An Exploration of the philosophical values in Western and Eastern traditions: Implications for our understanding of nature

Abstract

Climate change has become one of the most critical issues in global politics. Despite extensive deliberations among world leaders under the United Nations, no definitive conclusions have been reached. The Kyoto Protocol proposed a top-down approach for states to combat climate change, placing the responsibility for reducing the carbon footprint on the state machinery. However, with the failure of this approach, the world community introduced the Paris Agreement, which adopted a bottom-up approach to combating climate change. This approach aimed to appeal to the consciousness and morality of each human being in addressing climate change by raising higher questions of human existence rather than focusing solely on material needs. The higher questions of human existence are situated in the religious teachings, values and beliefs of the different faiths of the world.  The paper seeks to explore the variations in the intrinsic values as proposed by the East and Western philosophies about the world and the role of individuals within the universe. By analysing those values, the paper seeks to explore how such philosophical principles can invoke their reverence for nature among individuals.  Such an outlook can encourage people to embrace those notions in their daily lives and thus modify their lifestyle patterns to prevent climate change.