INTRODUCTION TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF HUMAN PERSON 6.

Socrates
– foremost philosopher of ancient times
– he did not claim to be wise and merely considered himself a midwife that helped
 We all have the potential to philosophize since we have the tendency to inquiring minds achieve wisdom
wonder and doubt. The need to philosophize is traced by a person’s – believed that philosophy could enable a man to live a life of virtue
sense of wonder (Plato) and sense of doubt (Rene Descartes), the need – formulated the Socratic Method - a means of examining a topic by devising a series
to make sense of challenging experiences (Karl Japers), and the love for of questions.
wisdom.
7. Plato
 PHILOSOPHY - comes from the two greek words: philos (love) and – a student of Socrates; he wrote down his master’s teachings and incorporated some
sophia (wisdom) which were used by the ancient Greeks to refer to “love of his own ideas
of wisdom”. – his teachings and writings are considered the “Foundation of Western
Philosophy”
 PHILOSOPHERS - people who engage in philosophy of the “lovers of – founded the Academy - an institution of higher learning which was the first of its kind
wisdom” in the western world.

1. Pythagoras 8. Aristotle
– credited with formulating the Pythagorean Theorem – he attended the academy and a prominent student of Plato
– established a community of learners devoted to the study of religion and – all ideas and views are based on perception and our reality is based on what we can
philosophy. sense and perceive
– studied logic that led to the formulation of a formal process if analyzing reasoning
2. Heraclitus which gave rise to Deductive Reasoning - the process of which specific statements
– proposed that everything that exist is based on a higher order or plan are analyzed to reach a conclusion or generalization.
which he called logos
– change is a permanent aspect of the human condition “No man never  The study of philosophy can be considered as a way of analyzing ideas and
steps in the same river twice”. framework. It is also considered as a way of examining a particular area of
knowledge. Finally, philosophy can be considered a reflective and meditative activity.
3. Democritus
– study the causes of natural phenomena; was among the first to propose Characteristics of Philosophy
that matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms.  Framework
 Examination of knowledge
4. Diogenes of Sinope  Discipline
– a known advocate of living a simple and virtuous life
– one should not only talk of virtue but should show it in words and action Branches of Philosophy
– his emphasis on austerity and simplicity often went to the extreme and
was said to have lived like a beggar. 1. AESTHETICS - deals with beauty and what makes things “beautiful”

5. Epicurus 2. LOGIC - the branch of philosophy which deals with correct reasoning
– philosophy could enable man to live a life of happiness
– his views gave rise to Epicureanism - a school of philosophy which 3. EPISTEMOLOGY - discusses the nature of knowledge and knowing
believes that wisdom and simple living will result in a life free from fear
and pain. 4. ETHICS - the branch which deals with moral questions and dilemmas

5. POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY - studies governments and deals with questions of

justice, power, and the rights and obligations of citizens
  Gabriel Marcel
6. METAPHYSICS - deals with questions regarding reality and existence – a french philosopher who shares that philosophical questioning begins with a
metaphysical unease.
7. Philosophy of the Human Person - understands the human person from – It is because the scope of the question we ask cover something broader and deeper.
a philosophical perspective --- integrating and synthesizing the different – This form of unease is described as metaphysical because of the scope of these
branches of philosophy and other fields of study to know the truth about questions we ask cover something broader and deeper than what is immediately
the human person. before us, beyond what we physically see.
– Marcel says that many of us have become less sensitive to this feeling of inner
Practical Uses of Philosophy in Our Lives disturbance because of what our world has become. Our modern world has been so
1. Enables a person to engage in critical analysis and interpretation of designed to have an instant answer for everything so that we hardly move beyond
concepts, definition, arguments, and problems practical everyday concerns. Our questions do not go beyond those immediate
2. Improves problem-solving and decision-making personal questions such as “what shall I eat today?” instead of questioning like “what
3. A philosopher is a good communicator who can clearly and is the meaning of life?”
adequately present his or her ideas – Marcel likens philosophical questioning to embarking on a journey.
4. Wisdom is one intended product of philosophizing that refers to a Questions give birth to more questions, and it takes courage that matches that
person’s ability to apply knowledge to daily life particularly in making of Socrates’ to be able to endure the discomfort of not finding immediate answers.
sound choices and judgement One must understand, that accepting the uncertainty that philosophical
5. Knowledge of Philosophy can contribute to self-development questions bring is not an empty or futile exercise. Philosophical questioning may
appear to be “useless” but there is a value of philosophizing.
What makes a question philosophical?
 Abstract  Bertrand Russel
 Lack of definitive answers – British philosopher
 Open to interpretation – Argues that the difficult and unanswerable questions of philosophy deliver us from
 Fundamental and persuasive the stubborn and stale position of dogmatism.
 Thought-provoking – As soon as we welcome these questions by allowing them to disturb us, the hard
shell of dogmatism begins to break. It may be painful and overwhelming in the
Practical Uses of Philosophical Questions beginning, but the opening of the shell brings in a breath of fresh air.
 Critical thinking
 Ethical decision-making  Asking philosophical questions in perceived as a waste of time because finding
 Problem solving answers entails a commitment of openness.
 Self reflection
 Engaging in the world HOLISTIC PERSPECTIVE AND PARTIAL POINT OF VIEW
 Enhanced communication
 Preparation to various fields “My philosophy comes from a worldview that looks at the world as one. It’s a holistic view
that sees the world as interconnected and integrated in so many different ways”
Philosophical and Non Philosophical Questions
– Dennis Kucinich
“Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answers “
– Friedrich Nietzsched  HOLISTIC THINKING
– Refers to a perspective that considers large-scale patterns in system
 Before one gets to the philosophical questions, one must begin with a – Often described as looking at the ‘big picture’ when describing and analyzing a
problem that can not seem to be readily answered. It begins with an situation or problem
unease. The feeling of inner discomfort comes from the experience of not – Requires individual to have an open mindset and an ability to get the general sense
being able to find immediate answers to our questions. regarding a situation
Examples  TRUTH - is any undisputed objective, universal, constant, except and factual. The
1. I will study in all subjects to be included in the list of students with honors. discussion on truth is part of philosophical studies on knowledge when philosophers
2. I will follow the government health protocols such as, washing hands, explore the nature of knowledge and ways of knowing. Statements about the world or
observe physical distancing, etc. to avoid COVID-19 infection.
reality are called propositions and may or may not carry truth; usually stated as a
 PARTIAL THINKING short statements or sentences.
– Focuses on specific aspects of a situations  KNOWLEDGE - the clear awareness and understanding of something. It is the
– Important component of analytical thinking, as an individual focuses on product of questions that allow for clear answers provided by facts.
certain areas or aspects of a problem in order to understand it  FACTS - statements that are observed to be real and truthful.
– Though partial thinking is useful, philosophy utilizes holistic thinking in  CLAIMS - statements that require further examination to determine their truthfulness.
making sense of problems and issues related to human experience. (ex: reading is a better activity than playing basketball)
 OPINIONS - comprised of statements which not only give facts but also provide
Examples conclusions or perspective regarding certain situations
1. I will take the side of my friend over his/her enemy because I also hate the  EXPLANATIONS - statements that assume the claim to be true and provide reasons
person. why it is true
2. I do not want to make friend with him/her because he/she has different  BELIEFS - statements that express convictions that are not easily and clearly
religion. explained by facts
3. I will fit only one item before buying a cloth I will be needed for a party.  AGUMENTS - series of statements that provide reasons to convince the
reader/listener that a claim or opinion is truthful
 Adopting a holistic view enables a person to view a problem more  LOGIC - the branch of philosophy that focuses on the analysis of arguments.
objectively and come up with a better solutions.
Arguments are given great importance since these are used to convey ideas that
Doing a Philosophical Reflection on a Situation from Holistic Perspective influence the thinking, actions and behavior of people. It can lead to people to the
right or wrong decision and action. Thus we need to be very careful when we listen to
“Sometimes, you have to look back in order to understand the things that lie arguments, since not all arguments are truthful.
ahead.”  FALLACY - arguments based on faulty reasoning
– Yvonne Woon  BIAS disproportion weight in favor of or against an idea or thing usually in a way that
is close-minded, prejudicial, or unfair.
 Reflection
– requires a person to be willing to examine one’s thoughts, feelings, and
actions and to learn more about one’s life and experiences. How do we know if something is true?
– Vital in ensuring that our actions and decisions are well-thought out and
1. A belief is true if it can be justified or proven through the use of one’s senses.
are done with due regard for their implications and consequences on
ourselves, others, and our surroundings
– Doubt has very important purpose in philosophy as it drives our desire to discover
– Reflection allows an opportunity to think more deeply about an action, the
truth. In philosophy, systematic doubt is employed to help determine the truth. This
motivations for doing such action, and even its possible consequences.
means that every statement, claim, evidence, and experience is scrutinized and
– It helps us understand ourselves better and our actions better. We can
analyzed. Nothing is taken as true unless there is sufficient reason and evidence to
judge whether our actions or decisions are reasonable or not.
prove that it is indeed true. Let’s assume therefore, that the truthfulness of these
