Environmental Value Systems: What is Nature?
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Questions and Answers

What concept describes nature as pristine and untouched by human activity?

  • Third Nature
  • Human-Nature Dichotomy
  • Second Nature
  • First Nature (correct)

    • In the context of environmental perspectives, what does 'Second Nature' primarily refer to?

  • Nature as a source of spiritual connection
  • Nature as an aesthetic experience
  • Nature as a resource for human benefits (correct)
  • Nature in its untouched state

    • What does the term 'Third Nature' describe?

  • Nature as a resource to extract and use
  • Nature as a commodity for eco-tourism (correct)
  • Nature as a spiritual entity
  • Nature as a pristine wilderness

    • How does the Judeo-Christian view generally depict the relationship between humans and nature?

    <p>Humans are separate from nature, serving as its masters (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which perspective views all living beings and inanimate objects as having a spirit?

    <p>Animism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Enlightenment Era Thinkers' viewpoint primarily advocate for?

    <p>Land ownership is justified through improved land productivity (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main idea behind the Islamic Perspective of nature?

    <p>The world is a place of worship, and humans are stewards of creation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which perspective argues that there is no separation between humans and nature?

    <p>Total Naturalism (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the concept of 'Human Exceptionalism' imply?

    <p>Humans possess unique cognitive capabilities that set them apart from nature (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which relationship between humans and nature emphasizes stewardship and balance?

    <p>Buddhist Perspective (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the Instrumental Value System focus on regarding nature?

    <p>The benefits and resources it provides for human survival (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes sustainability?

    <p>Meeting current needs without compromising future generations' needs (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does an Intrinsic Value System differ from an Instrumental Value System?

    <p>It assigns value to non-human species independent of human attributes (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What concept is closely related to the idea of Kaitiakitanga?

    <p>Community-based stewardship and responsibility towards nature (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What unique legal status was granted to the Whanganui River in New Zealand?

    <p>Given legal personhood with rights to flourish (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which value system emphasizes relationships and responsibilities towards nature?

    <p>Relational or collective value system (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes a misconception regarding the Instrumental Value System?

    <p>It supports intrinsic elements of nature over human benefits. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one effect of the colonial history on the Whanganui Iwi?

    <p>Loss of rights and ownership over land and resources (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which country was the first to recognize the legal personhood of nature through its mountains and rivers?

    <p>Ecuador (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following shows a progression in views toward environmental management?

    <p>Shifting from ecological ignorance to recognizing wetland services (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of the rights of nature movement, what did the 'Mother Nature Law' in Bolivia symbolize?

    <p>The recognition of nature's rights within legal frameworks (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a primary aspect of the ecological perspective endorsed by Indigenous people?

    <p>All species are seen as having inherent rights and values (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What issue arose from the court case involving the Te Awa Tupua?

    <p>Balancing representation between Indigenous and Crown interests (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Nature as a Resource

    Nature viewed as something humans can use and benefit from, such as extracting resources for production or consumption.

    Human-Nature Dichotomy

    The idea that humans and nature are fundamentally different and separate entities.

    Stewardship (Religious)

    Taking care and responsibility of the environment, recognizing it is entrusted to humans.

    Total Naturalism

    The belief that there is no separation between humans and nature, all human actions are considered natural.

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    Human Exceptionalism

    Belief that humans are fundamentally different and separate from nature.

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    Animism

    Spiritual belief that everything in nature has a spirit or life force.

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    First Nature

    Untouched nature, pristine and untouched by human activity.

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    Second Nature

    Nature as a resource used by humans for benefits.

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    Third Nature

    Nature as a commodity or something to be consumed or used commercially.

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    Environmental Value Systems

    Different ways of understanding the relationship between humans and nature, stemming from various factors (religion, culture or philosophy).

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    Instrumental Value System

    Valuing nature based on the benefits it provides to humans.

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    Sustainability

    Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

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    Intrinsic Value System

    Valuing nature for its own sake, regardless of its usefulness to humans.

