The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis

Summary of Selection 6

All forms of life change and affect their environment. Humans have been affecting it very far back into history; but ever since the 1800s when the Industrial Revolution happened, we have been affecting it in an exponentially drastic way. We would like to examine society's way of thinking by looking historically at the presuppositions that underlie modern technology and science.

Most technology currently used across the globe is Western. These technological and scientific movements got their "start, character, and foothold" in the Middle Ages. At that time new "plow technology" allowed the peasants to till much more soil than the previous scratch plows. The teachings of Christianity influenced man to believe that man rightfully dominates nature- a very anthropocentric view. Early scientists explained their motivations to be theological-showing our science and technology stems from Christianity as well. Based on this we can see our ecological problems won't be solved by science and technology since it's basis is largely anthropocentric.

St. Fransis of Assisi was a spiritual revolutionary in the Christian faith. He attempted to change the idea of man being superior- to all creatures being equal. Sadly, he failed. But we should carry on his work and spirit as ecologists.