>>I believe that both science and the exploitation of nature are both
>>natural and deeply rooted in human nature, the one does not
necessarily
>cause the other.
You know, I was thinking more about this and I don't think I can let you
off that easily. Certainly the *use* of nature is "deeply rooted" in
human nature, as it is in the 'nature' of all life to interact with its
surroundings for its own sustenance and benefit. But there is a
qualitative difference when you move from 'use' to 'exploitation.'
Cultural studies have furnished us with abundant examples of humans
living in fairly close harmony with natural systems (e.g. *Learning from
Ladakh*, I forget the author's name). Is it just a coincidence that
those cultures most technological and scientific are also the most
exploitative, not just in extent but in attitude (hubris)? To say that
science has provided us simply with 'more power' and not a certain kind
of power with certain repercussions ignores the fact that power is not
simply a quantity, but takes a definite shape. In other words, power is
not simply 'power to' it is also 'power over.'
thanks for listening,
Matt Champagne
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