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    Relational/Collective Value

    Valuing nature because of its connection to relationships, responsibility, and culture

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    Te Awa Tupua

    A Maori concept recognizing a river as a living entity with legal rights in New Zealand.

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    Mauri

    The life force or spiritual essence of a place or thing in Maori belief systems.

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    Kaitiakitanga

    Maori concept of guardianship and stewardship, applied to relationships with nature.

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    Legal Personhood

    Giving legal rights and responsibilities to non-human entities (rivers, mountains etc).

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    Treaty of Waitangi

    Historical treaty between the British Crown and Māori in New Zealand.

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    Environmental Management

    The practice of making decisions about how we use and protect the environment

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    Rights and Nature Movement

    Advocating for legal rights for non-human entities.

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    Instrumental vs. Intrinsic Value

    Different ways of valuing nature—either for its usefulness or for its inherent worth.

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    Ecocentric/Biocentric

    Valuing nature as a whole or from a life-centered point of view.

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    Wetlands

    Areas of land that are seasonally or permanently flooded or saturated.

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    Study Notes

    Environmental Value Systems: What is Nature?

    • Many view nature as land untouched by humans, a paradise unmarred by human influence. This "first" nature is seen as pristine and without human presence, embodying a human-nature dichotomy (distinct concepts). This idea is connected to religious concepts of "Eden".
    • "Second" nature is viewed as a resource beneficial to humans, highlighting its utility. Examples include expanding housing developments (Waterloo) and valuing protected areas for groundwater recharge and wetland functions. This connects nature to human labor and use for productivity, health benefits, and extraction for consumption.
    • "Third" nature sees nature as a commodity. Examples include ecotourism, emphasizing nature's role in health and well-being. The desire for wilderness experiences, escaping urban life, is also highlighted.

    Human-Nature Relationships

    • Religions have significantly influenced attitudes towards nature. Judeo-Christian traditions often emphasize human dominion over nature, with a creation meant to serve human needs.
    • Another perspective, stewardship, is also prominent. Modern examples are Pope Francis' encyclical "Our Common Home."
    • Enlightenment thinkers argued for land ownership improving human productivity in various cases, although this perspective has been critiqued.
    • Other worldviews, like Islamic and Animist perspectives, place humans as stewards and spiritual interconnectedness with nature. Animist perspectives see balance as crucial—imbalances can be punished.
    • Buddhist perspectives emphasize interconnectedness and coexistence.

    Why Value Nature?

    • Instrumental Value: Nature's value is based on its benefits to humans. This includes ecological services, survival, sustainability for future generations, and human well-being. However, this value can fluctuate based on human needs, like the changing perception of wetlands.
    • Intrinsic Value: This suggests inherent value in non-human species and ecosystems, independent of their usefulness to humans. This view considers nature's rights.
    • Relational/Collective Value: Indigenous perspectives highlight a relationship with nature and a responsibility to it. This emphasizes a strong connection to the land and social community. This contrasts with views emphasizing replaceability or interchangeability.

    Case Study: Te Awa Tupua

    • The Whanganui River (New Zealand) is a living example of a different ecological value system; Indigenous Maori perspectives and beliefs are prioritized in the treatment of the river.
    • Te Awa Tupua is grounded in deep cultural ties and the concept of Mauri (all living things considered as kin). The river has legal personhood and rights under New Zealand law, which led to the recognition of the river's ecological well-being as part of a whole entity, in legal cases.
    • Complex power dynamics and resource use issues between the Crown (government) and indigenous populations are still present. The law is not perfect. There are attempts at reconciliation, but these reconciliation efforts are not without ongoing difficulties.
    • There is a growing global movement advocating for "legal personhood" for non-human entities.

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    Description

    Explore the various perceptions of nature, from untouched wilderness to resource and commodity. This quiz delves into the concepts of 'first', 'second', and 'third' natures, examining their implications for human relationships with the environment. Learn how religious beliefs shape these attitudes.

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