Weekly Writing Prompts

If you have not already done so, please read Lynn White’s classic statement “Historical roots of our ecological crisis” (1967) in Science 155: 1203-1207. White blames the prevailing Judeo-Christian worldview for much of our on-going environmental crisis. Assess the merits and liabilities of White’s argument by responding to the series of prompts interspersed throughout the text (and reprinted below). Post the questions and your responses on your blog and bring your written responses to class on Monday 26 February. Please format your work in MLA style.

Prompt #1: What does White mean when he writes, “neither atavism nor prettification will cope with the ecological crisis of our time”? Briefly describe at least one current example of each approach (more, if you’re able).

Prompt # 2: White comments that “all significant science is Western in style and method, whatever the pigmentation or language of the scientists.” Speculate briefly about why this statement is true. In the course of your answer, give us a working definition of science and the scientific method.

Prompt #3: Comment on White’s assertion that, “Especially in its Western form, Christianity is the most anthropocentric religion the world has seen.” What does this statement mean? What evidence does White offer in support of this claim? Do you agree with White’s analysis? Why or why not? Finally, list at least three characteristic attitudes of beliefs common to the Judeo-Christian worldview?

Prompt #4: White says that, "Since the roots of our trouble are so largely religious, the remedy must also be essentially religious, whether we call it that or not." Do you agree? If so, describe the kind of relligious remedy that will be requuired. If not, explain why White's proposed remedy is flawed or inadequate.

Prompt #5: If you could ask Lynn White one question, what would it be?