statements have yet to be determined.
Distinguishing Opinions From Truths
2. A belief is true if it is based on facts
– I am a Filipino
 PHILOSOPHY - is concerned with determining truth since it lies at the
– Am I Filipino?
heart of any inquiry a. A native of the Philippine Islands.
b. A citizen of the Republic of the Philippines
 c. The Tagalog-based official language of the Republic of the – Philosophers also believe that claims and beliefs should also be subjected to tests to
Philippines determine truth. Any claim therefore, should be subjected to tests to prove
their validity.
3. Getting a consensus or having people agree on a common belief
is another way of determining what is true.
– This approach has certain limitations. Getting everyone to agree on Methods of Philosophizing
something may not make that belief true. For example, if you can get
your classmates to agree that you do not need to study to become  Methods of Philosophizing - a process of determining the truth of drawing a
successful in life, it does not make that belief true. Also, if one of conclusion from a statement using various philosophical methods such as socratic,
your families says “NO” to your enquiries, it would frustrate your efforts to dialectic, scientific, and historical
find the truth. Therefore, you have to use other means to really answer
the question. 1. Socratic Method
– an exchange of ideas using socratic questioning (Greek term: elenchus - to inquire or
4. Determining the truth requires a person to prove a statement through to cross-examine)
an action – understanding of thoughts/ideas through further questioning statements or claims
– In a classroom setting, this method is used not to intimidate students, but to produce
Ex. Prove the Statements: I can play basketball. I can fry an egg. I understand a deeper understanding of thoughts and ideas through further questioning statements
the lesson. or claim.
– There is no particular end goal aside from reaching an absolute road from the
Employ the systematic doubt: Can I play basketball? Can I fry an egg? Do I probing statements and, in this process, eliminating ideas that are questionable or
understand the lesson? contradicting.
– It leads to wisdom and truth, because it has been emphasized to use a statement
– Looking back at the approaches we applied in the previous statements, deconstruction and creative questioning to dwell deeper into an issue.
you realize that using your senses and experiences, acquiring – It is a systematic process whereby random and ambiguous ideas are eliminated to
supporting facts, or getting other people’s views are insufficient to reach a sound conclusion.
fully determine the truth of these three statements. You will have to – Reaching an endpoint, therefore, would only mean the truth has been realized, and
combine various approaches in order to arrive at a correct judgment. new knowledge has been acquired.
– For instance, how will you really prove that you can play basketball? The
obvious answer would be to actually play it. Imagine if one of your friends Examples:
brags that he or she can successfully shoot the ball from the half-court  A psychologist is trying to dig deeper into the story of his patient
line. You will not take your friend’s word for it and you will be satisfied who only mentions vague and general ideas.
only when he or she actually shoots the ball from the half-court line.  A lawyer is asking further questions about the suspects
– The same is true with cooking. To prove that you know how to fry an egg, whereabouts during the crime because she is not entirely
you will have to go to the kitchen and fry an egg. Some would argue that convinced by his alibi.
the proof is not only in the act but also in the product. This means that you  A mother is questioning her son’s real reason for his excessive
should not only show that you can fry an egg but that you can absences from school.
make delicious fried eggs.
– Determining the truth is this case requires a person to prove a statement 2. Dialectic Method
through an action. These statements, therefore, are only true if they can – Comes from the Greek word dialektike which means ‘the art of conversations’; the
be applied in real life. The final statement also requires proof of act of talking back and forth, disagreeing with one another,and arguing about
action. contentious issues
– The best means to determine whether you have understood the – In philosophy, it is a method of coming up with a conclusion from an exchange of
lesson is to take a test and get a good score. contradicting logical arguments.
– The aim of dialectics, as a process of the dialogue, is the clarification of  Testing and quantifying morality love mercy, justice or
controversial notions and arguments with other people. In this process, compassion, which are all realities that do not dwell in the realm of
personal and shared conceptions should be considered and corrected. materialism.
– It leads to wisdom and truth. It is much like a debate that poses to
clashing, but valid arguments determine an endpoint that is correct and
true. 4. Historical Method
– In this sense, the truth of both arguments is always expected to rise from – from the Greek word iotopia means ‘to investigate’ or ‘to find out’
each conversation. – it is the process of gathering evidences, examining them, and formulating ideas about
Examples: the past to come up with present truths
 Discussing the pros and cons of a variety of human – using this is much like researching for answer to a particular question
resource strategies as forms of managing employees – Reviewing what has been done in the past is the primary method of looking at a
in the workplace, then choosing the best option. solution for a particular problem at the present.
 Evaluating two physical activities regarding their ability – The historical method deals with examining the past to come up with present facts or
to increase work performance truths.
– Because history is repetitive, it is believed that the things that are occurring at
3. Scientific Method present already happened in the past.
– comes from the Latin word scientia which means ‘to produce knowledge’
– This is a process of determining truth or knowledge through Examples:
experimentation, inductive and deductive reasoning, and hypothesis or  You are going to Baguio for the first time with your family. You have the
theory testing. option to use one of the two routes. You look for reviews published in
– The scientific method, also called experimental method, is a process of the internet to determine which of the two routes is better.
determining truth or knowledge through experimentation, inductive and  An entrepreneur wants to open a café in a middle-class residential
deductive reasoning, and hypothesis or the theory testing. area in the city. Before buying the property, she looked first at previous
– The scientific method could trace its history from the classical period with business ventures that were established within the area to determine
Aristotle giving the earliest structured theory on the scientific approach the feasibility of her plan.
– The process begins with an idea about any given topic. Hypothesis testing
is done to prove the validity of this idea. Evaluating Opinions
– In philosophical view, the means of hypothesis testing and its result are
considered the most important feature of the method. Arguments often take the form of statements that are either claims of facts and are
– The scientific method also values observation as an important aspect phrased in such a way that they seem reasonable. Some arguments may contain
because it contributes to further understanding the results of hypothesis fallacies or arguments based on faulty reasoning. We must be aware of the various kinds
testing. of fallacies as these affect the validity of arguments.
– this leads to wisdom and truth because it uses evidence-based approach
to come up with its conclusion
– In this method, all truths are supported by facts that can easily be tested FALLACY Characteristics Example
