As shown in the previous chapter, man is an embodied subjectivity. The subject/ I of man, which is the source of meaning and initiatives, is enfleshed in the human body. Thus, man's existence is not necessarily "thinking" but a bodily existence. And, this bodily existence always reminds him of his natural affinity (relationship) with the environment and all other forms of life.
In this chapter, we will discuss the historical account of how and when human beings exploit the environment to advance human progress. Primitive men were at the mercy of the powers of nature. The natural powers, which were then unknown such as lightning, strong winds, heavy rains, etc. were known to be supernatural which they can't control. To survive from these natural powers, primitive men sought to appease the gods and goddesses who were deemed to be behind these powers through magic and rituals. The ancient Greeks tried to understand these natural powers, but not to become masters of them. Modern men gained the confidence to become masters of nature. For more discussion, click (part 1), click (part 2).
As mentioned above, with the paradigm of modern men, the environment becomes at the mercy of man's thinking power. With our experiences of calamities brought about by global warming, we’ve now come to realize how much abuses we’ve done to Mother Earth. And, there is an urgent need to attend to the call to care once more of our environment. To realize this we need to have another paradigm shift. In her book, Resurgence of the Real, Spretnak (1997 cited in Mabaquiao, 2016) identifies the following values and beliefs that promote the exploitation of people and environment:
In all, environmental degradation is mostly caused by human activities. Thus, there is a need for each and every one of us to be conscientious (ethically) of our human actions of which the environment is directly affected. UNESCO (2016) points out three basic principles of environmental ethics, as follows: (1) respect for nature, (2) environmental justice, and (3) intergenerational justice.
In this chapter, we will discuss the historical account of how and when human beings exploit the environment to advance human progress. Primitive men were at the mercy of the powers of nature. The natural powers, which were then unknown such as lightning, strong winds, heavy rains, etc. were known to be supernatural which they can't control. To survive from these natural powers, primitive men sought to appease the gods and goddesses who were deemed to be behind these powers through magic and rituals. The ancient Greeks tried to understand these natural powers, but not to become masters of them. Modern men gained the confidence to become masters of nature. For more discussion, click (part 1), click (part 2).
As mentioned above, with the paradigm of modern men, the environment becomes at the mercy of man's thinking power. With our experiences of calamities brought about by global warming, we’ve now come to realize how much abuses we’ve done to Mother Earth. And, there is an urgent need to attend to the call to care once more of our environment. To realize this we need to have another paradigm shift. In her book, Resurgence of the Real, Spretnak (1997 cited in Mabaquiao, 2016) identifies the following values and beliefs that promote the exploitation of people and environment:
- Homo Economicus - The belief that man's well-being is primarily economic. If the economic well-being is satisfied such as food, shelter, clothes, ect., the well-being of the whole person is satisfied or will attain a certain sense of self-realization.
- Progressivism - The belief that the human condition will gradually improve through economic abundance. At the outset, exploitation of nature is done for more economic gains and comfort.
- Industrialism - The belief that mass production and rationally-designed institutions and programs are the best way to perfect human society and achieve the abundance needed to sustain human consumption.
- Consumerism - The belief that man's well-being is achieved by consuming a lot.
In all, environmental degradation is mostly caused by human activities. Thus, there is a need for each and every one of us to be conscientious (ethically) of our human actions of which the environment is directly affected. UNESCO (2016) points out three basic principles of environmental ethics, as follows: (1) respect for nature, (2) environmental justice, and (3) intergenerational justice.
- Respect for nature. The prosperity of human beings depends on the prosperity of nature. Human beings are part of nature. They have therefore the duty to conserve and protect the integrity of the ecosystem and its biodiversity.
- Environmental justice. The environmental benefits and burdens should be equally distributed.
- Intergenerational justice. Every generation should leave the following generation an equal opportunity to live a happy life, and should therefore bequeath a healthy earth.
However, economic development for all human beings including those in future generations is necessary. UNESCO envisions a new kind of human development --that is, a sustainable development. Based on the report of World Commission on Environment and Development (1987 cited in Core Curriculum, 2016), sustainable development is defined as "development that meets the needs of the present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs." 2002 Johannesburg Declaration on Sustainable Development (cited in Core Curriculum, 2016) adopts a new ethic of conservation and stewardship, which focuses on: (a) measures to curb global climate change (reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases), (b) conservation and management of all types of forests, (c) better use of water resources, (d) intensified cooperation to reduce the number and effects of natural and man-made disasters, (e) fundamental change in the lives of the affluent, and (f) equitable access to resources.
Lastly, UNESCO poses this challenge to all nations: "the needs of the poor are central in sustainable development."
References: click
Lastly, UNESCO poses this challenge to all nations: "the needs of the poor are central in sustainable development."
References: click
