Republic of the Philippines
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Region I
San Fernando City
La Union
MODULE & ACTIVITY SHEETS IN INTRODUCTION
TO THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE HUMAN PERSON
GRADE 11/12 1ST QUARTER, WEEK 4
MELC: 4.1. Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in an aesthetic
way.
4.2. Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being, and
sustainable development.
K to 12 BEC CG: PPT11/12-Ii-4.2; PPT11/12-Ij-4.3
Objectives:
1. Assess and organize the things that are not in their proper place in an aesthetic way.
2. Show how caring for the environment results in your health and well-being.
Prepared by:
NORMA TERESITA F. CEREZO
SHS Teacher I
What I Need to Know
1
”What is the world made of?” “How did the world come into being?” and “How can we
explain the process of change?” were philosophical questions already brought up approximately
600 B.C.E. (before the common era) in the Western Ionian seaport town of Miletus across the
Aegean Sea from Athens, Greece. In both East and West, philosophers were asking questions
about the universe we live in and our place in it. Eastern sages probed nature’s depths intuitively
through the eyes of spiritual sages, while Greek thinkers viewed nature through cognitive and
scientific eyes (Price, 2000).
The lesson in this module will help us understand the human person’s relationship to the
environment.
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
1. Assess things to see that they are not in their proper place.
2. Organize the things that are not in their proper place in an aesthetic way.
3. Show how caring for the environment results to your health and wellbeing.
What I Know
Before going on, check how much you know about this topic. Answer
the pretest below:
In your own observation, state at least five major problems in our environment and briefly
describe each.
1. ______________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________________________________
What’s In
What do you remember about Siddhartha Gautama and why is he important?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
What’s New
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Read and reflect on this portion of the lyrics of the Fight Song while imagining the impact of the
coronavirus pandemic to all our communities. You may also watch the dance versions of
frontliners of this song on YouTube or Tiktok.
Fight Song
Rachel Platten
Like a small boat This is my fight song
On the ocean Take back my life song
Sending big waves Prove I'm alright song
Into motion My power's turned on
Like how a single word Starting right now I'll be strong
Can make a heart open I'll play my fight song
I might only have one match And I don't really care if nobody else believes
But I can make an explosion ‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me
And all those things I didn't say
Wrecking balls inside my brain
I will scream them loud tonight
Can you hear my voice this time?
Write a letter to the frontliners who perform their tasks (nurses, doctors, policemen, soldiers,
hospital workers, etc) during this pandemic.
Dear Frontliners,
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Sincerely,
____________________
You did a great job! Now you are ready for a new lesson. Let us
know more about the Human Person in the Environment!
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What is It
The Human Person in the
4 Environment
The speculations of the pre-Socratic philosophers represent a paradigm shift – a change from the
mythical explanation of the origins of the cosmos to a more rational explanation. These
philosophers were looking for the underlying laws of nature.
This lesson will probe into a distinct frame about gaining valuable insights regarding the
human person in the environment. Specifically, the learner should be able to demonstrate the
virtues of prudence and frugality toward his/her environment.
Consider these two frameworks (Payne, 2010):
1. Anthropocentric Model
Human
Culture
Individualism
Mind
Calculative
Human over/against
environments
Global/technological
2. Ecocentric model
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Nature
Wild
Holism
Nature/cosmos
Body
Relational
Earth/wisdom
Ecology over/against humans
There are different views or concepts on nature or the environment from which debates or
researchers can be framed and reframed. Based on the anthropocentric model, humans are
superior and central to the universe.
Ecocentric model, the ecological or relational integrity of humans, provides meaning of
our morals and values. Ecological positioning occurs in the past, present and future and their
environmental settings with regard to our identifications, relations and attachments in, about,
with or for various natures (Payne 2009).
Our limited understanding of our environment opens a need for a philosophical
investigation of nature, applying aesthetic and theological dimensions as well as appreciating our
philosophical reflections with the concept of nature itself.