or proven again through experiments, logical reasoning or observation. Ad hominem Attacking the person “Of course he believes
– Hypothesis testing is done to prove the validity of the data presenting the that the government is
argument instead of the flawed, he is a rebel
argument itself and a communist!”
Examples: Appeal to force Using the threat of force “If this peace agreement
 Exposing one plant to sunlight while limiting the or an undesirable event will not be signed by the
exposure of another is done to test which setting to advance an argument government, then we
promotes better plant growth. will have no resource
but go to war.”
Appeal to emotion Using emotions such as “All these charges are
 pity or sympathy baseless; this is just influence
plain harassment - can’t Confirmation bias Tendency to look for “How can I accept his
you see how this is and readily accept views that there is no
affecting my family?” information which fits God? I am a Christian!”
Appeal to the popular The idea is presented “Every boy your age one’s own beliefs/views
as acceptable because already has a girlfriend, and to reject
a lot of people accept it you should go find one!” ideas/views that go
Appeal to tradition The idea is acceptable “Marriage should be against it
because it has been between a man and a Framing Focusing on a certain “Preliminary evidence
true for a long time woman. It has been so aspect of a problem has still not pointed out
for a long time in this while ignoring other the actual cause of the
country; it should aspects plane crash, but the
remain so today and in investigators are
the future.” currently focusing on
Begging the question Assuming the thing or “I have a right to free the possibility of pilot
idea to be proven is speech, therefore you error.”
true; also known as cannot stop me from Hindsight The tendency to see “Magellan’s assault on
‘circular judgement’ talking.” past events as Mactan Island was a
Cause-and-effect Assuming a cause and “Ever since you bought predictable, or to foolhardy venture, made
effect relationship the sweater, everything ascribe a pattern to by an overconfident,
between unrelated has been going wrong historical events careless man who
events in your life. You should underestimated the
get rid of it.” valor of the native
Fallacy of composition Assuming that what is “These cases of robbery Filipinos.”
true of a part is true for in this district have Conflict of interest A person or group is “As the daughter of the
the whole convinced me that the connected to or has a accused, I believe that I
city has become a den vested interest in the have the right to
of thieves and issue being discussed express my opinion on
criminals.” the issue of his alleged
Fallacy of division Assuming that what is “You come from a corrupt practices.”
true for the whole is true family of doctors and Cultural bias Analyzing an event or “I do not agree with this
for its parts intellectuals! Surely you issue based on one’s western practice of
can do better in this cultural standards placing aged parents in
course!” retirement homes. We
Filipinos take care of
 Opinions are often influenced by bias. Bias is not necessary error in our family members.
reasoning, but refer to the tendency or influence which affect the views of
people.
HOW CAN AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TRUTH AND
BIAS Characteristics Example OPINION LEAS US TO WISDOM?
Correspondence bias or Tendency to judge a “These soldiers who
attribution effect person’s personality by fought in the war are all
his or her actions, bloodthirsty murderers!” – An individual cannot live his or her life just agreeing with everybody he or she meets.
without regard for A critical mind aided by philosophy can help us form our own personal point of view
external factors or that can guide us in making decisions and actions when faced with a problem. Each
 individual’s point of view is unique, but it should be based on the sound  The human person is an embodied spirit - it means that both the human body and
and a reasonable ideas and views. Philosophy can help us determine the spirit define human nature and experience. The body and the spirit come together
ideas that are truthful and acceptable, which we can use to form our own to form a whole, and this integration defines the embodiment of the person.
views regarding certain matters.
– Philosophy can help us examine various views on a relevant issues in our  MAN - is a physical body, a living soul (the inner self; mortal) and a spirit (the life-
lives. An objective evaluation of opinions and awareness of our own force; immortal).
personal biases can help us make wise choices regarding the most  SPIRIT - takes form through mortal, physical body to represent its qualities in the
acceptable views to adopt and the right actions to undertake. conscious, physical world; the intangible element that enables us to exercise thought,
posses awareness, and reach out to the outside world and others
The Human Person as an Embodied Spirit
Human Body Limitations and Transcendence
 The human being is recognized not only as a distinct specie - homo
sapiens, but as a unique being, an individual person possessing – From a biological and physical standpoint, it can be recognized that the human body,
awareness of the self. although it can perform many functions, also has limitations.
– Though the nature of the person as an embodied spirit provides numerous
 MAN - the general term commonly used to refer to the entire human race opportunities to explore everything around us and even within us, our human nature
 HUMAN - man as a specie - homo sapiens or modern human beings still imposes limitations. It is true that the human person enjoys a number of
 HUMAN BEING - is also used to distinguish man from other animals advantages compared to other beings, but there are still a number of things that
 SELF-AWARENESS - refers to the awareness of oneself as an active humans naturally cannot do.
participant in reality – It can be said that the person is very biologically deficient being. This means that we
 PERSON - human being granted recognition of certain rights, protection, are not equipped with the best physical attributes among all the beings in the world.
responsibilities, and dignity above all For instance, we cannot breathe underwater without the aid of a breathing apparatus.
 PERSONHOOD - the state of being a person Compared to other animals, we have limited capabilities with regard to strength,
 HUMAN PERSON - the characteristic that distinguishes humans from all speed, and the use of our senses.
other creatures (ex: thinking, feeling, acting)
 SELF - the person who is actively aware that he/she is perceiving and
experiencing reality  TRANSCENDENCE - our ability to explore and surpass our limits; also means
 INTERIORITY - the quality of being focused on one’s life and identity overcoming oneself or being in control even if the body reminds us of certain
 SELF-DETERMINATION - a trait of a human person that pertains to the tendencies. Although these tendencies are felt, the person can govern them and
awareness of one’s action and the notion that oneself is the source of an ensure that they are exercised within the bounds of reason. A person who has no
action. It is brought about by the person’s free will or the capability to act control over his or her eating habit eventually becomes unhealthy and develops an
willfully and control one’s action. This also brings about the awareness of eating disorder. Each individual carries within himself or herself the possibility of
consequence - that every action will have a results or effects. transcending his or her limits. Most of our personal limit often involve facing a
 MORALITY - the goodness or badness of an act challenge or obstacles in overcoming a weakness. These limits, however, can be
overcome with enough effort and perseverance.
 Man is a social being and a person has a natural tendency to establish
relationships with other people, Some Points to Remember when Going Beyond your Limits

