The Environment: Nature and Society

Paper Summary:

The writer proposes that nature and society have not always peacefully coexisted; while one cannot argue that nature does not support mankind's existence, throughout much of early history mankind dominated over nature rather than lived synergistically within the context of natural society. The paper explores how ideas about nature, society and their interconnection have transformed significantly from the early 19th century to the present. While early history in America is marked by a period of ecological imperialism, modern environmental trends are shifting more toward an Arcadian outlook. The paper concludes that mankind has developed a greater appreciation for the interrelationship between nature and society and focuses less on exploiting or conquering the environment and nature, and more on supporting the environment and discovering new ways of coexisting with nature.

Outline:
Introduction
Ideas About Nature and Society Early 19th Century
Contemporary Ideas of Nature and Society
Conclusions

From the Paper:

"As time progressed however, society began slowly but surely realizing the devastating effects industrialization had on nature. Slowly people began realizing that industrialization could not exist apart from nature, but rather everything man did to support industrialized processes influenced nature. Nature was not simply a source of natural resources for man to exploit, rather nature provided mankind the very sustenance he needs to survive. Slowly society began adopting a more conservationist rather than exploitative approach to nature. Prominent government agencies and members of ecological groups began realizing that nature and society must coexist in a more Arcadian manner."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Merchant, C. (2006). "Major problems in American environmental history - Study Guide." Available: http://www.cnr.berkeley.edu/departments/espm/env-hist/studyguide/pt01con.htm
• Merchant, C. (2005). Major problems in American environmental history." New York: Houghton Mifflin Company.

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