Solving The Problem of Environmental Imbalance: Emmanuel R. Caleon

Solving the Problem of Environmental Imbalance Emmanuel R.
Caleon
CHAPTER I
Problem and Its’ Setting
I. Introduction
As human beings, we enjoy the contribution given to us by science. Undeniably, we aim
for a much comfortable life than staying in the old intricate ways. We cannot deny the fact that
science does advances and created tools and materials that are beneficial for the people. People
on the other hand enjoy the luxury they achieve. To trace back the history of scientific inventions
and discoveries, we are able to experience some changes with the methodology in each era. We
will be able to discover that the progress technologically is very vast. It is advancing and
advancing, as man tries to achieve more.
The world is technologically advancing yet results to environmental diminish. The people
becomes so radical that pushes the science to create more, they plan life to be so easy, yet what
happened is more suffering. Reluctance of the people is growing more and more whom they
cannot control their own self for they enjoy the pleasures given by science. It may be easy
practically for everyday breath of life, but sacrifices in the end. It means that, the recent
environmental activities that happen in this world is a sign of having a widely world damage.
Science looks like to be very impotent in answering these scenarios. Yes, it can predict when to
happen but the accuracy of damage is very unclear.
What was really the cause of these tremendous events? As prediction would say, it is the
end of the world, yet the researchers as non-believer of these predictions rooted a much serious
cause why these things happening. It must be blame to three portions – (1) the people itself, (2)
the law and the leaders who govern the people and (3) the impotence of science and its
interpreter. Regarding to the earlier mentioned end of the world, researcher believes that life of
earth can be extended if and only if we critically planned the ways of re-shaping the world of
life.
Yes, environmental disasters are natural activity, what is alarming is its interval of
occurrence. As we will observe, gigantic calamities happens not with a long distance of interval.
Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Solving the Problem of Environmental Imbalance Emmanuel R. Caleon
If we will observe that, at this moment, months are the only distance before the occurrence of
another one. And, calamities are not so simple; it kills thousands and hundreds of people and left
a big property loss and damage. If calamities leave a big loss and damage, it follows that it also
affects the economical progress of the affected location. Further explanations on this matter will
be discussed at the body.
People is included, because of their continuous desires, they almost forgotten the value of
the world which they live in. They became so comfortable on what this world can provide them
what they need whenever they wanted it. It is also the maleducation and being so insensitive to
the small changes that were happening. They are so afraid to return back to the basic where life
is hard at hand. Because of these continuous cravings, they pushed, pushes and continually
pushing to create more and more tools for their used, uses and continually using science that
minimizes their work, solves their cravings and satisfy their wants. In line with these, they
almost forget their tasks of protecting the world which provides their needs.
The law who governs the people and the people they called leaders are another factor that
the researcher thinks neglected the use of nature. Changes with the nature of man really
happened and it is very obvious and are being observed and proven. Laws were provided, like
what Jean Jacques Rousseau said that, laws are consensus or contract which organizes the people
to their general will that gives them the rights and responsibilities. Now, we must question
whether these laws created will surely benefit the environment. On the other hand, laws can be
beneficial and essential to whom it was made, but was it really implemented properly? These
questions need no further observation but needs more investigations and understanding.
Lastly, the science itself, we are charging science in the sense that, it continues to create
yet not seeing the fact and potentiality for environmental imbalance. It could be because of the
scientific paradigm we uses today that need full or partial revision so that we are able to create
things that will not harm the environment. Paradigm here was the scientific standards as being
defined by Thomas Kuhn. It could not be the science itself but the people who create and create,
because of carelessness and less concern and providing the needs of the environment that they
cannot give.

The researcher thought the idea which binds the collective effort of mind and soul in a
sense that, the man with mind yet without the soul is very dangerous in a sense that there will be
no object for affection to guide the mind in its proper way. On the other hand, soul without the
mind is blind in the way that the soul as purely emotion and affection will no longer understand
in which way it was going through. Therefore, these two elements should work together in order
for the body to function properly. They can be independent from each other, yet will result to
nothingness.
To apply this with the problem involving science and the consensus contract or the laws,
science and laws will work as the soul and here will enter the importance of philosophy as it will
serve as the mind. More justification on this account will once be discussed in the body of the
thesis.
Since the Philosophy is being involve here, for where in fact, the researcher believes that
philosophy should be working with everything and be involve with anything. Throughout the
discussions, researcher will reveal a special task yet a challenge for philosophy to trend out the
environmental balance. At first impression, researcher will sound as an anti-Philosophy, but in
advance defense for him, reading this; you will find the efforts on how he is very concerned with
the discipline.
And in advance, the researcher will site several thinkers that have similar ideas like him
and basically, the center of the discussion on the paradigms of Thomas Kuhn’s Structure of
Scientific Revolution and Gaston Bachelard’s Philosophical Displacement and Epistemological
Rupture.