4.1. Notice disorder in the universe
The domination of humanity is linked to the domination of nature based on the
anthropocentric model. An unfair or unjust utilization of the environment results in ecological
crisis. From this view, it follows that human arrogance toward nature is justifiable in order to
satisfy human interests. Sometimes, humans adopt an exploitative attitude whenever nature is
merely considered as an instrument for one’s profit or gain. For example, quarrying or cutting
down age old trees could justify our exploitative attitude toward nature.
The Ecocentric model (see above), in contrast, puts the ecosystem first and assumes that the
natural world has intrinsic value. Nature is not valued for the future survival of human species
per se, but is invaluable in itself. For instance, humans have a responsibility toward the land.
However, because of the anthropocentric attitude, humanity claims ownership or authority over
land. For the ecocentric model instead, love, respect, admiration for nature and a high regard for
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its value is essential. For instance, in the ecocentric model, land will be considered not an
instrumental mode of production but will be preserved with integrity, stability, and beauty. It is
incorrect when it tends otherwise.
If humanity overworks the soil and substitute domesticated species of plants and animals
for wild ones, human-made changes threaten the health of nature. Unlike changes in the
evolutionary process, our human interventions have swift and even violent effect on nature. A
study blames human activities for drastic decline in wildlife population. Due to hunting and
fishing, 52% of wildlife population deteriorated. Whether nature can adapt to these changes and
self-renew becomes a vague issue.
Devastation brought by Yolanda and Ondoy
War
Poverty
Soil Erosion linked to food supply
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4.2 Notice things that are not in their proper place and organize them in an aesthetic way
A. Ancient thinkers
Early Greek philosophers, the Milesians, regarded Nature as spatially without boundaries, i.e.,
as infinite or indefinite in extent. One ancient thinker, Anaximander, employed the term
“boundless” to convey the further thought that Nature is indeterminate – boundless in the
sense that no boundaries between the warm and cold or the moist and dry regions are originally
present within it (Solomon and Higgins, 2010).
Anaximander Pythagoras Immanuel Kant
Another ancient philosopher, Pythagoras, described the universe as a living embodiment of
nature’s order, harmony, and beauty. He sees our relationship with the universe involving
biophilia (love of other living things) and cosmophilia (love of other living beings.) Perhaps, we
could consider him as an ecologist.
B. Modern thinkers
In his third critique, Critique of Judgment, Immanuel Kant expresses that beauty is
ultimately a symbol of morality (Kant, 1997). According to Kant, we must ignore any practical
motives or inclinations that we have and instead contemplate the object without being distracted
by our desires (Goldblatt and Brown, 2010). For instance, one should not be tempted to plunge
into the water in a seascape portrait. In a sense, therefore, the stance that we take forward the
beautiful object is similar to that which we take toward other human beings when we are
properly respectful of their dignity.
The beautiful encourage us to believe that nature and humanity are part of an even bigger
design. This sense of order in a beautiful object is not translatable into a formula or a recipe.
Rather, the concept of a larger design, the belief in an ultimate goal in which every aspect of the
sensible world has its place in a larger purpose, draws our thoughts toward a supersensible
reality. Ultimately, Kant believes that the orderliness of nature and the harmony of nature with
our faculties guide us toward a deeper religious perspective. This vision of the world is not
limited to knowledge and freedom or even to faith, in the ordinary sense of the term. It is a sense
of cosmic harmony.
4.3 Show that care for the environment contributes to health, well-being and sustainable
development
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There are numerous theories to show care for the environment aside from the ecocentric
model such as deep ecology, social ecology, and ecofeminism, to name some.
A. Deep ecology
In this theory, ecological crisis is an outcome of anthropocentrism, which is already discussed.
The controlling attitude of humankind is extended to nature, when in fact, humanity is part of
nature. Deep ecologists encourage humanity to shift away from anthropocentrism to ecocentrism.
B. Social ecology
This theory proposes that ecological crisis results from authoritarian social structures.
Destroying nature is a reflection wherein few people overpower others while exploiting the
environment for profit or self-interest. Social ecologists call for small scale societies which
recognize that humanity is linked with the well-being of the natural world on which human life
depends.
