I read Val Plumwood. "Paths Beyond Human-Centeredness", some of the most coherent and vivid material I've read lately! Basically, in the intro., the author is sending a clear message that we (human beings) need to stop treating Nature as merely a means to an end. Specifically, Western culture humans are ecologically destructive because we are anthropocentric, or human-centered. We've come to believe ourselves to be a sphere apart from the rest of Nature and ecology in so far as technology, culture, and ethics. I'm thinking that the Enlightenment folks, particularly Francis Bacon, say the opposite. Man can do and understand only so much as he has observed in fact or in thought of the course of Nature and beyond this, he neither knows anything or can do anything. But Aristotle says that Nature and Intellect are in constant interaction and intellect controls cosmic motion. Hmmmm.
So, where is the human beings place in Nature? Are our ethics our means of destruction? Bacon says that human knowledge and power are one and where the cause is not known, the effect cannot be produced. Are we ignorant or indifferent when it comes to our place in Nature? I'm going to agree with the philosophy that "we should imagine and formulate alternate ways to think about ourselves and Nature and to restructure our lives." None of the other components of Nature are intentionally destructive. Indeed, we are seeking a means to an end.
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I hope that our ethics are not our means of destruction! I think that current efforts being made by environmental groups might be able to help change this though. Humankind’s opinion towards nature (in particular the use and waste of natural resources and environments) seems to have changed throughout history and I think that we are attempting to become more environmentally friendly. I know that during the 19th century, environmental protection and practices limiting the waste of natural resources were rare. However, the 20th century has seen the birth of hundreds of national parks and reserves, recycling, and government regulation with the aim of protecting endangered and at risk plant and animal species. The 21st century has expanded on these ideas and companies are attempting to produce “green” products either to reduce resource consumption or to leave a smaller environmental imprint. Because of this, I believe that we are becoming less ignorant and more concerned about our connections with nature. I think these “green” ideas are particularly good because, even though they still separate us from nature, they don’t seem to treat nature as a means to our ends as much. We seem to be beginning to try and see what nature needs and are attempting to provide the means for nature’s ends. I remain optimistic that our evolving ethical views will help us become more ecologically conscious in the future.
ReplyDeleteI too choose to maintain optimistic on this topic! I believe that there are so many views and ideas regarding how humans really fit into nature, as was previously noted. While reading everything for class it seems as though contradictions between authors, philosophers, scientists, ecologists, etc. show up at every turn. It is important to study all angles of the 'human to nature' relationship because I believe everyone's opinions are valid.
ReplyDeleteI hope that the notion of "going green" proves that humans are do-gooders and may not always be nature's enemy and therefore destructive! I believe that the future will only be more conscious about the environment based on the work and research that is being conducted today.