II. Statement of the Problem
Main Problem
This research is intended to find out whether the scientific paradigm and laws we use
today or the people who interpret these are the cause of environmental imbalance using the
perspective of Thomas Kuhn and Gaston Bachelard.
Sub Problems
1. What is really the paradigm – scientific standard means? Does our science have this
so called paradigm?
2. What is this law mean to us? Do we have a proper law to guide everyone or really
does our law have its existence?
3. Was the present paradigm uses in discoveries and laws we uses in guiding the people,
really sufficient to support or maintain the ecological balance?
4. Does the scientific paradigm and laws we uses now is suffering from crisis/anomalies
– incapable of answering or solving arising problems? Or it is the people who cannot
understand the paradigm and law they created which make the paradigm and law to
appear in crisis?
5. If the people behind are guilty for irresponsibility, does the ordinary people is free
form guilt if they doesn’t follow these so called law or even being ignorant of it? or
maybe those ordinary people are really the cause of this so called environmental
imbalance?
6. If paradigm or law is really in crisis, what is the possible action we could take? Can
anyone formulate a new paradigm and law? Or there is deeper problem we need to
discover?
7. What should be the possible remedy in this environmental imbalance? Does changing
and shifting of paradigm is enough or there are more appropriate solutions?

III. Objective of the Study
This study aims to solve the very alarming situation of the world. Because of the
continuous calamities and disasters that are happening in the world, many people died.
Undeniably, these events became so memorable and affective to everyone. Through this study,
the researcher wanted to give one solution that will prevent these things to happen continually in
very short intervals. Researcher knows that natural activities are common usual event, but at the
end, researcher wishes to minimize the damage and loss each activity will bring.
The researcher also aims that through this study, we should be able to review the ideas of
Thomas Kuhn and Gaston Bachelard of who are less fortunate that they did not become so
popular unlike the other thinkers. For the researcher finds these two people so significant that
will help for the betterment of the society.
This research also aims to develop the field of philosophy, for the researcher believes that
Philosophy is now facing the problem of failure. Philosophy improves very little and now
become insignificant for where in fact, Philosophy must be the most advance among the other
discipline.
This research aims for science to realize in re-considering formulating another pattern in
re-shaping the world or even maintaining the environmental imbalance. For law to modify the
implementation of what is really the essence of each written consensus contract to organize
people.
And most of all, to open the awareness of the people to think and consider another theory
in which they are involve and gives them the hardest task to re-shape the earth.
To sum it up, this research aims to re-shape the earth towards for the betterment.

IV. Significance of the Study
This study is important in the fields of science, politics, sociology and philosophy for it
will answer the most truthful problem our world is facing today. The following disciplines had
the fullest responsibility to this so called changing world. As these progresses, we will be able to
see how it changed our life and style.
This could affect the awareness of the living people that our world is suffering and we
continue to take its glory. Awareness that this study could offer will be a big help in bringing
back and maintaining the environmental balance. These recent environmental activities such as
the tsunami in Indonesia and Thailand, the hurricane in U.S.A., earthquakes in China, Korea and
Japan, Haiti and Chile, destructive typhoons in Vietnam and Philippines plus landslides and
floods frightened the world. So, the researcher must say that studying this situation will really be
a big help in preventing all these catastrophes – harsh environmental activities, happened during
the past months and years.
This is very beneficial to science for it will correct its mistakes for not seeing how the
environment will react to its advancement and the carelessness by the scientists. This study is
beneficial to science for it can give another view to look at in solving the puzzle of
environmental imbalance. This study can help science in their future inventions and discoveries.
This is beneficial to politics for presenting a clearest picture as possible; they could
amend the laws or implement it properly. But it is not on only for the people who govern alone,
but for the people being govern. They will be more aware that what they are doing is definitely
out of the context and not doing any beneficial or productive.
This is beneficial to sociology for it can follow the routes and roots of the sociological
problem on environment. They can trace the misbehavior of the society and every individual
inside the society.

In Philosophy, Philosophy, being the mother or foundation of all the discipline, will be
challenged to propagate the eliteness of the discipline in giving order to the things that people
supposed to do. It will be the starting point for Philosophy to advance in a state wherein science
cannot attain.
This study will benefit the future generations for they can witness the world as a planet
healthy to live in and conducive for life and can provide the needs. This is beneficial for it can
warn the people of the mistakes they did and still doing and performing.

V. Theoretical Framework
It was stated earlier that this research will be patterned on Thomas Kuhn’s Structure of
Scientific Revolution and Gaston Bachelard’s Philosophical Displacement. This part will further
discuss how the researcher synthesize the two principles to arrive at solutions and answers to the
problem presented. Researcher believes that synthesizing the two principles will result into
deeper understanding of nature and will help reviewing the past investigations as well as
philosophical failures if ever philosophy commits some.
Thomas Kuhn’s most popular term is paradigm. Paradigm is referred to us the scientific
methodologies used as approved by the many. If the paradigm cannot resolve the arriving
problems, thus there is a need for a change or a revolution. So as, that is the main thought of his
philosophy. Researcher may sound skeptical to science, but this could be a big help for their
progress to realize that even them is committing mistakes.
Kuhn basically started his philosophy by studying the history of science. In his opening
sentence in Structure of Scientific Revolution “History, if viewed as a repository for more than
anecdote or chronology, could produce decisive transformation in the image of science by which
we are now possessed. That image has previously been drawn, even scientist themselves, mainly
from the study or finished scientific achievements as these are recorded in the classics and more
recently, in the textbooks from which each new scientific generation learns to practice its trades”
(Kuhn 1). Noticeably, Thomas Kuhn gives importance to trace the history of science and we
would be able to see how it grows. He gives importance to beliefs for be believes that, “A
scientific community cannot practice its trade without some set of received beliefs. These beliefs
form the foundation of the educational initiation that prepares and licenses the student for
professional practice” (Pajares).
Kuhn proposes three stages of scientific investigations. First of these three was the
normal science. As stated earlier, scientist gather together and followed similar set of beliefs and
this is what Kuhn called as paradigm. Scientific investigations are patterned in this so called
paradigmatic process. This is said to be the standard measurement that science uses to answer

