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The Human Person and The Environment

This document outlines three approaches to understanding humanity's relationship with the environment: 1) The cosmos-centric approach sees humans and nature as part of a harmonious whole. 2) The theocentric approach views humans as stewards of the earth put in dominion over it by God. 3) The anthropocentric approach emphasizes human dominion over nature and ability to control it through science and technology. The document argues that humans must use their freedom responsibly to address environmental problems and adopt lifestyles that benefit both people and nature now and for future generations.

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1K views

The Human Person and The Environment

This document outlines three approaches to understanding humanity's relationship with the environment: 1) The cosmos-centric approach sees humans and nature as part of a harmonious whole. 2) The theocentric approach views humans as stewards of the earth put in dominion over it by God. 3) The anthropocentric approach emphasizes human dominion over nature and ability to control it through science and technology. The document argues that humans must use their freedom responsibly to address environmental problems and adopt lifestyles that benefit both people and nature now and for future generations.

Uploaded by

fiana
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The different approaches of understanding our

relationship with the environment.


1. Cosmos-centric approach
In the earlier civilization, human beings
understood themselves as a being in harmony
with the nature. The whole of the cosmos in one
whole system of order of which we are a part.
Taoism thought, that the universe can also be
understood as a vast spectrum of energy in need
of constant balance and harmony.
It shows that human beings are a microcosm
of the cosmos. It means that the universe is
reflected in us; we are a small version of the
universe. When there is imbalance within the
person, there would also imbalance in
everything around it.
2. Theocentric Approach
Theo-centric approach refers to an understanding coming
from a religious interpretation. This especially applies to
the Judeo-Christian tradition as specified in the creation
story. The story relates that after creating the world, and all
that is in it, including man and woman, God said Go and
multiply; fill the earth and subdue it.
Man as stewards of creation.
To steward over something is to manage or to put
something under your care.
We are created in Gods image and likeness.
3. The anthropocentric approach
Anthropos (man)+centric, is like the theocentric
approach that puts the human person in dominion
over the earth, but de-emphasizes the role of God.
The development of experimental science has made
the human being aware that he can detach himself
from the ongoing cycle of nature and thereby control
it. The natural aging of the skin, or the shape of ones
body parts, among others, can also be altered.
The central role of the human person in
addressing environmental problems

The inevitability of change, the need for


progress and development-these are common
arguments raised among developed countries
with regard to the issues on environmental
problems such as climate change.
Rapidification
-the continued acceleration of changes affecting
humanity and the planet is coupled today with
a more intensified pace of life and work.
Change is something desirable, yet it becomes
a source of anxiety when it causes harm to the
world and to the quality of life.
Man must be proactive and use our freedom
responsibly and commit ourselves to a lifestyle
that is beneficial not only to ourselves but also
to nature and to our fellow human beings
especially to the generations that are yet to
come.

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