Date of Publication

12-20-2020

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy in Philosophy

Subject Categories

Philosophy

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Philosophy

Thesis Adviser

Jeremiah Joven Joaquin

Defense Panel Chair

Napoleon M. Mabaquiao, Jr.

Defense Panel Member

Robert James Boyles
Hazel Biana
Benito L. Teehankee
Adriane John Galang

Abstract/Summary

Deep ecology offers a philosophical outlook on the environment that emphasizes the awareness and appreciation of a holistic metaphysical understanding of nature which serves as a ground for the development of a coherent ethical system. This metaphysical holism implies an axiological arm of deep ecology that is biocentric egalitarianism, which is the belief in the inherent value of all living things. What is remarkable here is the importance that deep ecology places on certain kinds of experiences as a means to achieving this holistic outlook. This paper aims to: 1) investigate the characteristics of this class of experiences, which I hereby label as nature experience, 2) provide a framework that could explain the interaction between nature experience and fundamental deep ecological beliefs through Hume’s theory of motivation, and 3) using the methods of Experimental Philosophy, empirically test the correlation between nature experience and the presence of deep ecological beliefs as a corroboration of deep ecology’s claim. The result of the study reveals a significant positive relationship between nature experience and the presence of deep ecological beliefs. This provides a measure of support for deep ecology but more importantly, it can serve as a basis for the utilization of nature experiences in environmental programs.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Physical Description

vii, 228 leaves

Keywords

Deep ecology; Holism

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Embargo Period

4-17-2022

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