arising problems. These set of beliefs are proven its worth, accuracy and usefulness and are
approved and used by almost everybody. Since, paradigm are also set of beliefs, thus, it does not
follows that it is accurate every time. When these paradigms fail to answer the problems
correctly, here now the second phase of scientific investigation. This is what he called as the
Crisis or anomalies. Crisis and anomalies are failures which science undergone. Through the
study of history Kuhn made the observation that there are several eras or time that scientific
paradigm failed to answer several questions of existence. So, through this failure, the third phase
is defined. Third phase is the scientific revolution. Again, through the study of History, Kuhn
discovered that there are old scientific beliefs that are now unused because better paradigm is
sufficient to answer or to solve the problems that these old paradigm fails to answer. Scientific
revolution now means the shifting of paradigm that is more sufficient to answer the arising
problems and must prove to work and to be accepted by the many.
And now we define this so called phases, let us go deeper to their nature. Normal science
is being compared to puzzle solving. Doing research is being compared to puzzle solving
generally they both have rules and predetermined solution. They both have restrictions until they
arrive at the most satisfying answer and the problem is being solved. However, what could break
these restrictions is to modify the puzzle and “a change in rules of the game could have provided
an alternative” (Kuhn 41).
Kuhn added that the normal-scientific tradition discloses many additional rules and these
provide much information. This is a risk that was being faced by the normal science, that because
of their restrictions, they themselves restricted themselves to answer problems that are out of
their paradigm. “Science moves by evolution and revolution: at its heart it is a human endeavor
with fits and stops. The idea of a continuous road to truth must be rejected; we are solving
puzzles by working within or around our framework” (Freer).
Emergence of paradigms maybe in full or partial. “Those who achieve fundamental

inventions of a new paradigm have generally been either very young or very new to the field
whose paradigm they changed. Much of this process is inscrutable and maybe permanently so”
(Pajares). This just means that, the old scientist are having the difficulty to shift their paradigms

because of their trust to the old, considering it made them several successful operations. Young
ones or the new in the field can easily adapt to change and reality that scientific paradigm is
failing.
Change of paradigms is similar as to political revolutions. It will start to the growing

sense by members of the society that the existing government failed to support the needs of the
community. By the dissatisfaction felt by the people, they will decide to change the system of
government. As crisis deepens, individuals commit themselves to propose new framework of the
institutions. Through these, two parties will form. The conservative and the radical in the
researcher’s interpretation. Conservatives will protect the old paradigm or system. The other
camp is seeking for change. The old and the proposed paradigm when put in to debate will find
no certain answer for both parties will argue for parties defend on paradigm. Throughout the
debate, both parties will use their own restrictions or rules in battling against the other. Thus, it is
hard to share a universe of discourse. Difference will not occur if the two were logically
compatible. In the process, the second must displace the first or the new displace the old.
Acceptance of the new paradigm means the rejection of the old paradigm. If the new paradigm is
not scientific, it will result too much failure than the problem of the old one. This new paradigm
will be destructive to nature.
Gaston Bachelard’s most famous idea is the immobility of Philosophy. In his point of
view, linking science and philosophy will only result to error. This means, these two disciplines
must work separately. According to Bachelard, “philosophy wanted to cover up, hide occlude the
real, historical conditions of the production of the scientific knowledge. Indeed the idea that the
history of science could be fruitful source for logical analyses was quite alien to analytic
philosophy of science” (Tiles 3). He believes that physical theories were not separated from the
metaphysical approach. In here, Bachelard open up for the reconsideration of epistemological
approach in scientific conditions. Reason was best discovery in science and how this reason will
be put into practice in solving specific problems. Kuhn and Bachelard have similarities in ideas
but instead of using paradigm as what Kuhn said, Bachelard focuses on the problem of concept.
According to Bachelard scientific progress depends on epistemological breaks. According to
him, examples of this break were distinctive. Example is, the break that the world is the center of

the universe to the sun is the center of the universe, and another example is the break from
Newtonian Physics to Einstein’s Theory. He said that scientific progress can be measured by
going back the past history of science and see the rationality which science itself takes a leap.
Bachelard was a critic of Auguste’s Comte consideration that science is continually

progressing. For Bachelard, he sites as example the law of relativity which Einstein proposes.
This theory demonstrated the discontinuity in the history of science. He said this point because of
he believes that for historical continuity, we must consider the new theories being integrated with
the old theories to form a new paradigm. His example for this was the non-Euclidean geometry is
actually not different with the Euclidean geometry; they just integrated into a larger framework.
As is say, with the law of relativity by Einstein, it commits discontinuity for that theory is still a
theory without any basis or realization. Bachelard focuses on knowledge and its various
formations and deformations.
Bachelard said that, the role of epistemology is to show the history of the production of
concepts; those concepts are not just theoretical propositions but rather it must be abstract and
concrete. For the discoveries to understand the way they work, one has to pass by the detour of
scientific knowledge. Bachelard considered Epistemology as not a general philosophy that aims
at justifying scientific reasoning; instead it produces regional histories of science.
In his principle, there is this one statement that he said “science had not emerged as a
style of inquiry distinct from imaginative creation… this does not mean that science have
permanently remove irrationality from the domain of their activity. In fact irrational keep
troubling the science, making their progress anything but linear and cumulative” (Tiles 2). This
means that even science is still in chances for mistakes no matter how empirical they are or no
matter how hard they tried to perfect the empirical knowledge.
Let us review on Bachelard about the Epistemological Rupture. Rupture is used to

