James Lovelock represents a classic example of objectification in ecology. His fundamental concern is with the well-being of Gaia, or the earth, and not with humans. He is focused on the integrity, stability, and beauty of the entire system of Earth. He shows this attitude when he talks about nuclear energy. He says that radiation endangers some humans, but his main concern is what danger or harm the radiation will cause for Gaia as a whole.
There are many things that I thought were very unique and interesting about this reading. He focuses mainly on Earth as a whole and he even says that “there is little point in helping people if by doing so they damage the Earth.” His non-human focus is actually refreshing. He views humans as a “little blip on the screen” in comparison to the entirety of Earth’s history. Lovelock emphasizes the overall order of life and says that the three C’s- cars, cattle, and chainsaws- are what are destroying the Earth. His views on the well-being of life are interesting and unique.
I also thought that it was interesting that he came to the conclusion that “living matter is not passive but actively searches out ways of preserving the conditions of life.” Lovelock states that it’s not the technological developments that are going to destroy Earth, it’s the shortsighted greed of consumers. I think that he really emphasizes a good point in that the downfall of Gaia will be due to the extreme self-indulgence and our own individual choices. In the end, we create our own destiny and humans are playing a big hand in destroying the earth.
No comments:
Post a Comment