Senior High School

NOT

Introduction to the
Philosophy of the Human
Person
Quarter 1 - Module 4
The Human Person in the Environment

Department of Education ● Republic of the Philippines

 What I Know

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

1. Which discipline in philosophy studies the moral relationship of human beings to, and
also the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents?
A. Environmental aesthetics C. Sustainable Development
B. Environmental ethics D. Ecology

2. Which of the perspective considers humans to be the most important species with a
superior value than other species?
A. Biocentrism C. Environmentalism
B. Ecocentrism D. Anthropocentrism

3. Which of the following claims that humans are not the only important species on the
earth and that they are not inherently greater to other living things?
A. Biocentrism C. Environmentalism
B. Ecocentrism D. Anthropocentrism

4. Which of the following believes that humankind is merely a portion of the biological
system or community and that we have an significant role as stewards of nature?
A. Biocentrism C. Environmentalism
B. Ecocentrism D. Anthropocentrism

5. Why did the discipline of environmental ethics arise?

A. People are concerned about the growing population and the misuse of natural
resources.
B. The government is worried about climate change.
C. There are new sources of energy to meet the demands of the present.
D. Community leaders encouraged us to show care about pollution.

6. Which philosophical view asserts that improving the natural beauty of the
environment will contribute to the well-being of the people and other living
organisms?
A. Environmental aesthetics C. Sustainable Development
B. Environmental ethics D. Ecology

7. Which of these is the moral approach to understanding the relationship between

humans and the environment?
A. Environmental aesthetics C. Environmentalism
B. Environmental ethics D. Environmental justice

8. Why is environmental ethics important?

A. It serves as the basis for policy making aimed at protecting the environment.
B. It allows as to make use of the earth’s resources to satisfy our needs and wants.
C. It calls us to use technology to improve the environment.
D. It gives us an idea to shut down industries because they cause pollution.

9. Which of these statements is related to sustainable development?

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 A. Human activities must maintain the diversity and productivity of the earth.
B. Humans must be frugal and prudent in using our natural resources.
C. Humans must use resources at a rate that it can be replenished in a natural way.
D. Human may exhaust resources for as long as he is satisfied.

10. Which of the following is concerned with the physical or the natural environment and
on how it withstands and stay diverse and productive.
A. Ecological balance C. Environmental Sustainability
B. Economic Sustainability D. Social Sustainability

11. Which dimension of sustainable development aims for long-term economic growth
without damagingly impacting other aspects of society?
A. Ecological balance C. Environmental Sustainability
B. Economic Sustainability D. Social Sustainability

12. Which dimension of sustainable development considers how individuals in the

society live with each other on the basis of health, equality, peace and food security?
A. Ecological balance C. Environmental Sustainability
B. Economic Sustainability D. Social Sustainability

13. Which virtue reminds us to discovers a means to reduce the financial cost of our
action?
A. Patience C. Prudence
B. Frugality D. Passion

14. Which virtue reminds us to be wise in terms of decision-making?

A. Patience C. Prudence
B. Frugality D. Passion

15. Which of the following sets a critical understanding on how we create an impact on
the environment we live?
A. Sustainable development C. Environmentalism
B. Environmental aesthetics D. Anthropocentrism

Lesson Relationship with the Earth

1
What I Need to Know

Every day we encounter how nature is destroyed. We all have altered the
environment positively and negatively, and in turn, the environment affects how we
live in many different ways. As we continue to grow in number, we also create a
greater impact on the Earth. Thus, it is necessary that we put on our shoulders our
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 role and relationship with the earth. As stewards of the earth, we must to maintain
order in the environment, as we are so reliant on the resources and services it
provides. We have to ask ourselves then: “What is my role in nature?” Do I have the
right to pollute the environment?
At the end of the lesson, you will appreciate your significant role in our only
home, the earth.