C. Ecofeminism
This theory argues that ecological crisis is a consequence of male dominance. In this view,
whatever is “superior” is entitled to whatever is “inferior.” Male traits as in the anthropocentric
model are superior as opposed to female traits as in the ecocentric model. Domination works by
forcing the other to conform to what is superior. Nature must be tamed and ordered to submit to
the will of the superior. For the adherents of this view, freeing nature and humanity means
removing the superior vs. inferior in human relations.
These theories value the care, conservation, and preservation of nature and humanity. Our
search for the meaning of life must explore not just our own survival but calls for a new socio-
ecological order. Erich Fromm believes that it is about time that humanity ought to recognize not
only itself but the world around it. For Fromm, as human beings our biological urge for survival
turns into selfishness and laziness. Fromm argues that as humans, it is also inherent in us to
escape the prison cell of selfishness.
The human desire to experience union with others is one of the strongest motivators of human
behavior and the other is the desire for survival. From these two contradictory strivings in every
human being it follows that the social structure, its values and norms, decides which of the two
becomes dominant. Cultures that foster greed for possession are rooted in one human potential.
Cultures that foster being and sharing are rooted in the other potential. We must decide which of
these two potentials to cultivate (Fromm, 2013).
4.4 Demonstrate the virtues of prudence and frugality toward the environment
8
Merriam Webster dictionary defines Prudence as the ability to govern and discipline oneself by
the use of reason. While Frugality is defined as the quality or state of being frugal -- careful
management of material resources and especially money.
Arising from the discussions, Fromm (2013) proposed a new society that should encourage the
emergence of a new human being that will foster prudence and moderation or frugality toward
the environment: These are some of the functions of Fromm’s envisioned society:
1. The willingness to give up all forms of having, in order to fully be.
2. Being fully present where one is.
3. Trying to reduce greed, hate, and illusions as much as one is capable.
4. Making the full growth of oneself and of one’s fellow beings the supreme goal of
living.
5. Not deceiving others, but also not being deceived by others; one may be called
innocent, but not naïve.
6. Freedom that is not arbitrariness but the possibility to be oneself, not as a bundle
of greedy desires, but as a delicately balanced structure that at any moment is
confronted with the alternatives of growth or decay, life or death.
7. Happiness in the process of ever-growing aliveness, whatever the furthest point is
that fate permits one to reach, for living as fully as one can is so satisfactory that
the concern for what one might or might not attain has little chance to develop.
8. Joy that comes from giving and sharing, not from hoarding and exploiting.
9. Developing one’s capacity for love, together with one’s capacity for critical,
unsentimental thought.
10. Shedding one’s narcissism and accepting tragic limitations inherent in human
existence.
The ideals of this society cross all party lines, for protecting nature needs focused conservation,
action, political will, and support from industry. If all these sectors agree on the same goals, the
possibility of change would seem to be considerably greater, especially since most citizens have
become less and less interested in party loyalty and slogans.
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Erich Fromm
What’s More
As an application to the lesson, do the following activities.
Have fun and good luck!
My Home
Directions: Take a look around your own house and find out the following:
What items seem to be out of place? Where should be its proper place?
In the kitchen:
a. _____________________________ _______________________________
b. _____________________________ _______________________________
c. _____________________________ _______________________________
In the living room:
a. _____________________________ _______________________________
b. _____________________________ _______________________________
c. _____________________________ _______________________________
In the bedroom:
a. _____________________________ _______________________________
b. _____________________________ _______________________________
c. _____________________________ _______________________________
In the yard:
d. _____________________________ _______________________________
e. _____________________________ _______________________________
f. _____________________________ _______________________________
Let’s Re-arrange
Write a short essay describing the “new look” of the items in your house with the
following guide questions:
1. How did the new arrangement look like?
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2. Do you think the new arrangements look better than before?
3. How do you feel afterward?
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
What I Have Learned
Mother Earth, My Home.
Directions: Look at the pictures below.
On the space provided, tell the kind of destruction/social issue it depicts.