describe the gap between common sense and scientific knowledge. This is to link Philosophy
and Science as stated earlier, but what was the main problem here is the two opposite will never
be at the common point. Bachelard stated in one of his work that during the ancient period we

are talking and debating about history and philosophy, but now we are debating on scientific
problem… now, we must return back talking and debating again with history and philosophy.
This just showed that in able for philosophy to progresses; people musty started debating about
it. But, there is a warned in talking of Philosophy, he said that in able to advances, people must
avoid arguing about the metaphysical phase of philosophy but rather start talking on its
epistemological meaning.

VI. Conceptual Framework
Environmental
Imbalance
Interpreters or
People or the
Science and Law People Behind
Ordinary People
Science and Law
The Needs for

Philosophical
Scientific
Displacement
Revolution
Re/Balancing of
Mind and Soul or
Science/Law and
Philosophy
Relation
Re-Shaping of the
World

VII. Scope and Delimitations
Scope
The scope of this study involves the top ten worst environmental disasters written by (1)
S.M. Enzier, from www.lenntech.com (2) Daniel Stone from Newsweek and (3) _________,
from www.txtmania.com. Also included here are the recent environmental activities that inspired
the researcher in doing this study. It is also included the man made disasters on which the
researcher believes to have a very significant role in environmental imbalance and that will
strengthen the thesis that scientific paradigm is having anomalies and crisis within its structure
and that which will be able to notice how Kuhn see the possibility of failure in the system of
science and he will answer it. On the other hand, the researcher will show some of the
experimentations and trials of science in answering the problem and the researcher will answer it
in unprejudiced way. Researcher will also site examples of laws which protects the environment.
Thus, implementation of these laws will be observed as well as the structure will be examined
whether or not it is really beneficial and capable for environmental protection. Aside from it, we
will also look on the ethical side of people on how do they behave and how their behavior affects
the environment. Studying the structure is not enough; people who are behind science and law
will be observed and will consider their methods and their environment. Researcher as well tried
to study ways of people that will strengthen the thesis that people is having difficulties to protect
the environment. This research only considered three factors (1) science, (2) laws and (3)
humans. Any factors outside these three are out of the scope and out of the studies by the
researcher.
Delimitation
Unstudied literature and factors are definitely be separated and set aside from this study.
Literature and ideas in which the researcher thinks to be not useful throughout the studied is
automatically eliminated. Mystical interpretation will be set aside for a while, thus mystical
explanation will have only very small and limited part. Such kind of interpretation will gain its
importance when connected to ethical values of the people.

VIII. Definition of Terms
Throughout this research, the researcher uses several terms that are important. Here is the
list of those terms arranged in alphabetical order.
Anomalies – something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

Thomas Kuhn uses this term to define the science that it faces deviation from the standard or
from what is expected. This also referred to scientific paradigm when it fails to answer the
problems that are arising.
Climate Change – this is basically the one that represents the environmental imbalance.
This refers to changes in long-term weather patterns that are caused either by internal processes
and natural external forces such as volcanic activity and solar radiation or by human activities
that change the composition of the atmosphere (Ibon Currents 4).
Crisis – the turning point of a disease when an important change takes place, indicating
either recovery or death. In Thomas Kuhn’s SSR, crisis represents that scientific paradigm is
now insufficient in solving the problems. It is the turning point that a new paradigm will exist
and will mean for the destruction of the older one.
Displacement – Gaston Bachelard uses this term to define the current situation of
Philosophy having dislocated from its proper place. The researcher will use the term to describe
Philosophy to have static movement that causes its displacement. This will solve the theory of
the researcher for the advancement of Philosophy to return back to its proper place.
Environmental Imbalance – Environmental imbalance here is used as the problem of

the environment in terms of natural calamities and man made disasters. This is also significant to
describe the relationship between men and the environment which involves the proper handling
of the latter. This connotation of term is limited to this definition.

Ethical Values – the moral principles governing or influencing conduct. This refers with
the behavior of men as he interacts in the external world. Ethical values in this research will be
more on men and his interaction with nature.
Law – a rule or system of rules recognized by a country or community as regulating the

actions of its members and enforced by the imposition of penalties. This research will use the
term law as the consensus human contract which binds them in proper living.
Mind and Soul Relation – as stated earlier, this shows the relation of the two wherein
they both guide each other in order to form harmonious living. Soul is in-charge for affection and
emotion while the mind is focuses on the rationality. The presence of the two is very important
for men to function as men.
Paradigm – a world view underlying the theories and methodology of a scientific

subject. A typical example, pattern, or model of something. In Kuhn’s SSR, paradigm is the
guidelines wherein scientist follows in theorizing and formulating their conclusions.
Paradigm Shift – fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions. In Kuhn’s

SSR, paradigm shift signifies that the new paradigm has been accepted or the reason for
Scientific Revolution.
Re-Shaping – this means that the environment should be return or reform to the nearest
beautiful as possible.