What’s New

Activity 1: The Environment: Then and Now

You shall be interviewing your mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather in

this activity. For sure, they can help you accomplish this task. Use the following
questions during the interview. You may simplify or use your local dialect during the
interview. Write a summary of the significant insights you have noted.

1. What are the things that you remember in your environment back then when you
were my age?
2. Are there changes in the environment, then and now?
3. What positive and negative changes did you observe in the environment?
4. Who do you think is responsible for these changes?

What Is It

Masdan Mo Ang Kapaligiran

As popularized by Asin
Composers: Lolita Carbon & Cesar Baňares
Year: 1978

Wala ka bang napapansin sa iyong mga kapaligiran?

Kay dumi na ng hangin, pati na ang mga ilog natin.
Hindi na masama ang pag-unlad
At malayu-layo na rin ang ating narating
Ngunit masdan mo ang tubig sa dagat
Dati'y kulay asul ngayo'y naging itim
Ang mga duming ating ikinalat sa hangin
Sa langit huwag na nating paabutin

The first line of the song is a striking question on the magnitude of our
awareness of the environment. This song makes us contemplate what is happening
in our environment. And yes, we are all responsible for its destruction and disorder,
directly and indirectly. Population explosion, increase in energy utilization and the
accumulation of carbon dioxides in the atmosphere, pollution in various forms,
industrial activities, economic activities, and anthropogenic activities put tremendous
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pressure on the earth’s natural resources resulting in ecological imbalance. As a
manifestation of such, natural calamities are happening claiming the lives of many
people and damaging properties and infrastructures. The song is a timely reminder
that we have to act very soon before we totally destroy the only nature that we have.
Now, take a few moments to reflect on why these natural calamities and
environmental problems are happening. What has been causing all of these?
______________________________________________________________
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What environmental disorders have you observed in our community?

______________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________

Are you pleased with what is happening? What do you think must be done to
improve the current state of our environment?
______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________

Humankind is An essential part of the web of life. Whatever we do to the

environment, we do to ourselves. It is therefore significant that we examine not only
the way we relate to others, but also the way we relate to the environment.
Mahatma Gandhi, one of the most respected spiritual and political leaders of the
1900s, said “The Earth provides enough to satisfies every man’s needs, but not
every man’s greed.”.

We, humans, exploit nature and considered ourselves to be the most superior
beings. What we actually forget is that we are just a part of natural surroundings just
like other non-human entities like plants and animals. This is why an understanding
of environmental ethics becomes essential. Let us try to understand environmental
ethics, the issues confronting them, and our moral responsibility towards the
environment.
Do you agree with Mahatma Gandhi? Why or why not?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

As defined by Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, environmental ethics is

the discipline in philosophy that studies the moral relationship of human beings to,
and also the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human

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contents. Simply, environmental ethics studies the relationships between human
beings and the environment.
Environmental ethics will help us manage our natural resources wisely to meet our
growing needs and wants.

Why should we learn environmental ethics?

______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

For us to better grasp we, humans are related to the environment, let us try to
understand the three major perspectives in environmental ethics: anthropocentrism,
biocentrism, and ecocentrism.
Anthropocentrism is a view that considers humans to be the most important
species with a superior worth than other species. This view mainly focuses on
humans and puts the other entities of the natural world at the background. As value
is focused on humans alone, all other things of the natural world are considered of
lesser significance. As a result, human beings continually destroy and consume
natural resources for their own interest to the point of degradation, and worst to
extinction.
In opposition, biocentrism claims that humans are not the only important
species on the earth and that they are not inherently greater to other living things. It
suggests that humans are equal members of the environment and that humans and
other living things are interdependent.

Ecocentrism, on the other hand, is a broader worldview as it incorporates

biocentrism by including environmental systems and its abiotic aspects. This view
believes that humankind is merely a portion of the biological system or community
and that we have an vital role as stewards of nature. Ecocentrism tells us that both
living and non-living organisms are reliant on the processes in the ecosystem.

In your own idea, which of these perspectives can become very damaging if
not carefully thought of? Why?

