IPHP Final term Exam Reviewer

Introduction to the Reviewer

This reviewer serves as supplementary material for the course "Introduction to the Philosophy of The Human Person." Students should also review the reading materials provided by the philosophy teacher on MS Teams for a comprehensive understanding. The goal is to prepare effectively for the upcoming examinations.

Coverage of the Test

• Approaches towards Environmental Ethics - Multiple Choice

• Human Freedom - Multiple Choice and Essay

• Intersubjectivity - Essay

I. Approaches Towards Environmental Ethics

Environmental ethics examines the moral relationship between humans and nature, influenced by various philosophical traditions:

1. Judeo-Christian Tradition

   • Views humans as stewards of Earth, emphasizing dominion and responsibility towards the environment.

2. Prudential Anthropocentrism (McKinnon)

   • Incorporates long-term human welfare and environmental stewardship.

   • Advocates for prudence, altruism, and responsibility toward future generations.

3. Paul Taylor's Ethics of Respect for Nature

   • Argues that harm to an organism occurs when its purpose (telos) is interfered with.

   • Stresses respect for all living beings.

4. Kenneth Goodpaster

   • Expands moral considerability to all living beings, proposing that the mere possession of life grants moral worth.

5. Aldo Leopold's Land Ethic

   • Posits that the moral rightness of an action is determined by its contribution to the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community.

   • Challenges individualistic ethics by promoting a holistic view of ecosystems.

6. J. Baird Callicott

   • Builds upon Leopold's ideas, emphasizing species adaptation to ecological niches and the integrity of biotic communities.

7. Holmes Rolston

   • Highlights the inseparable connection between intrinsic and instrumental values in ecosystems, advocating a balanced approach to environmental ethics.

II. Human Freedom

Human freedom is a fundamental philosophical theme with various interpretations:

1. B.F. Skinner's Determinism

   • Suggests behavior is shaped by external factors rather than free will.

   • Proposes that behavior can be predicted and controlled through environmental manipulation.

2. Jean-Paul Sartre's Concept of Freedom

   • Asserts that freedom precedes essence; individuals can define their own nature through choices.

   • Ties freedom to self-projection and the dynamic nature of consciousness.

3. Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

   • Suggests the environment assists in actualizing individual potentialities.

   • Proposes that structured freedom is vital for achieving self-actualization.

4. Fr. Kavanaugh's Perspective

   • Argues that freedom and structure are complementary; values emerge from humanity, which can align with or oppose existing structures.

III. Intersubjectivity

Intersubjectivity refers to the shared understanding between individuals, emphasizing mutual relationships:

1. Martin Buber

   • Advocates the I-Thou relationship which fosters dialogue, empathy, and genuine connections.

2. Edmund Husserl

   • Focuses on the intentionality of consciousness and the role of empathy in understanding others, emphasizing the foundation of intersubjectivity in meaning.

3. Emmanuel Levinas

   • Shifts focus to ethical responsibility to the Other, highlighting the asymmetrical nature of relationships and the self's responsibility.

IV. Freedom and the World

Application of philosophical perspectives to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

1. Skinner's Determinism and SDG 16

   • Emphasizes the influence of environmental factors on behavior, supporting social stability through controlled environments.

2. Sartre's Freedom and SDG 12

   • Encourages individual ethical choices impacting the environment, fostering sustainable practices.

3. Maslow's Structured Freedom and SDG 17

   • Highlights collaboration and structured environments for achieving sustainable goals, linking basic needs to higher-level cooperation.

Conclusion

Understanding these philosophical perspectives enhances the grasp of human ethics, freedom, and relational dynamics in both individual and global contexts.