Podcast
Questions and Answers
What concept describes nature as pristine and untouched by human activity?
What concept describes nature as pristine and untouched by human activity?
In the context of environmental perspectives, what does 'Second Nature' primarily refer to?
In the context of environmental perspectives, what does 'Second Nature' primarily refer to?
What does the term 'Third Nature' describe?
What does the term 'Third Nature' describe?
How does the Judeo-Christian view generally depict the relationship between humans and nature?
How does the Judeo-Christian view generally depict the relationship between humans and nature?
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Which perspective views all living beings and inanimate objects as having a spirit?
Which perspective views all living beings and inanimate objects as having a spirit?
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What does the Enlightenment Era Thinkers' viewpoint primarily advocate for?
What does the Enlightenment Era Thinkers' viewpoint primarily advocate for?
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What is the main idea behind the Islamic Perspective of nature?
What is the main idea behind the Islamic Perspective of nature?
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Which perspective argues that there is no separation between humans and nature?
Which perspective argues that there is no separation between humans and nature?
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What does the concept of 'Human Exceptionalism' imply?
What does the concept of 'Human Exceptionalism' imply?
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Which relationship between humans and nature emphasizes stewardship and balance?
Which relationship between humans and nature emphasizes stewardship and balance?
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What does the Instrumental Value System focus on regarding nature?
What does the Instrumental Value System focus on regarding nature?
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Which of the following best describes sustainability?
Which of the following best describes sustainability?
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How does an Intrinsic Value System differ from an Instrumental Value System?
How does an Intrinsic Value System differ from an Instrumental Value System?
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What concept is closely related to the idea of Kaitiakitanga?
What concept is closely related to the idea of Kaitiakitanga?
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What unique legal status was granted to the Whanganui River in New Zealand?
What unique legal status was granted to the Whanganui River in New Zealand?
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Which value system emphasizes relationships and responsibilities towards nature?
Which value system emphasizes relationships and responsibilities towards nature?
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Which of the following describes a misconception regarding the Instrumental Value System?
Which of the following describes a misconception regarding the Instrumental Value System?
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What is one effect of the colonial history on the Whanganui Iwi?
What is one effect of the colonial history on the Whanganui Iwi?
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Which country was the first to recognize the legal personhood of nature through its mountains and rivers?
Which country was the first to recognize the legal personhood of nature through its mountains and rivers?
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Which of the following shows a progression in views toward environmental management?
Which of the following shows a progression in views toward environmental management?
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In the context of the rights of nature movement, what did the 'Mother Nature Law' in Bolivia symbolize?
In the context of the rights of nature movement, what did the 'Mother Nature Law' in Bolivia symbolize?
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What is a primary aspect of the ecological perspective endorsed by Indigenous people?
What is a primary aspect of the ecological perspective endorsed by Indigenous people?
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What issue arose from the court case involving the Te Awa Tupua?
What issue arose from the court case involving the Te Awa Tupua?
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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.
