Ethics Lab - Aldo Leopold: Appreciating the Land Ethic

Please answer the following questions:

1. Please state the "Land Ethic" (quote directly):

2. Why is this ethic a new idea in western philosophy?

3. Is this ethic "anthropocentric" or "nonanthropocentric"?

4. Why is this ethic called "biocentric"?

5. What does "the Land" stand for in Leopold's ethic?

6. Why is this ethic in opposition to "modernism"?

7. Are we using this ethic anywhere in modern societies today?

8. It is often said that this ethic grew out of Leopold's understanding of "evolution" or "evolutionary theory". Give some evidence that supports this idea from you reading of the ethic.

9. Are such activities like human agriculture allowed under this ethic? If so, what constraints would this ethic place on agriculture?

10. How does this ethic compare with aboriginal belief systems and their attitude toward the environment? Please give some examples if you can.

11. Are there any weaknesses to the Land Ethic in your opinion? In practical terms, what would be the consequences of adopting this ethic in western cultures today?

12. How does the "Land Ethic" compare to the "Earth People Philosophy" of Wallace Black Elk and traditional Sioux culture? (this question should only be answered after reading the Black Elk paper).