1. ____________________________
2. ____________________________
3. ___________________________
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4. ____________________________
The Effects of Destruction
I. Based on the photos above, what are the effects to human life? Write down your
answers on the space provided.
Photo 1.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Photo 2.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Photo 3.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
Photo 4.
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
What I Can Do
I can be a plantito/plantita! Describe what you will do in your own backyard.
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
Great job! You have understood the lesson.
Are you now ready to summarize?
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Assessment
___________ 1. This model states that humans are superior and central to the universe.
___________ 2. This model puts the ecosystem first and assumes that the natural world has
intrinsic value.
___________ 3. He is an ancient philosopher who described the universe as the living
embodiment of nature’s order, harmony and beauty.
___________ 4. He is a modern thinker who expresses that beauty is ultimately a symbol of
morality.
___________ 5. This theory encourages humanity to shift away from anthropocentrism to
ecocentrism.
___________ 6. He is an ancient thinker who used the term “boundless” to convey the
idea that Nature is indeterminate.
__________ 7. This theory states that ecological crisis is the result of authoritarian social
structures, wherein few people overpower others while exploiting the
environment for profit or self-interest.
___________ 8. For the adherents of this view, freeing nature and humanity means removing
the superior vs. inferior in human relations.
___________ 9. It is the ability to govern and discipline oneself by the use of reason.
___________ 10. He proposed a new society that should encourage the emergence of a new
human being that will foster prudence and moderation or frugality toward the
environment.
Additional Activities
My Handmade Poster!
II. Directions: Apply Prudence and Frugality in a poster.
As a student, create a poster showing how you can help save the environment. Draw on the
space provided.
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Answer Key:
Pretest: Answers may vary.
Post test:
1. Anthropocentic Model 6. Anaximander
2. Ecocentric Model 7. Social Ecology
3. Pythagoras 8. Ecofeminism
4. Immanuel Kant 9. Prudence
5. Deep Ecology 10. Erich Fromm
Rubrics
Excellent Good Satisfactory Poor Needs
Activity Total points Total points Total points Total points Improvement
(90-100) ( 80-89) (70-79) (60-69) Total points
(59 below)
My House Complete all At least total of At least total At least total Below3
12 entries in 9 entries in all of 6 entries in of 3 entries in entries in all
all areas areas all areas all areas areas
My Earth, My Correct all 4 Correct in at Correct in at Correct in at No correct
Home items least 3 items least 2 items least 1 item answer
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Proper Place Complete all At least total of At least total At least total Below 3
12 entries in 9 entries in all of 6 entries in of 3 entries in entries in all
all areas areas all areas all areas areas
Effects of Correct & well Correct & well Correct & Correct & Answers not
Destruction written written well written well written so clear in all
answers in all answers in all 3 answers in all answers in all the items
4 items items 2 items 1 items
Let’s Re- Excellently Well Satisfactorily Fairly Unable to
arrange Expressed Expressed Expressed Expressed express
personal personal personal personal personal
assessment assessment assessment assessment assessment
Very Clean & Generally Slightly Clean Fairly Clean Not so Clean
My Handmade Artistic Clean & Artistic & Artistic & Artistic
Poster Strongly & Artistic Satisfactorily Fairly Poorly
expresses Generally expresses expresses expresses
message expresses message message message
Excellent message Satisfactory Fair overall Poor overall
overall impact Good overall overall impact impact impact
impact
References:
A. Books
Christine Carmela R. Ramos, PhD. 2016. Introduction to the Philosophy of the
Human Person. Quezon City: Rex Bookstore, Inc.
pp. 69 - 86.
B. Online and Other Sources
Department of Education. http://www.deped.gov.ph/
http://www.organicsoul.com/being-green-being-frugal-5-ways-to-save-money-and-
help-the-environment/
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Power Point Presentation:
https://www.academia.edu/35441503/Chapter_4_The_human_person_in_the_environ
ment_Objectives
http://disastercenter.com/New%20Guide/Landslides
https://www.internetgeography.net/topics/how-does-flooding-affect-humans-and-the-
environment/
http://www.gettysburgdaily.com/witness-trees/
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary
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