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Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 2
Universal Elements of Ethical Discourse
Comparative analysis reveals that all systems of
ethical reasoning contain at least six basic implicit
theories
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
You will remember from our very first class we
talked of hellip
Tim Weiskel - 3
Remember we need to
ground our efforts in
time and place
That is all ethics are
necessarily ldquosituatedrdquo
in time and space
The question is what is
the relevant time-space
lsquoframersquo for our ethical
choices now as part of
Earthrsquos ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 4
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 5
Letrsquos consider the first two implicit theories and why we
have such difficulty talking in the same realm of discourse
Community and System
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
Tim Weiskel - 6
Where are we located in the structure of the ecosystem
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species -- in the
circulation of materials and the flow of energy Where are
we in the web of life on earth
Letrsquos consider the first two implicit theories and why we
have such difficulty talking in the same realm of discourse
Community and System
Tim Weiskel - 7
And then where are we located
in Earth time
Tim Weiskel - 8
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
And then where are we located
in Earth time
Tim Weiskel - 9
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 10
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 11
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise further
(perhaps embarrassing
or revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 12
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to sustain
them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 14
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 15
No amount of genetic engineering will address
the ethical problem of limit posed by the most
recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 2
Universal Elements of Ethical Discourse
Comparative analysis reveals that all systems of
ethical reasoning contain at least six basic implicit
theories
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
You will remember from our very first class we
talked of hellip
Tim Weiskel - 3
Remember we need to
ground our efforts in
time and place
That is all ethics are
necessarily ldquosituatedrdquo
in time and space
The question is what is
the relevant time-space
lsquoframersquo for our ethical
choices now as part of
Earthrsquos ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 4
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 5
Letrsquos consider the first two implicit theories and why we
have such difficulty talking in the same realm of discourse
Community and System
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
Tim Weiskel - 6
Where are we located in the structure of the ecosystem
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species -- in the
circulation of materials and the flow of energy Where are
we in the web of life on earth
Letrsquos consider the first two implicit theories and why we
have such difficulty talking in the same realm of discourse
Community and System
Tim Weiskel - 7
And then where are we located
in Earth time
Tim Weiskel - 8
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
And then where are we located
in Earth time
Tim Weiskel - 9
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 10
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 11
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise further
(perhaps embarrassing
or revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 12
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to sustain
them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 14
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 15
No amount of genetic engineering will address
the ethical problem of limit posed by the most
recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 3
Remember we need to
ground our efforts in
time and place
That is all ethics are
necessarily ldquosituatedrdquo
in time and space
The question is what is
the relevant time-space
lsquoframersquo for our ethical
choices now as part of
Earthrsquos ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 4
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 5
Letrsquos consider the first two implicit theories and why we
have such difficulty talking in the same realm of discourse
Community and System
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
Tim Weiskel - 6
Where are we located in the structure of the ecosystem
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species -- in the
circulation of materials and the flow of energy Where are
we in the web of life on earth
Letrsquos consider the first two implicit theories and why we
have such difficulty talking in the same realm of discourse
Community and System
Tim Weiskel - 7
And then where are we located
in Earth time
Tim Weiskel - 8
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
And then where are we located
in Earth time
Tim Weiskel - 9
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 10
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 11
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise further
(perhaps embarrassing
or revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 12
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to sustain
them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 14
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 15
No amount of genetic engineering will address
the ethical problem of limit posed by the most
recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 4
Furthermore all
decisions we make
are made in a time-
space continuum
That is all ethics
are ldquosituatedrdquo in
time and space
The question is
what is the relevant
time-space lsquoframersquo
for ethical choices
in an ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 5
Letrsquos consider the first two implicit theories and why we
have such difficulty talking in the same realm of discourse
Community and System
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
Tim Weiskel - 6
Where are we located in the structure of the ecosystem
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species -- in the
circulation of materials and the flow of energy Where are