IX. Methodology
The researcher will focus more on library researchers. The researcher will gather facts and
figures that will support his conclusion it is necessary to trace and observe the movement of
the three factors. Aside from library research, the researcher will as well interview concern
and expert personalities in fields of science and technology, laws and experts in studying the
society and individuals. The researcher will also create his own formulation and methods by
combining Kuhn and Bachelard’s perspective.

CHAPTER II
Review of Related Literature
I. Foreign Movie
The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
This movie depicts the effects of global warming in a series of extreme weather events
that brings to the new ice age. Through the discovery of the lead character on the reaction of ice
in the Antartica, as massive shelf of ice breaks, he theorizes that it was global warming that
resulted to such kind of activity. Sadly, no one believes his theory but was given another chance
by the Climate Research Centre to conduct their investigations. They found out that large
numbers of ice are melting down because of the hot weather. He revisited the Ice Age history
wherein he sees the potentiality that the same event will happen again. From that point, all over
the world, experience a violence of weather that causes destruction. Strong winds and heavy
rains happen. Tidal waves that reached almost as high as the Statue of Liberty which causes the
town to be covered by waters. It was actually a superstorm that destroys the whole city and gives
a very cold temperature which freezes the skyline. The end of the movie, there are two or three
astronauts that looks on earth’s surface wherein it was covered by ice on the northern
hemisphere.
It is very nice to see that there is such movie that visualized the possibility of earth’s
destruction. It think if it was depicted more intensively, people will magnify that this movie is
not just a science fiction but rather a theory itself that warns all the races in all generations of
humanity.

2012 (2009)
The movie was inspired by the Mayan Calendar in which they told the predictions about
the end of the world on December 2012. The movie is a disaster movie which shows different
environmental activities such as earthquakes and tsunamis. This is basically an End-of-the-World
scenario wherein it was very similar with what the biblical Noah’s Arc. The lead cast saw the
potentiality of the Mayan Calendar to happen so he, together with the others prepared an ark
which can load up to 400,000 chosen people. Obviously, this follows that your life will depend
on your financial capacity, because, they sold tickets for you to be save. Therefore, if you are
poor then you will definitely die. The end-of-the-world scene started with earthquakes that
breaks and damages a lot of properties not in a single location, but rather in the whole wide
world. Earthquakes are followed by tsunamis which covered the earth’s surface. And the end part
showed up the new earth with new landscapes and new forms. This means that, after the
catastrophe, here arise the new world for people.
This is very mystical, but, we will see at the body how the researcher will use it to
criticize the three factors which cause the earth’s environmental imbalance.
II. Foreign Written Literature
Sustainable Development and Environmental Issues
“Governments continue to dither and differ on solutions and their adoptions. … They can
also not think of times beyond their own. They care only for their immediate national interests,
pushing the world to the brink of global disaster.” Clearly, this essay is talks about the different
ways each country will solve the problem of environmental imbalance, here, the author radically
say that the first class countries find potentials in the third world countries to throw their trash
which means that, third world country will be more engaged in the Environmental Imbalance
while they are cleaning their own country. Researcher of this thesis found the potential that this
essay will be of big use in justifying how the governments failed to answer the alarming

question. Another point wherein the researcher found interest is the idea about the narrow
minding of men that they believe, global warming’s effect will be different in industrialized
nations from agricultural nations. Thus, global warming effects will be similar for all the regions
and it will be for total destruction of the earth.
Social Satirical
A very radical essay that points out that “A lot of people come with new ideas to stop
environmental pollutions everyday. However, none of those ideas have worked out yet and the
environment is becoming worse and worse everyday.” The researcher thought of the fact that the
author of this article and him has something similar in view. They both questioned the
effectiveness of solutions being provided by different people in different fields with different
factors and in different point of causes. Thus, none of these are working yet, the situation is
getting worst. The article showed the relation of men with the environment from the earlier times
and it was compared to their present situation. The author of this article once said that from the
previous time, animals and men lived in harmony, but this moment, men treated them as extras
in this world. Today is the day wherein they need to show the concern of men with other
creatures. To solve this specific problem, the author said that we must bring animals to south
pole rather that concerning about them, since south pole is very cold place, humans will not
bother to go there, therefore, animals will be safe (this is a satirical article which uses the
exaggeration or the sarcasm of the author is being modified.) Here, the author also site that
destroying trees are one of the biggest concern of environmental issue, in which the author of the
article said that so solve this so called problem, we must destroy now all the trees to solve the so
called problem (we must remember that this is satirical article in which the author means the
irony.) the authors last point is answering the problem of ozone depletion in which the author
said that why not create a big umbrella to cover the earth so that Ultra Violet rays will be block
and it follows that humans will be safe from the UV Rays and therefore earth will be a better
place to live in (satirical is also the use of ridiculous words and humor to show the real problem
is.) at the body of this thesis we would be able to see how the researcher interprets this satirical
article as he applied it with the problem.