 EXTERNALITY - the capability to reach out and interact with others and 1. You are connected to the internal or external world.
the world 2. Challenges opportunities are learning
 DIGNITY - the recognition that each person has a worth and value that go 3. Your goal is more important than your fears.
beyond quantifiable terms; each person is indispensable and 4. Think outside the box.
irreplaceable. Human dignity is the basis of the recognition of our human 5. Recognize that everyone has fears.
rights
Environmental Philosophy
 The appreciation of natural beauty brings about concern for the environment and
– Philosophers believe that persons have a special relationship with nature helps people relate more effectively with nature.
because of their rationality. They are not only part of nature, but they can
also shape, transform, and cultivate it. However, this also means that they  It cannot be denied that disorder exists in our environment. Disorder can be brought
are also capable of inflicting the most harm on it. about by sudden changes in nature. For instance, natural calamities such as
typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslide bring about destruction
- Environmental Philosophy - is a branch of philosophy that is in our surroundings. These have a great effect on human communities such as
concerned with the natural environment and humanity's place in it. It damages to property and loss of lives.
deals with issues concerning humanity's role in the world, the
interaction between nature and humans, and human response to  Human activities have a the on significant impact environment. Current scientific
environmental challenges. evidence proves that human activities over the centuries have resulted in great
changes in climate patterns throughout the world. Climate change and its related
Major Philosophical Views effects are among the most important environmental issues we face today.