we in the web of life on earth
Letrsquos consider the first two implicit theories and why we
have such difficulty talking in the same realm of discourse
Community and System
Tim Weiskel - 7
And then where are we located
in Earth time
Tim Weiskel - 8
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
And then where are we located
in Earth time
Tim Weiskel - 9
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 10
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 11
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise further
(perhaps embarrassing
or revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 12
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to sustain
them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 14
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 15
No amount of genetic engineering will address
the ethical problem of limit posed by the most
recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 5
Letrsquos consider the first two implicit theories and why we
have such difficulty talking in the same realm of discourse
Community and System
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
Tim Weiskel - 6
Where are we located in the structure of the ecosystem
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species -- in the
circulation of materials and the flow of energy Where are
we in the web of life on earth
Letrsquos consider the first two implicit theories and why we
have such difficulty talking in the same realm of discourse
Community and System
Tim Weiskel - 7
And then where are we located
in Earth time
Tim Weiskel - 8
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
And then where are we located
in Earth time
Tim Weiskel - 9
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 10
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 11
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise further
(perhaps embarrassing
or revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 12
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to sustain
them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 14
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 15
No amount of genetic engineering will address
the ethical problem of limit posed by the most
recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 6
Where are we located in the structure of the ecosystem
Where are we located as individuals -- and as a species -- in the
circulation of materials and the flow of energy Where are
we in the web of life on earth
Letrsquos consider the first two implicit theories and why we
have such difficulty talking in the same realm of discourse
Community and System
Tim Weiskel - 7
And then where are we located
in Earth time
Tim Weiskel - 8
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
And then where are we located
in Earth time
Tim Weiskel - 9
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 10
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 11
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise further
(perhaps embarrassing
or revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 12
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to sustain
them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 14
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 15
No amount of genetic engineering will address
the ethical problem of limit posed by the most
recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 7
And then where are we located
in Earth time
Tim Weiskel - 8
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
And then where are we located
in Earth time
Tim Weiskel - 9
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 10
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 11
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise further
(perhaps embarrassing
or revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 12
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to sustain
them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 14
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 15
No amount of genetic engineering will address
the ethical problem of limit posed by the most
recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 8
Sixth major mass extinction ldquoepisoderdquo = now
And then where are we located
in Earth time
Tim Weiskel - 9
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 10
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 11
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise further
(perhaps embarrassing
or revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 12
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to sustain
them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 14
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 15
No amount of genetic engineering will address
the ethical problem of limit posed by the most
recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 9
Schematic representation of species ratio transformations through
time Note bene the pace and magnitude of the transformations we
have become accustomed to as ldquonormalrdquo are systemically quite
abnormal and cannot persist much longer
Tim Weiskel - 10
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 11
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise further
(perhaps embarrassing
or revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 12
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to sustain
them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 14
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 15
No amount of genetic engineering will address
the ethical problem of limit posed by the most
recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 10
Remember hellip the trophic structure of the
ecosystem is crucially important
Therefore in an ecosystem ratios really matter
Tim Weiskel - 11
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise further
(perhaps embarrassing
or revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 12
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to sustain
them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 14
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 15
No amount of genetic engineering will address
the ethical problem of limit posed by the most
recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 11
We can begin to ask
about ldquooverloadrdquo
questions but
answering these
questions will
inevitably raise further
(perhaps embarrassing
or revealing) questions