______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

We all play a significant part in the environment and in our hands lies the
future of the Earth. We are all stewards and we can be the catalysts of change in our
particular setting. Try to look around in your community. Is it clean and orderly? How
will you address the situation in your little ways?

______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

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 In order to create a clean and orderly environment, we can make use of the
principles of environmental aesthetics. Environmental aesthetics is one of the new
areas of aesthetics that focuses on issues concerning appreciation of the
environment. Environmental aesthetics can be defined as the interaction between a
person and his environment, with respect to beauty. This philosophical view asserts
that improving the natural beauty of the environment will contribute to the well-being
of the people and other living organisms.

What’s More

Activity 2: Personal Views on Environmental Issues

Review on the key perspectives in environmental ethics and share your

personal views in the following environmental issues.

Environmental Issues Personal Views

Ecocentrists would argue that mining is

immoral because it is so harmful to the
environment.

Do we need to convert agricultural lands

to residential to accommodate the
growing population?

Should we use less energy because it is

harming the planet?

What I Have Learned

There are three major perspectives in environmental ethics. The first one is
(1)____________. It is philosophical view that considers humans to be the most
important species. As value is focused on humans alone, all other entities of the
natural world are considered of (2)__________ value. Biocentrism, on the other

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hand, claims that (3) ________ are not the only important species on the earth and
that they are not inherently greater to other (4)_________. Humans are (5)________
members of the environment and that humans and other living things are
(6)_____________. Lastly, ecocentrism, incorporates (7)____________by including
(8)_____________ and its (9) _________aspects.

What I Can Do

Activity 3: Putting Things Right

Consider how you can organize the following situation aesthetically.

Situation What to do?

Stinky comfort room
Plastic wastes clogging the canals
Vandalism
Garbage dumped on sidewalks
Stagnant water in tin cans, bottles, and
containers

Environmentalism &
Lesson Sustainability
2
What I Need to Know

It is apparent that we just take many things around for granted- the air we
breathe, the water that quenches our thirst, the ground where we stand are just
some of the things our planet gives us for free. To some of us, the earth is just a
thing used to satisfy our needs and wants. The earth from which we derive most of
the natural resources is under threat due to land degradation, deforestation, and
pollution. All of these happen as a result of man’s needs. It is therefore imperative
that we have to play an active role in protecting and conserving the environment
before we suffer the horrible consequences that may be impossible to bear.
Learning Competencies:
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1. Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being and sustainable
development. (PPT11/12-Ij-4.3)
2. Demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality towards environments (PPT11/12-
Ij-4.4)

and if
What’s In

In Lesson 1, we already learned that our anthropocentric view of the

environment has resulted in its degradation and destruction. Humans, being
considered as a superior being exploited nature and have forgotten that they are just
part of the natural surroundings just like other non-human entities like plants and
animals. In Lesson 2, you shall learn about the concepts of environmentalism and
sustainability. It is hoped that after completing this module, you will be able to realize
that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being, and sustainable
development and be able to demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality
towards the environment.

What’s New

Activity 1. Quick Reflection

In 1854 Chief Seattle gave a moving speech about the sacredness of the land
and the need for cautious stewardship of it. Below is a famous line from his speech.
Try to reflect and analyze the message that he wanted to convey and answer the
questions that follow.

“Man did not weave the web of life. He is merely a strand in it. Whatever
he does to the web, he does to himself.”

1. What is the message that Chief Seattle wanted to convey?

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___________________________________________________________________

2. Do you agree that we are just merely a strand in the web?

___________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________

3. Why do we need to care for the environment?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

What is It

We have harmed the environment in various ways: the population has

increased tremendously, pollution in the air, water, and land continue to affect the
quality of life, and deforestation has altered the natural habitats of many living
organisms. All these contribute to significant changes in temperature, precipitation,
or wind patterns. In environmental terms, we call it climate change. This is where
environmentalism comes into play.
Environmentalism, as an ideology, seeks to protect and conserve the earth’s
ecosystem and the living organisms, together with its habitats. Environmentalism
seeks to correct the damage of the environment and prevent its future destruction.
One key perspective of environmentalism is environmental ethics that views how we
relate with Earth and all that is in it. It sets a critical understanding of how we create
an impact on the environment we live in.

