Ghoksadanga Birendra Mahavidyalaya Publications

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Browsing Ghoksadanga Birendra Mahavidyalaya Publications by Subject "HUMANITIES and RELIGION::History and philosophy subjects::Philosophy subjects"

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    Chapter-10. Reverence for Nature: A Philosophical Approach
    (Shankhik, 2026) Alom, Hasanur
    The great philosopher Benedict Spinoza stated that “all is God and God is all,” identifying God with substance and nature. Human life is deeply dependent on nature; however, in the present time, the value of the environment is often neglected. Although nature possesses a self-regulating capacity through homeostatic systems, excessive exploitation disrupts this balance, limiting its ability to recover. The relationship between humans and nature is fundamentally interactive, yet human activities such as deforestation and pollution have led to severe environmental degradation. This reflects an unethical attitude towards nature and has disturbed the ecological balance. Philosophical perspectives such as anthropocentrism, which places intrinsic value solely on humans, and ecocentrism, which recognises the inherent value of both organisms and the environment, offer contrasting viewpoints. The ideas of Protagoras, who stated that “man is the measure of all things,” further highlight the human-centred approach. In this context, several critical questions arise regarding the ethical use of nature, the value of the environment, and human responsibility towards environmental issues such as pollution and climate change.
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    Chapter-13. The Concept of Environmental Ethics in Western Tradition from the Greek Period to the Present Day: A Philosophical Perspective
    (Shankhik, 2026) Adhikary, Samir
    Today, the lives of civilized people have undergone a significant transformation. Our attitudes and tastes have evolved, and the rhythm of life has changed dramatically. Many people today are restless and work-driven, eager to travel the world in a relentless race against time. Consequently, speed has become a primary means of entertainment; individuals crave to go faster and faster, hoping to conquer the world through the power of speed. This obsession with speed also influences our choices of transportation for leisure activities. From an eco-centric ethical perspective, it is more appropriate to use bicycles on land and stand-up paddleboats on water for enjoying travel, as these options do not contribute to environmental pollution. In contrast, using motorbikes and motorboats causes environmental harm: the combustion of fossil fuels pollutes water and air, endangering aquatic life and contributing harmful carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Environmental ethics are not solely concerned with human interests; they also encompass the welfare of all sentient beings and the needs of future generations. These ethics are tied to the human aesthetic experience and the appreciation of beauty found in nature, like forests surrounded by mountains and rivers. In eco-centric ethics, materialism and attachment to possessions are not regarded as life’s ultimate goals. In a materialistic society, a person’s well-being is often measured by their wealth and consumer goods. However, eco-centric ethics define well-being through personal development, character excellence, and self-satisfaction. This ethical framework encourages frugality, as excessive consumption contributes to environmental degradation. It advises people to limit their sense of need. Human desires are limitless, often leading to attempts to dominate the entire world, which inevitably results in environmental damage and, ultimately, the extinction of humanity. A wise principle to prevent such a fate is to distinguish between ‘essential needs’ and mere ‘wants’ and to focus on satisfying only our essential needs. For instance, while it may be justifiable to cut down some trees for necessary wood and paper production, it is inappropriate to destroy an entire forest for excess resources intended for commercial profit. The temporary economic gain from logging does not compare to the long-term value of preserving an intact forest.