about ratios
Tim Weiskel - 12
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to sustain
them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 14
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 15
No amount of genetic engineering will address
the ethical problem of limit posed by the most
recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 12
Some have
already argued
that there are
too many
humans
currently alive
and about to
live for the
planet to sustain
them
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 14
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 15
No amount of genetic engineering will address
the ethical problem of limit posed by the most
recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
The international scientific community has been
convened to address this question And they have
issued the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment Report
(March 2005)
David Malakoff Report Urges Action Against Ecosystem
Damage NPR - Morning Edition (30 March 2005)
httpwwwnprorgdmgdmgphpprgCode=MEampshowDate
=30-Mar-2005ampsegNum=5ampmediaPref=RM
Tim Weiskel - 14
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 15
No amount of genetic engineering will address
the ethical problem of limit posed by the most
recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 14
Part of the problem comes from transforming the
ratios between the ldquowildrdquo species (forest tree) the
ldquocultivated speciesrdquo (stalk of wheat) and ourselves
This 1995 UN Ecosystem Assessment Report is the
largest and loudest warning signal from the
environmental scientists ever
Tim Weiskel - 15
No amount of genetic engineering will address
the ethical problem of limit posed by the most
recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 15
No amount of genetic engineering will address
the ethical problem of limit posed by the most
recent scientific studies
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 16
httpsenvironmentalju
sticetvwordpresscom
20120816people-and-
planet-speech-only
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 17
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 18
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 19
Q Why has
the human
community
side-stepped
or ignored the
ldquopopulationrdquo
problem
A Because of
our fanciful
understanding
of the
ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 20
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-NPR-Borlaug-dieshtm
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 21
BBC Newshour 13
September 2009
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-
ENVRE130Audio20090913-BBC-
Borlaug-Newshour-obitmp3
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 23
httpwwwclimate-talksnet2008-ENVRE130Video20090913-YouTube-
Borlaug-Promoterhtm
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 24
Clearly the most basic problem of environmental ethics in
Western civilization is that
We have largely lsquoforgottenrsquo (and it may be that many
of our leaders never knew) the basic ecological insight
about our collective ldquonicherdquo as a species in the global
ecosystem
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Never beforehellipand never again
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
Norman Borlaug addressed the
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
The ldquoFoodrdquo Problem
The FoodPopulation Problem
Norman Borlaug addressed the
hellip but we have come to understand that
this is only part of
hellip and that in turn is only
part of
The FoodPopulationEnvironment Problem
(This Requires a Paradigm Shift)
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 32
Norman Borlaug
(1914 ndash 2009)
The Crucial Question Is
Will the students and
followers of Norman
Borlaug be able to make
the paradigm shift to
sustainable agriculture that
is now required for our
collective human survival
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
If they cannot make this needed paradigm shift ndash if
we cannot collectively make that shift ndash then we
can expect some very rude and costly disruptions
in the global food system in the relatively near
future
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 34
Consider the ldquoconversion experiencerdquo ndashthe ldquoepiphanal
experiencerdquo described by Ray Andersonhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE87ampindex=7
httpyoutube-hG-c1KY7Y4t=4m41s
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 35
ldquohellippeople like me should be in jailhellip
httpwwwyoutubecomwatchv=-hG-
c1KY7Y4ampfeature=PlayListampp=FA50FBC214A6CE8
7ampindex=7
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Which of these two gentlemen is closer to
understanding the ethics of sustainability
Tim Weiskel - 36
Norman Borlaug Ray Anderson OR
hellipblog on
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Paradigms ndash or worldviews ndash have enormous
implications for ethics and for public policyhellip
In the middle of the
20th century ndash
largely following
the paradigm
championed by
Norman Borlaug ndash
humanity
transformed
agriculture from
solar based systems
to a global petro-
dependent one
If we are ethically responsible for the foreseeable consequences of
our own behavior what does this mean for the ethics of agriculture
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 39
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Tim Weiskel - 40
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
You need to pay attention to how your mind and
heart are being ldquofurnishedrdquo
If you donrsquot someone else will do it for you
Higher education is your last best
chancehellipThatrsquos what it is for It can prepare
you for the paradigm shifts that you will have to
undertake in your own lifehellip
Tim Weiskel - 41
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Tim Weiskel - 42
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Where do YOU stand in the midst of these
paradigm shifts
Where you stand matters
because you will find that if
you donrsquot stand for something
you can fall for anythinghellip
Tim Weiskel - 43
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 44
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 45
We each have our ldquonicherdquo in lifersquos matrix (whether we know it or not)hellip
How do you define your ldquonicherdquo
How can we define it more generally in ecosystemic terms
ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