1. Anthropocentrism Environmentalism
– 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  Environmentalism
survive. - is a perspective that advocates action to address growing environmental
– This view believes that humans are the most important species on the problems.
planet and they are free to transform nature and use its resources such as - One philosophical view related to environmentalism is environmental ethics -
landscapes reshaped into schools and buildings. analyzes the relationship between humans and the environment and seeks to
address environmental problems brought about by human activities. It also guides
2. Biocentrism us in upholding the welfare of the environment and everything in it. As persons, it
– Believes that humans are not the only significant species on the planet, is our responsibility to start with our own actions and how they affect our
and that all organisms have inherent value and should be protected. immediate environment. Starting in your own home is an important step towards
– This view drives the activities of humane organizations that advocate becoming a more responsible steward of nature.
ethical treatment of animals. The government passed laws to recognize
the rights of animals such as R.A. 8485 or "The Animal Welfare Act of  Many of the major environmental problems such as pollution, deforestation, and the
1998". loss of natural resources are caused by the actions of mining and logging companies,
factories, business and even governments. An important part of environmentalism is
3. Ecocentrism collective action spearheaded by environmental groups that call attention to
– Places great value on ecosystems and biological communities. environmental problems and environmental abuse.
– 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 Sustainability or sustainable development
nature. – A concept that advocates the wise and efficient use of natural resources.
– This view also promotes the idea that order and balance in nature brings – It emphasizes that human activities must not unduly harm the environment, the
about stability and beauty. natural resources must be used wisely, and the environment must be preserved for
the next generation.
Environmental Aesthetics
1. Social Ecology - applies an ecological and ethical approach in analyzing society, and
 Environmental Aesthetics sees a relationship between social and environmental problems
– is the philosophical view that believes maintaining order in the
environment will bring the natural beauty of the surroundings and 2. Environmental Justice - the fair distribution of environmental benefits, as well as the
contribute to the well-being of the people and other organisms living in it. burden of meeting environmental challenges
3. Environmental Aesthetics - to appreciate nature's innate beauty to help
people relate more effectively with the environment.

 According to a 2011 report by the World Food Programme, about one-

third of the total food supply is wasted throughout the world. That food
could have fed other people but sadly it often goes to waste. This fact
highlights one important idea related to sustainability: that the misuse of
resources often means that other people do not get to benefit from it.

Sustainability relies on three important principles:

1. environmental integrity
2. economic efficiency
3. equity

Environmental integrity
– Maintaining the state of the environment; human activities should not
unduly disrupt the ecosystems and human communities located in the
area; care should be taken that surrounding landscape is not drastically
impacted by human activities

Economic efficiency
– Prudence in decision-making regarding the use of resources to ensure
that there is minimum to zero waste manner

Equity
– Demands that we use our natural resources in such a that these are
conserved so that the next generation will be able to use them.

The values of prudence and frugality can guide in our own personal use of
resources.

Prudence - the ability to regulate one's actions and

behaviour

Frugality - being thrifty with the use of one's resources