Human Exemptionalism with the New Ecological Paradigm Essay

Question 1

Human Exemptionalism Paradigm

Answer 1

humans are unique among the earth’s creatures because of culture
culture can vary almost infinitely
can change much more rapidly than biological traits
thus, many human differences are socially induced rather than inborn
they can be socially altered, and inconvenient differences can be eliminated
cultural accumulation means that progress can continue without limit

Question 2

New Ecological Paradigm

Answer 2

humans one among many species that are interdependent in ecosystems
humans are shaped by cause, effect, and feedback linkages in the web of nature
humans live in finite biophysical environment that imposes potent restraints of human affairs
although the powers derived from human inventiveness may seem to extend carrying capacity limits, ecological laws cannot be repealed

Question 3

Central NEP Points

Answer 3

the importance of maintaining the balance of nature
the reality of limits to growth
the need for population control
the seriousness of anthropogenic environmental degradation
the need to control industrial growth

Question 4

Deep vs. Shallow Ecology

Answer 4

• shallow ecology — primarily concerned with resource depletion and usefulness of the earth for humans
• deep ecology — concerned with the intrinsic value of the Earth, its diversity and richness
• maintaining biodiversity requires a decrease in human impacts on the natural environment and substantial increases in the wilderness areas of the globe