Environmental Disasters
With the article made by S.M. Enzier and was published in the website
www.lenntech.com (see the reference page for the complete url), he gives his list of the Top 10
environmental disasters in two classifications; (a) Anthropogenic and (b) natural disasters. In his
Top 10 for Anthropogenic Environmental Disasters includes (1) Bhopal: the Union Carbide gas
leak, (2) Chernobyl: Russian nuclear power plant explosion, (2) Seveso: Italian dioxin crisis, (3)
London Smog Disaster, (5) Oil spills of the 20 th and 21st Century, (6) Love Canal chemical waste
dump, (7) Baia Mare cyanide spill, (8) European BSE crisis, (9) Spanish water spill and the (10)
The Three Mile Island near nuclear disaster. These disasters have something to do or affects the
natural activity for the researcher believes. Therefore, including these are significant to this
study. Natural Disasters includes (1) Global Epidemics, (2) Bangladesh arsenic crisis, (3) 2004
Asian earthquake and tsunami, (4) hurricane Mitch, (5) 1999 Turkish earthquake, (6) 1953 Dutch
Flood disaster, (7) 1998 Roraima wildfires, (8) Mt. Pinatubo volcanic eruption, (9) 1925
Ellington, Missouri tornado and (10) Beijing and Queensland dust storms.
These killed thousand of peoples and give a big damage and loss economically,
emotionally and scientifically. Events have their similarity and connectivity that will help the
researcher formulate his hypothesis as well as these disasters will help the researcher prove his
thesis and will justify the solutions he will offer for the humanity.
The World’s Worst Man-Made Environmental Disasters

and Earth’s 10 Worst Current Environmental Disasters
“Most environmental disasters – hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires – lie largely

beyond human control. But some of the world’s most lethal calamities have been caused at the
hands of people.” This just means that human is a big factor to such calamities that they are able
to produce one in just a single mistake. Natural disasters cannot be prevented unlike this man-
made. They are commonly causes by scientific experimentations that damage the world.

Like the former article which talks about the list of top ten disasters, the researcher also
se the potential of this article to justify and to support his claims and thus, will help for better
understanding of the subject.
III. Local Literature
The Day After Ondoy

This article is about the most traumatic flood in the Philippines this decade. Ondoy really
shock the world with its capability of bringing such floods. Almost the whole Metro Manila was
being covered with water. No one is safe, from above, only roofs can be seen. The article showed
the reality that the political aspirants never waste any single moment to help those in needs. But,
rooting this is much more complex problem. The article pointed out the garbage that are present
everywhere in the city. Mountains of garbage in the rivers, functionless streams because of
human carelessness, and these two factors are being highlighted in the article. It is sad to know
that it is people’s own mistake that causes them to suffer. If and only if they are aware and ready
to change at hand, that scenario will be prevented. “All the cities share the same problem of
waste disposal, and pollution and a population that travels across the city lines.” This just means
that these factors affect the flooding during the typhoon Ondoy. Sad to say, the author blames the
Metro Manila Development Authority for the irresponsiveness specially the head of the said
agency. The author pointed out that, because of the ambitious plan of the head, he neglected his
job on functioning justifiably.
In the synthesis part, you will be able to discover why the latter part of this article is
included and why did I sited it. Thus, it may sound useless for the topic but actually, it can serve
as example in the formulation of the synthesis.

Ang People’s Protocol on Climate Change
This article talks about the aims of People’s Protocol for the benefit of the environment.
(1) let the government, non-government organizations and world wide institutions knows that
even an ordinary citizen can cooperate in the campaign against the climate change and (2) to give
opportunities for the marginalized sectors to join the campaign through educating them and
letting them know about the climate change. People’s Protocol on Climate Change is actually
one of the solutions that were conceptualized by the concern citizens. Protecting the environment
is one of their values and principles because environment provides the major needs of the people
and it was task of the peole to took care of it.
Ang Gera ng Agregasyon at ang Kalikasan
The author tried to express his ideas progressively. The author would like to show that
because of power, rich countries really holding back to maintain their status even if the
environment suffers. First example that they released was the depleted uranium as form of
weapons wherein fact it is very dangerous for the environment. U.S uses this in their battle
against Iraq. This is alarming for the health of the soldiers and for civilians in the target place.
Accordingly, first world countries, especially U.S earns a lot of money in selling this weapon.
From the day they discovered that, they announce their project of Campaign Against Terrorism.
One of the effects of war in the nature is the upholding of toxic waste particularly in the military
camp which resulted as threat to the health of the people living in the locality. To give it a
conclusion, the author said that, it is the U.S who promotes global warming through their
selfishness to maintain their position on top.