Perhaps we need to
reexamine our
Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 46
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 47
One way to
describe a ldquonicherdquo
is to define it as a
ldquopositionrdquo in a
food chain (or
more precisely) a
resource web
Or a ldquostagerdquo in the
flow of energy
through biomatter
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 48
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 49
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 50
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Human behavior can be a direct
assault on the earthrsquos structure and
Earth ldquorespondsrdquo according to the laws of
physicshellipplates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 51
Consider the activity of the ldquoextractionistsrdquohellip
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 52
But with nested reciprocal and
cumulative causality while larger
systems seem to condition smaller
systems within them the reverse is also
true
Geological systems condition the
emergence of life forms but over time
life forms can also alter geology Our
atmosphere is the result of the waste of
bacteria The ldquoCliffs of Doverrdquo are
rock that used to be ldquoaliverdquo Coral reefs
are still alive hellip letrsquos hope
Furthermore behavior can accelerate ice
and glacier melting and that can in
turn have seismic implications along unstable plates
Do humans cause earthquakes
Silly question right
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 53
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 54
Humans can have an enormous and highly
disproportionate impact in a dynamic system that
is characterized byhellip
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
McGuire Bill
2012 Climate change will shake the Earth The Guardian -
UK (26 February 2012 1459 EST Sunday)
Tim Weiskel - 55
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 56
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 57
hellipBut hellip letrsquos turn in more detail to the biosphere and our ldquonicherdquo within it
What is a ldquonicherdquo ldquoThat niche used to be the cigarette-machine
niche then it was the water-cooler niche and
now itrsquos Mr Pendletonrsquos nicherdquo
(Booth)
The Concept of Niche
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 58
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 59
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
An abstract but more accurate way to define a niche
is to sayhellip
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 60
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 61
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 62
A Niche is an ldquoN-dimentional hypervolumerdquo
1 2
3
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 63
All species have a potential niche and realized niche
Potential Niche
Realized Niche
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 64
Other species can find their realized niche in our
ldquopotential nicherdquo but not share our ldquorealized nicherdquo
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 65
A species realized niche can change over time
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 66
What happens when realized niches converge
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 67
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 68
Remember niches abstractions
(reflecting real behavior)
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 69
Niches can be ldquosharedrdquo leading to
commensualism or symbiosis
Symbiosis mutualism
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 70
But species can also ldquomoverdquo to a different portion of
their potential niche
Antibiosis avoidance antipathy
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 71
In addition the ldquoshaperdquo of the realized niche can change
because of the new relationship with another species
parasitism ==gt predation ==gt annihilation
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 72
Patterns of
population
variation in
biological
species
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 73
How have human beings
grown over time
What have been the patterns of human growth in
evolutionary time
How do we find out
We look for traces of human activityhellipstarting with
the non-random (or patterned) arrangements of
enduring objects like stoneshellip
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 74
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 75
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 76
Anthropologists
examine the
regular patterns
of life processes
and the
ldquoimprobablerdquo
traces they leave
behind
If something
appears
improbable we
seek an
explanation
Some explanations do not involve
humanshellip
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 77
But on examination other kinds of improbable
ldquorocksrdquo seem to involve humans
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 78
If we look carefully at
what seems to be piles of
rocks in many parts of
the world we will find
non-random patterned
rocks whose existence is
improbable and therefore
prompts us to seek an
explanation
But other improbable
patterns can only be
explained by human
agency
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 79
Over time
there are
marked
changes in the
types of ldquotool
kitsrdquo that
humans use
and these point
to different
forms of
behavior and
social
organization
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 80
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 81
Some new ldquotool kitsrdquo are more efficient in assisting populations
to capture new energy sources ~ population growth
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 82
Human as Foraging Species Distribution - 12000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 83
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 2000 BP
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 88
Humans as Foraging Species Distribution - 75 BP
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 89
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 90
Some scholars have begun to
argue that the ecosystemic
transformations engendered by
the agricultural revolution
marked a major and measurable
shift in Earthrsquos climate
suggesting therefore that
anthropogenic climate alteration
may have greater antiquity than
we have become accustomed to
think
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 91