Do you agree that your actions have an impact on the environment? Why?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Have you ever realized that your actions today may have lasting impacts on the
environment? In what way will these affect the Earth?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Aside from what has been mentioned earlier, environmental ethics makes us
aware of the dangers of human activities, inculcate among us the moral
responsibility towards the environment and respect the various forms of life and the
natural resources within it. To put it simply, it urges us to reflect on our actions and
protect the welfare and well-being of the environs. It is also a call for the government,
institutions, and organizations to channel their efforts for the good of the
environment. Moreover, it appeals for environmental justice that calls for just and fair
treatment and meaningful participation of all people.

A vital idea that fall in with environmentalism is sustainability which desires to

have a society where naturals resources are utilized to meet human needs without
damaging the wellbeing of the natural system. Sustainable development is geared
towards development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development is
what the present time needs not just for the survival of humankind but also for its

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future security. We should not only focus on today but also let’s think about the
generations to come.

Try to contemplate on how you utilize the available resources around you like
food, water, and energy. Are you using it efficiently or have you been overusing it?
Does it harm the environment? How can we use Earth's resources sustainably?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Sustainable development has three dimensions namely, the environment, the

economy, and society. Environmental sustainability is concerned with the physical or
the natural environment and on how it withstands and stay diverse and productive.
This is the dimension that requires the society to come with activities that will meet
human needs while at the same time preserving the earth’s natural systems. If
resources are used faster than they are replenished, then an unsustainable situation
occurs. This requires us to use resources at a rate at which it can be replenished in a
natural way.
Another essential dimension is economic sustainability. This pertains to
economic activities that aim for long-term economic growth without damagingly
impacting other aspects of society. The economy cannot be separated from the
environment because it provides the factors of economic production. Social
sustainability considers how individuals in society live with each other on the basis of
health, equality, peace, and food security. All these aims to use our resources
efficiently to benefit our community.
There are virtues that can help us contribute to improving the state of our
environment namely, prudence and frugality. The word frugality is usually used in
money; being thrifty and economical. If put in the context of the environment, this
would mean conserving as well as protecting the environment, not just for the
present but also in the years to come. A frugal person continually discovers a means
to reduce the financial cost of his action. What about being prudent? To be prudent
is to be wise in terms of decision-making. He acts and shows care for the future by
checking your resources first before spending.

Are you prudent, frugal, or both? Why?

___________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Now that you have learned about sustainable development, are you willing to
apply these principles and virtues in your home, school, and community? How will
you apply these principles?
___________________________________________________________________
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___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

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 Human activities have indeed altered the balance of nature. In our hands lie
the responsibility to save and restore the only living planet in the universe. We are
already equipped with the knowledge about environmental ethics, environmentalism
and sustainable development, why not make yourself a catalyst of change and an
ambassador of the earth? The work begins, NOW!

What’s More

Activity 2: My Life in the Year 2040

Imagine that you are in the year 2040 and you are writing a letter to
your younger self in the year 2020, what message will you write to make sure that
world is still a better place to live in in the year 2040.

What I Have Learned

• Environmentalism, as an ideology, seeks to (1)_________and (2) ________the

earth’s ecosystem and the living organisms, together with its habitats.
Environmentalism seeks to correct the damage of the environment and prevent its
future destruction.

• Environmental ethics makes us aware of the dangers of (3) _____________,

inculcate among us the (4) _____________ towards the environment and respect
the various forms of life and the natural resources within it.

