Land Ethic
Aldo Leopold's "Land Ethic" is the importance of a relationship between humans and the land and expanding it beyond economic value. We need to appreciate the land for what it gives, but more importantly value it for its divine beauty. Leopold states, "The land ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants, and animals, or collectively: the land" (2). There is a need for harmony between man and the land, and by changing social norms over time, we have the opportunity to change other's viewpoints about the natural world. The conqueror role is still being played throughout society and history has proven that this type of mindset will never work. Leopold writes, "Land ethic changes the role of homo sapiens from conqueror of the land-community to plain member and citizen of it. It implies respect for his fellow- members, and also respect for the community as such”(2). We have to begin holding ourselves morally accountable for our treatment towards the earth. The more we take advantage of the environment, the more it starts to disappear. Through philosophical reasoning and education we may be able to reach an ethical obligation of the land. Due to our lack of understanding and knowledge, we are slowly dismantling bits and pieces of the environment surrounding us. Leopold also states, "Perhaps the most serious obstacle impeding the evolution of a land ethic is the fact that our educational and economic system is headed away from, rather than toward, an intense consciousness of land"(13). Ultimately, we can be the solution to this problem by simply caring about our home and preserving the land for future generations. I personally believe that everything was placed on this earth for a reason and that there is a purpose for all living and nonliving things. All species play an essential part in creating a healthy ecosystem. Therefore, I endorse Leopold's view of the Land Ethic. In our world today, it has become clear that politics have a hand in almost every part of the world. Although I agree with his viewpoint, the one addition or update I would make to his piece is the discussion of politics regarding the environment and how society can combat those who continue to disagree with Leopold's argument.
plants, and animals, or collectively: the land.
Aldo Leopold's "Land Ethic" is the importance of a relationship between humans and the land and expanding it beyond economic value. We need to appreciate the land for what it gives, but more importantly value it for its divine beauty. Leopold states, "The land ethic simply enlarges the boundaries of the community to include soils, waters, plants, and animals, or collectively: the land" (2). There is a need for harmony between man and the land, and by changing social norms over time, we have the opportunity to change other's viewpoints about the natural world. The conqueror role is still being played throughout society and history has proven that this type of mindset will never work. Leopold writes, "Land ethic changes the role of homo sapiens from conqueror of the land-community to plain member and citizen of it. It implies respect for his fellow- members, and also respect for the community as such”(2). We have to begin holding ourselves morally accountable for our treatment towards the earth. The more we take advantage of the environment, the more it starts to disappear. Through philosophical reasoning and education we may be able to reach an ethical obligation of the land. Due to our lack of understanding and knowledge, we are slowly dismantling bits and pieces of the environment surrounding us. Leopold also states, "Perhaps the most serious obstacle impeding the evolution of a land ethic is the fact that our educational and economic system is headed away from, rather than toward, an intense consciousness of land"(13). Ultimately, we can be the solution to this problem by simply caring about our home and preserving the land for future generations. I personally believe that everything was placed on this earth for a reason and that there is a purpose for all living and nonliving things. All species play an essential part in creating a healthy ecosystem. Therefore, I endorse Leopold's view of the Land Ethic. In our world today, it has become clear that politics have a hand in almost every part of the world. Although I agree with his viewpoint, the one addition or update I would make to his piece is the discussion of politics regarding the environment and how society can combat those who continue to disagree with Leopold's argument.
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