Of Plunder and the Struggle for Resources
We encounter a situation today that while, the world is facing poverty and destruction of
the environment, there are still companies who contribute to these so called environmental
imbalance. Global warming is undeniably affects the world especially the poor countries, yet the
international market have policies that paved the exploitation of the environment. “This plunder
of pollution of the environment has made victims of poor communities many times over. Large
scale use of pesticides has affected the health and livelihoods of peasants, workers and their
families these same communities are also the most vulnerable to environmental catastrophes
such as floods and droughts.” According to the article, forest are being cut down by the
multinational companies pursuit for mineral ores. Mining activities particulary in Asia and Latin
America brought only landlessness and displacements of communities. This also results to
human rights violations.
Making Consumption Sustainable for the Environment
This article from Ibon Facts and Figures focuses on human consumption. Everyday, man
consumes things that are provided by the environment. Men also use commercialized products.
In the latest study by Ibon Foundation 20% of the world’s consumer already uses the full
capacity of the earth. By the process of consumption, men take away something from the
environment. The problem is, consumption sustains men’s development. Poor countries saw
consumption as the prime cause of crisis – so much was being taken away from the environment
resources. It is becoming depleted and polluted. But, according to Ibon Foundation, rich
countries refuse to change their lifestyle and consumption patterns. Some sectors pointed out that
technology can do improve to make it safe for the environment yet, can make materials
abundant. The article was ended with the challenges for sustainable consumption and
development listed by McFarlene (1) meet basic needs, particularly those of the urban and rural
poor. (2) contribute to raising the quality of life without adversely affecting the quality of the
environment. (3) prevent irreversible depletion of natural resources and degration of the
environment. (4) maintain the planet’s resources for the consumption needs of the future

generations and (5) harmonize social, cultural, political, economic and technological practices to
promote sustainable consumption and development.
Through the discussions later, the researcher will use this facts and figures as well as to
criticize the article.
Understanding Climate Change
This essay traced back the occurrence of catastrophe in the last four decades. Weather
occurrences brings drought that caused hundreds of deaths and destroyed livelihood of farming
communities. Tsunamis, earthquakes and cyclones claimed thousand of lives. Scientists attribute
these so called weather occurrences to climate change. In which, climate change is made by
human through global warming. Climate change can be a result of natural occurrences such as
solar radiation or volcanism or it can be due to man made pollution in the environment. “Climate
change is critical to existing ecosystems or the biological community in a particular locale.
Climate differences from place to place largely determine the types of these ecosystems. Thus,
extreme climate changes can lead to destruction of various species that cannot adapt”
IV. Foreign Studies
Environmental Issues in Engineering Project

This study, referred to the Environmental Issue in Engineering Project only proposes that,
any project can be executed in different phases which are very essential in terms of choosing,
planning, designing and implementation. The study discussed about the environmental impacts
and its assessment on each of the phases of the engineering projects and its evaluation
throughout the project lifecycle. Engineering projects are engaged with the different essence of
activities such as manufacturing, plastics industries, power generation units, car production,
shipping industries and cotton mills which are using a large amount of energy, material and
resources and can affect the environment of earth.

What is the connection of engineering with the problem proposed by the researcher?
Basically, this is to show how the environmental issues affect other fields; in this case, we will
be using the research of Imran Hasan from the University of Sunderland.
Issues in Environmental Justice Research
This paper, referring to Issues on Environmental Justice Research, examines some of the
problems and constraints in conducting environmental justice research. The disproportionate
impact of environmental threats on public health, especially on minority and low-income
populations, is the key concept in environmental justice. After a brief review of environmental
equity, public policies, and the environmental justice movement, the paper highlights some of the
empirical and GIS-related research supporting and/or refuting environmental justice claims. The
constraints include the choice of the specific environmental threat or threats and their
comparability; the geographic scale of analysis; the particular subpopulation selected; and the
time frame for the analysis. The paper concludes with a suggestion to move from static
interpretations of environmental injustices to more dynamic approaches that rank the relative
hazardousness of spatial units (census tracts, counties, etc.) based on the magnitude and toxicity
of releases within them, rather than the mere presence or absence of industrial facilities.
Measures of relative risk provide more meaningful indicators of the potential sources of
environmental threats within communities and can make it easier to understand local sensitivity
to claims of environmental injustice

V. Synthesis
Throughout the reviews in Chapter II, we are able to see that almost all of them pointed
out on similar pleas. Their plot pointed out on one problem and it is the environmental
imbalance. There are disasters that are natural and on the other hand causes by men. Also sited
here was the negligence of one’s duty in performing his responsibilities. People tend to overdo
things. We will also observe that many are proposing their opinions and are actually the solutions
itself. We cannot deny the fact that manipulation of man is basically involves the solutions.
Whether or not, at the end of the day, man will be blame to be the most influential cause of these
imbalances in nature. They just move out using one aspect of their being either the mind or the
soul. As the researcher mentioned earlier, these two needs to work together and not separate. But
to partially save man from disgrace, we look the other perspective; we will involve science and
human law. But still, to look more closely, men is men and men is the manipulator of these two
elements which will fall as, man to be the cause.
We will see that men being the cause, they also search for solution yet, they neglect their
own solution. Very contradicting I suppose. Ironically, they think but are afraid to move. Any
further clarification with this point will be discussed in the body.

WORKS CITED
Primary Sources
Bachelard, Gaston. Poetics of Space. New York: Harvard University and the MIT Press, 2001.
Kuhn, Thomas. The Structure of Scientific Revolution. London: University of Chicago Press,
1970.
Secondary Sources
Andsersson, Gunna. Criticism and the History of Science. New York: E.J. Brill, 1988
Chimisso, Cristina. Gaston Bachelard: Critic of Science and the Imagination. New York:
Routledge, 2001.
Cohant, James. The Road Since Structure. United States of America: University of Chicago
Press, 2002
Fuller, Steve. Thomas Kuhn: A Philosophical History of Our Time. United States of America:
University of Chicago Press, 2000.
Hans, James S. Gaston Bachelard and the Phenomenology of Reading Consciousness.