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 92
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 93
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 94
Along with a ldquonewrdquo set of
stone tools that were more
technically advanced and
durable the ldquoneolithicrdquo or
ldquonew stone agerdquo is
distinguished in the
archaeological record by
the appearance of several
nearly simultaneous
technologies that emerge
along with sedentary
agriculture ndash notably pots
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 95
Sedentary life patterns
combined with storage
technologies and record
keeping technologies
(writing in particular)
allow for a rapid
largely simultaneous
burst of social and
cultural invention
leading tohellip
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 96
Visible Language Series Begins
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 97
Town ==gt City ==gt City State ==gt
League of States == Empire
The State
Extraordinarily rapid social evolutionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 98
Is this Middle-Eastern or Mayan Architecture
Strikingly similar forms appear around the worldhellip
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 99
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 100
The gradual displacement
of foraging societies
(hunter-gatherers) by
expanding agricultural
societies leads to a whole
new calculus of the
domestic sphere
This in turn kicks off an
enormous ldquopositive
feedback looprdquo in all
subsequent human
history
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 101
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 102
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 103
Because of its mobile
character the calculus of
the domestic sphere in
foraging societies is
based on the ldquolimit of
portabilityrdquo
Both production and
reproduction are
undertaken with regard
to the overriding concern
for the limit of
portability
Donrsquot produce or acquire
more than you can carry
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 104
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 105
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 106
Logic Changes with Agriculture The logic of production and reproduction changes
dramatically with the emergence of sedentary
agriculture
Land becomes valued needs to be worked with labor the more labor the better especially if it needs to be defended the more defenses are needed which require more agricultural surplus to support and therefore require people to acquire more land upon which to grow more food etc etc
This is an ever escalating ldquopositive feedbackrdquo loop - an
escalating ldquovicious circlerdquo
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 107
More is betterhellip
However much is produced with new storage
technology and desiccated grains it is possible to
accumulate ever more -- multi-annual surpluses
Record keeping allows for inter-generational
inheritance of both surpluses and debts
The larger onersquos family is the greater the domestic
labor force that one can command
Unskilled repetitive and boring work needs to be done
and women and children can be pressed into service
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 108
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 109
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 110
Growth is goodhellip
The positive function of child labor as a tractable labor
force in the newly organized system combined with
the sedentary settlement pattern gives a whole new
dynamic to the domestic domain
Production is geared up to expand reproduction which
in turn fuels further production with the application
of child labor
Growth becomes a ldquogood thingrdquo as opposed to
something that ought to be avoided
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 111
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 112
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 113
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 114
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 115
Neolithic Ethnocentrism
We need however to be aware of our ldquoneolithic
ethnocentrismrdquo
Moreover we must watch very carefully how the
collective human econiche shifts with agriculture
New forms of symbiosis have emerged
We have co-evolved with our domesticates
We have gained many things in the process
AND we have lost many things as wellhellip
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 116
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 117
We will
need to
overcome
this
neolithic
bias in our
outlook if
we wish to
survive
Our culture has trained us to think of social evolution
as if it were a progressive process leading to
refinement and improvement of the human
conditionhellipthis may not be so in the long run
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Agriculture represents a new means of capturing solar energy
and this leads to ==gt a population lsquospurtrsquo in growth
As does the lsquoenergy spurtrsquo provided by the
industrial revolution amp fossil fuels
Remember collectively our species has changed its
realized econiche over time
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 119 Humans are now the biggest ldquonaturalrdquo ldquoproblemrdquo
destabilizing systemic functions in the Earth system
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 120
If human populations are to stabilize within the system
their net growth rates will have to return to zero
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 121
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 122
hellipand then therersquos the problem of our stuffhellip
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 123
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 124
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 125
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 126
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 127
In fact to survive we will need to overcome our lsquohomonid
ethnocentrismrsquondash that is our anthropocentrismhellip
Evolution is NOT a story of ldquoprogressrdquo ndash whatever that
may be Its about progression ndash a movement of one
state to another Evolution cannot tell you what is
ldquorightrdquo (or wrong) ndash only what is left (left standing)
This illusion has proved to be one of the most erroneous
and persistent formulations of our self-understanding
that has ever existedhellip
How long will the human