• Sustainable development is geared towards development that meets the

(5)___________of the present without compromising the ability of (6)___________
to meet their own needs. Sustainable development is what the present time needs
not just for the survival of humankind but also for its future security.

• Sustainable development has three dimensions namely, the (7) ___________, the
(8) ________ and (9)_________.

• Environmental sustainability is concerned with the (10) _________________

environment and on how it withstands and stay diverse and productive.

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 What I Can Do
Complete the table below by listing sustainable practices that are beneficial to
the environment in the first column and non-sustainable practices in the second column.

Sustainable Practices/ Activities Non-sustainable

Practices/Activities

Assessment: (Post-Test)

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

1. Which discipline in philosophy studies the moral relationship of human beings to, and also
the value and moral status of, the environment and its non-human contents?
A. Environmental aesthetics C. Sustainable Development
B. Environmental ethics D. Ecology

2. Which of the perspective considers humans to be the most important species with a superior
value than other species?
A. Biocentrism C. Environmentalism
B. Ecocentrism D. Anthropocentrism

3. Which of the following claims that humans are not the only important species on the earth
and that they are not inherently greater to other living things?
A. Biocentrism C. Environmentalism
B. Ecocentrism D. Anthropocentrism

4. Which of the following believes that humankind is merely a portion of the biological system
or community and that we have an important role as stewards of nature?
A. Biocentrism C. Environmentalism
B. Ecocentrism D. Anthropocentrism

5. Why did the discipline of environmental ethics arise?

A. People are concerned about the growing population and misuse of natural resources.
B. The government is worried about climate change.
C. There are new sources of energy to meet the demands of present.
D. Community leaders encouraged us to show care about pollution.

10
6. Which philosophical view asserts that improving the natural beauty of the environment will
contribute to the well-being of the people and other living organisms?
A. Environmental aesthetics C. Sustainable Development
B. Environmental ethics D. Ecology

13
7. Which of these is a moral approach in understanding the relationship between humans and
the environment?
A. Environmental aesthetics C. Environmentalism
B. Environmental ethics D. Environmental justice

8. Why is environmental ethics important?

A. It serves as basis for policy making aimed at protecting the environment.
B. It allows as to make use of the earth’s resources to satisfy our needs and wants.
C. It call for us to use technology to improve the environment.
D. It gives us an idea to shut down industries because they cause pollution.

9. Which of these statements is related to sustainable development?

A. Human activities must maintain the diversity and productivity of the earth.
B. Humans must be frugal and prudent in using our natural resources.
C. Humans must use resources at a rate that it can be replenished in a natural way.
D. Human may exhaust resources for as long as he is satisfied.

10. Which of the following is concerned with the physical or the natural environment and on how
it withstands and stay diverse and productive.
A. Ecological balance C. Environmental Sustainability
B. Economic Sustainability D. Social Sustainability

11. Which dimension of sustainable development aims for long-term economic growth without
damagingly impacting other aspects of society?
A. Ecological balance C. Environmental Sustainability
B. Economic Sustainability D. Social Sustainability

12. Which dimension of sustainable development considers how individuals in the society live
with each other on the basis of health, equality, peace and food security?
A. Ecological balance C. Environmental Sustainability
B. Economic Sustainability D. Social Sustainability

13. Which virtue reminds us to discovers a means to reduce the financial cost of our action?
A. Patience C. Prudence
B. Frugality D. Passion

14. Which virtue reminds us to be wise in terms of decision-making?

A. Patience C. Prudence
B. Frugality D. Passion

15. Which of the following sets a critical understanding on how we create an impact on the
environment we live?
A. Sustainable development C. Environmentalism
B. Environmental aesthetics D. Anthropocentrism

14
 References

Carbon, Lolita, and Cesar Banares. 1978. "Masdan Mo Ang Kaligiran ."
Delos Santos, Alito V. 2020. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person – Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode Quarter 1 – Module 4: The Human Person in the Environment .
Cagayan de Oro City: Department of Education – Region X – Northern Mindanao .

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