Stage 2. Ethical and aesthetic concerns inspired the preservation movement (Chapter I.2.3)

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Questions and Answers

What does biocentric preservation emphasize?

The economic value of forests and rivers.
The inherent rights of other organisms to exist. (correct)
The aesthetic pleasure derived from landscapes.
The utility of nature for human purposes.

Which stance did John Muir take in relation to Gifford Pinchot's views?

He sought a compromise between their philosophies.
He supported Pinchot's utilitarian approach.
He ignored Pinchot's views entirely.
He opposed Pinchot's utilitarian approach. (correct)

What is the primary idea presented by Aldo Leopold regarding land?

Land should be seen only as a financial asset.
Care for the land is both a right and a practical necessity. (correct)
We should exploit land for maximum economic benefit.
Land ownership is an inherent human entitlement.

What did John Muir argue about the existence of nature?

Nature deserves to exist for its own sake. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What key concept did Leopold introduce in his writings?

The concept of community connectedness to land. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following national parks did John Muir help establish?

Yosemite National Park (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is noted about the National Park Service in relation to Muir's philosophy?

It has historically prioritized preservation of nature. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How did Muir view the relationship between humans and other organisms?

Humans are just one part of a larger ecological system. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

John Muir's Philosophy

Muir believed nature has intrinsic value, regardless of its usefulness to humans. His approach emphasized aesthetic and spiritual value.

Biocentric Preservation

A philosophy emphasizing the inherent right of all living things to exist and pursue their own interests, as opposed to using nature solely for human needs.

Pinchot's Utilitarian Approach

This approach valued natural resources primarily for their economic benefit, often prioritizing logging, dam building, and other uses.

Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks

Established parks to protect and preserve areas of natural beauty and wilderness; John Muir contributed heavily to their protection.

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Aldo Leopold's Land Ethic

The belief that humans should care for the land because it's the right and smart thing to do, considering it as a community we belong to.

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National Park Service

Founded in 1916, this agency focuses on nature preservation and manages resources for the public good aiming for purity of nature.

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A Sand County Almanac

A compilation of essays written by Aldo Leopold that explore the human relationship with nature, particularly based on his study of a Wisconsin farm.

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Study Notes

John Muir's Environmental Philosophy

Muir strongly opposed Pinchot's utilitarian approach to natural resources.
He advocated for the intrinsic value of nature, emphasizing aesthetic and spiritual values.
Muir's perspective, called biocentric preservation, highlights the rights of all organisms to exist.
He argued that nature's purpose extends beyond human use.
He championed the protection of California's wild lands, including sequoia forests.
Muir fought for Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks.

The National Park Service

The National Park Service, established in 1916, prioritizes preserving nature.
It was initially headed by Muir's disciple Stephen Mather.
The Park Service often differed with Pinchot's utilitarian Forest Service.

Aldo Leopold's Stewardship Approach

Aldo Leopold, a wildlife ecologist, practiced land stewardship.
He restored a depleted farm in Wisconsin, planting trees.
Leopold's work led to A Sand County Almanac.
He argued that land should be viewed as a community, fostering love and respect.
He proposed the "land ethic" as a moral imperative to care for the environment.