1. How do you define "environment," "ecology," "progress," "nature," and "culture"?
2. Has the total human impact on the natural world in the last century been positive or negative?
3. Do you think our present forms and levels of industrial agriculture, food distribution, fossil fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and the whole economic growth paradigm in general are sustainable?
4. What is a "holistic" attitude towards & relationship with the environment? Is it something that can be achieved by individuals acting independently? Is the concept of "Mother Earth" or "Gaia" helpful in defining this attitude & relationship, and in guiding ethical choices?
5. Do you think we can learn anything important from native and indigenous peoples about how to live? Can we reconcile those lessons with a continued interest in expanding technology, exploration, and increased scientific understanding of ourselves and the world? Is "native science" an oxymoron?
6. Do you have a favorite example of native/indigenous wisdom (from Chief Seattle or Joseph of the Nez Perce or some other popular native sage)?
7. What written or filmed discussions/depictions of native wisdom do you recommend?
8. What else would you like to share, about yourself or your initial thoughts on the subject of our course?
STUDENTS: We'll do these daily quizzes every class day. I encourage you to post your thoughts and questions in the "comments" space.
Charles Darwin (
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