species be ldquoleft standingrdquo
when its life support
system collapses
ANSWER Not long
We need above all to remember that evolution is NOT a morality playhellip
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 128
Both our Anthropocentric and our Neolithic
Bias Contain Some Important Implicit
Theories in our Ethical Discourse
A Theory of Community
A Theory of System
A Theory of Authority
A Theory of Change
A Theory of Agency
A Theory of Time
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Letrsquos try to imagine
for a moment what a
difference the
neolithic makeshellip
Prairie Birthday
Letrsquos Try to imagine a different ldquoniche sensibilityrdquohellip
Aldo Leopold gives us
a clue
How do we look at the
ldquowildrdquo At the
ldquosownrdquo
httpecoethicsnet2013-
ENVRE120AudioLeopold-Vol2-5-6mp3
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquogathererrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Aldo Leopold
The Forager -
(A ldquohunterrsquosrdquo reflections)
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Aldo Leopold
His observations can serve
to highlight for us at least in
an anecdotal manner just
how different our
sensibilities are from those
of foragers ndash the
huntergatherers which
constituted roughly 99 of
human history
Letrsquos listen more closely this timehellip
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
ldquoThere are idle spots on
any farmhelliprdquo
ldquoThe erasure of a human
subspecies is largely
painless to us if we know
little enough about ithelliprdquo
ldquoWe grieve only for what
we knowhelliprdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
ldquoHow could a weed be a bookrdquo
ldquoFew grieved when
the last buffalo left
Wisconsin and few
will grieve when the
last silphium follows
him to the never never
landrdquo
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 135
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 136
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 137
We should perhaps stand back a
little further and ask the same
questionhellip
What should we take into account in
our ethical reasoning For what
should we grieve
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Some important truths about the agricultural
ldquomomentrdquohellipin human development
As Aldo Leopold senses agriculturalists live in a biologically impoverished world of their own making They have chosen to derive their energy from a narrow range of grasses tubers and trees The typical ldquoniche-widthrdquo of the agriculturalist is considerably narrower than that of the forager
Further they have not achieved any measure of ldquoindependencerdquo from nature On the contrary they are even more dependent upon the vicissitudes of rainfall temperature and extreme weather
Much of the agriculturalists social structure is designed to compensate for this greater degree of ecosystemic vulnerability
We will need to overcome the biases we have derived from thinking that our ldquosocial structurerdquo is ldquonaturalrdquo It is not It has been devised to compensate for the relative stability we have lost in the transition to dependence upon agriculture
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 143
The First Step is to Recognize the
Implicit Theories in our Ethical Discourse
Our (common) Theory of Community
Our (common) Theory of System
Our (common) Theory of Authority
Our (common) Theory of Change
Our (common) Theory of Agency
Our (common) Theory of Time
How can we overcome our lsquoNeolitic Ethnocentrismrsquo
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 144
Analysis of implicit theories leads to understanding
of the hierarchy of values = Worldview
In analyzing the implicit theories behind the moral
discourse we can arrive at an understanding of how
these theories combine to provide a hierarchy of
valuation for any individual or group enabling it to
make choices judge right from wrong and establish
policy
Some things are said to be more important than others or
they are attended to first Some things are thought to
be self-evident or true beyond any need for proof
A shorthand way of referring to these different
hierarchies of valuation is to speak of different
ldquoWorldviewsrdquo
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 145
Where do worldviews come from
Worldviews emerge from the collective historical
experience of an econiche over time
They represent the sum total of the implicit theories
(of community system change etc) which have
proved credible and useful over time in a given
community
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
What is the ldquoworldviewrdquo of those who have lived
only in frontier societies
Tim Weiskel - 146
What happens to the worldview of those in
ldquofrontier societiesrdquo after the frontier is gone
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20
140602angry-kid
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20130721get-
it-done-urging-climate-justice-youth-delegate-anjali-
appadurai-mic-checks-un-summit
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
httpenvironmentaljusticetvwordpresscom20140
924the-next-generation-asks-world-leaders-at-un-
why-not-act-on-climate-change-2
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
More of the same
Or
a Paradigm Shift
Where do you stand
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
NextGen Environmentalism (the important ethical questions)
If humans fail to transcend their neolitic
and anthropocentric biases how can
they expect to survive the
Anthropocene
Where do you stand
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Tim Weiskel - 155
We have begun to consider the first two implicit theories
and why we have such difficulty getting this right
bull A theory of Community
bull A theory of System
bull A theory of Authority or Warrant
bull A theory of Change
bull A theory of Agency
bull A theory of Time or Moment
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
How did our culture get so far
from understanding its real
role in the ecosystem
Tim Weiskel - 156
Answer (in part) is that we have fed the
heart on fantasieshellip
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Next weekhellip
Tim Weiskel - 157
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
Environmental Ethics and Land Management
ENVR E-120
httpcoursesdceharvardedu~envre120
Timothy C Weiskel
Harvard University Extension School
Fall Semester 2016
The Terrain and Main Components of Debate Part 2
21 September 2016
