ACCHS Biology - Week 7

What do you think about the "Eight Point Deep Ecology Platform"?

This idea and concept was created in 1984 by Arne Naess and George Sessions. I believe the basic concept can be found in the 1st of 8th points.

"1. The well-being and flourishing of human and nonhuman life on Earth have value in themselves (synonyms: inherent worth, intrinsic value, inherent value). These values are independent of the usefulness of the nonhuman world for human purposes."

It believe that there are some pros and cons about the 8 points. I believe that there are some areas of the 8 points that are vague and needed to be defined. Like the 3rd point, "Humans have no right to reduce this richness and diversity except to satisfy vital needs".

Do I believe that nonhuman life on Earth have values? Yes. But do I agree with the 5th point? "The flourishing of human life and cultures is compatible with a substantial decrease of the human population. The flourishing of nonhuman life requires such a decrease." No, I don't agree with that. I believe that as the human population increases, the world could support this. The world can sustain a growing population and increase. It is the politics and greed of some human (governments and corporations) that are abusing its fellow citizens, humans, and non-humans.

Can you explain why "Ecosystems are both strong and fragile"?

It is strong because it has endured for such as long time, but it is fragile, because slight changes or disturbance from internal or external causes can disrupt the ecosystems and therefore, rendering it ineffective or useless.

How would you assess the "End Goals" of Social Ecology?

End goals include wellbeing and health, in the broadest sense, equity and social justice, and the fostering of mutualistic and caring relationships, personal meaning, organizational learning, co-evolutionary change and ecological sustainability. These relationships are illustrated below. (http://www.zulenet.com/see/newStuartHill.html).

It looks like a good idea and concept. Would like to see it implemented. Not sure how well it will be received by society or how it will be applied in our society.