have great effect on human communities as these disrupt normal activities
and result to damages to property and loss of lives.

On the other hand, human activities can also bring about disorder in the environment. The human factor
can be clearly seen in environmental problems such as pollution, environmental degradation, the depletion of
natural resources, global warming, and climate change. Human actions that contribute to the environmental
problems include littering and improper use of resources. Communities that do not practice proper waste disposal
often have dirty surroundings, with garbage littered on the streets. The accumulating garbage causes flooding and
becomes a health hazard because it spreads dirt and disease. Factories often release harmful smoke and fumes into
the air, while others dump their waste into nearby bodies of water. These actions contribute to disorder in our
environment.

Activity 3. Evaluate your lifestyle. Look around your house. List ten 10 items or products (and brands) you are
using that contributes a lot of waste or pollution in your surroundings . On the side of these items, suggest
environment-friendly alternatives
Items contributing to waste and pollution Environment-friendly alternatives
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

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Days 4 & 5 (11:00 – 12:00) Upholding Environmentalism

Activity 4: Review the concepts that you have read in Day 3 and apply its principles.

Analyze the following situations and determine which of them show the right or moral choice
with regard to the environment. Copy the following situations on a long bondpaper and discuss your
thoughts in each situation.

1. A mining corporation decided to save costs and did not construct an effective storing facility for
mining waste. The improperly stored waste leaked and polluted the nearby river, poisoned marine
life, and caused people in the nearby village to get sick.

2. A businessman bought a large piece of farmland and decided to convert it into a subdivision.
During construction, hundreds of trees were uprooted and streams were covered in cement.

3. A local official led a campaign to set aside several hectares of forested land in their city as a
watershed area. This area was declared off-limits to loggers and miners.

4. An animal shelter partnered with the local to conduct free vaccination drives for pets. The shelter
also coordinates with local police to address cases involving cruelty.

Prepared by:

LEEE ROY B. CUBERO

HUMSS Teacher
0905.225.1088
FB Page: Leee Roy Bacat Cubero JD

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