The beauty in the beast: An environmental aesthetic of animals

Date of Publication

2023

Document Type

Bachelor's Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts Major in Philosophy/ Bachelor of Science in Management of Financial Institutions

Subject Categories

Philosophy

College

College of Liberal Arts

Department/Unit

Philosophy

Honor/Award

Outstanding Thesis

Thesis Advisor

Mark Anthony L. Dacela

Defense Panel Member

Robert James M. Boyles
Napoleon M. Mabaquiao, Jr.
Elenita D. Garcia

Abstract/Summary

Through the emergence of biotechnology, we surpassed our capability to modify DNA and genetically engineered our own creatures - eliminating the unsuitable and keeping the alluring. They now serve as a commodity, an ornament, and a novelty for people to own. In this paper, I will be constructing an environmental aesthetic of animals, which I will refer to as “Ecosystemic Aesthetic Cognitivism,” through the five requirements Allen Carlson identified environmental aesthetics must possess. These are (1) acentrism, (2) environmental-focus, (3) seriousness, (4) objectivity, and (5) moral engagement. My claim is that through a cognitive approach, we can better aesthetically appreciate animals by possessing appropriate knowledge and information about animals and their role in the ecosystem. The paper will conclude with a newfound environmental aesthetics for animals in which we can better appreciate animals to preserve these natural qualities instead of imposing our standards of beauty on them.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Keywords

Aesthetics; Environmental ethics

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Embargo Period

4-27-2028

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