Washington: Washington University Press, 2001.
Tiles, Mary. Epistemological History: The Legacy of Bachelard and Canguilhelm. Great Britain:
University of Cambridge Press, 1987.
Tiles, Mary. Bachelard: Science and Objectivity. Great Britaibn: Cambridge University Press,
1984.

Researches
Cutter, Susan. Issues in Environmental Justice. ________: University of South Carolina, 2008.
Hasan, Imran. Environmental Issues on Engineering. United Kingdom: University of

Sunderland, 2009.
Journals and Magazines
______________. “Making Consumption Sustainable for Environment.” Ibon Facts and Figures
31, 1 (2009): 4-6.
______________. “Of Plunder and the Struggle for Resources.” Ibon Currents 14, 1 (2009): 4-6.
______________. “Ang People’s Protocol.” Ibon Currents 14, 1 (2009): 8-9.
______________. “Mga Gera ng Agrigasyon at Kalikasan.” Ibon Currents 14, 1 (2009): 12.
______________. “Global Response to Climate Change.” Ibon Currents 14, 1 (2009): 31.
______________. “Understanding Climate Change.” Ibon Facts and Figures 31, 1 (2009): 8-10.

Web Pages
“Environmental Ethics.” Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. 03 June 2002. 11 March 2010

<http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/ethics-environmental/#Rel>.
“What Happened The Day After Ondoy.” Filipino Voices. 28 September 2009. 11 March 2010
<http://filipinovoices.com/the-day-after-ondoy>.
“What are the Earth’s Worst Current Environmental Disasters.” Txt Mania. 21 July 2008. 11
March 2010 <http://www.txtmania.com/trivia/disasters.php>.
Web Magazines
Enzier S.M. “Environmental Disasters.” The Lenn Tech. September 2006. 11 March 2010
<http://www.lenntech.com/environemntal-disasters.htm#ixzz()iVftAtSq>
Freer, David. “The Structure of Scientific Revolution.” New York Metro. Oct. 2007. 11 March
2010 <http://www.newyorkmetro.com/nymetro/news/columns/imperialcity/14721/>
Hernan, Robert. “This Borrowed Earth”. The Public Square.” 7 July 2003. 11 March 2010
<http://zocalopublicsquare.org/thepublicsquare>
Pajares, Frank. “The Structure of Scientific Revolution Synopsis.” _____________.

______________. 11 March 2010 <http://conquistador.org>.
Stone, Daniel. “The Worst Man-Made Environmental Disaster.” Newsweek. _________. 11

March 2010 <http://photo.newsweek.com/content/photo/2009>

Motion Pictures
2012. Dir. Roland Emmerich. Perf. John Cusask, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Amanda Pest, Oliver Platt,
Danny Glover, Thondie Newton and Woody Harrelson. Columbia Pictures, 2009.
The Day After Tomorrow. Dr. Rolanf Emmerich. Perf. Dennis Quiad, Joy O. Sanders, Ian Helm,
Tamlyn Tomita, Perry King and Jake Gylennhaal. Colimbia Pictures, 2004.
Other References
______________. Sustainable Development and Environmental Issues. _____. Scribd. 11 March
2010 <http://scribd.com>
______________. Social Satirical Essay. _______. Scribd. 11 March 2010 <http://scrbd.com>
Bebe, Cameron. Revolution Now. 02 Nov. 2009. Scrbd. 11 March 2010 <http://scrbd.com>
Jaywork, Casey. Kuhn. 01 Oct. 2009. Scrbd. 11 March 2010 <http://scribd.com>

Solving The Problem of Environmental Imbalance: Emmanuel R. Caleon

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Solving the Problem of Environmental Imbalance Emmanuel R.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

II. Statement of the Problem

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III. Objective of the Study

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IV. Significance of the Study

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Emergence of paradigms maybe in full or partial. “Those who achieve fundamental

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Change of paradigms is similar as to political revolutions. It will start to the growing

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Bachelard was a critic of Auguste’s Comte consideration that science is continually

Let us review on Bachelard about the Epistemological Rupture. Rupture is used to

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

VI. Conceptual Framework

The Needs for

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VII. Scope and Delimitations

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VIII. Definition of Terms

Anomalies – something that deviates from what is standard, normal, or expected.

Environmental Imbalance – Environmental imbalance here is used as the problem of

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Law – a rule or system of rules recognized by a country or community as regulating the

Paradigm – a world view underlying the theories and methodology of a scientific

Paradigm Shift – fundamental change in approach or underlying assumptions. In Kuhn’s

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

II. Foreign Written Literature

Sustainable Development and Environmental Issues

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

The World’s Worst Man-Made Environmental Disasters

“Most environmental disasters – hurricanes, earthquakes, or wildfires – lie largely

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

III. Local Literature

The Day After Ondoy

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Ang People’s Protocol on Climate Change

Ang Gera ng Agregasyon at ang Kalikasan

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Of Plunder and the Struggle for Resources

Making Consumption Sustainable for the Environment

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Understanding Climate Change

IV. Foreign Studies

Environmental Issues in Engineering Project

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Issues in Environmental Justice Research

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Hans, James S. Gaston Bachelard and the Phenomenology of Reading Consciousness.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines

Hasan, Imran. Environmental Issues on Engineering. United Kingdom: University of

________. Social Satirical Essay. _. Scribd. 11 March 2010 <http://scrbd.com>