Answers the Questions below and bring your typed answers to class next week. All students must answer section A and appropriate questions in Section B:

 

SECTION A:

1. Summarize the main ideas presented in Lynne White Jnr’s paper entitled “The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis”. As part of the summary, provide answers to the questions below:

a)  Why does he blame the Christian Religion for human attitudes  that result in environmental degradation today? Explain all the major reasons why he accuses Christianity as the root of our environmental problems.

b) Explain how in the opinion of Lynn White, the Christian religion and modern science and technology are linked?

c)  What are his views about how humankind can overcome  environmental degradation?

d) Who did White believe attempted to reverse the Christian ideology of “dominance of man”? For what reasons did White believe so in this man?

2. In the essay, White assigns reasons why he believes Christianity is the root causes of our current global environmental problems. Explain three reasons why you think Lynn White is wrong in blaming Christianity for humankind’s current treatment of the environment. The title for this section of your answer should be: Arguments against Lynn White’s Views:

 

UNDERGRADUATES:  Section B.

 

 

1.  Distinguish between Preservation and Conservation. Name any 2 distinguished Americans (one in each group) who stood for the two environmental worldviews.

 

2.  Would humanity be better off if Agricultural practices had never been developed and we still lived as hunters and gatherers?  Explain why you think we would be better off or worse off.

 

GRADUATE STUDENTS: Section B:

 

1.  Trace the 4 major events of environmental history in the United States. Under two of such events, explain (1) the environmental worldview that was adopted by the people and give the reasons behind the adoption of such environmental worldviews. (2) Also provide examples of laws, events and changes and practices in society that occurred in mainland USA during those two periods.