ENSC 103 Vocabulary

Indigeneity/Indigenous Knowledge

A quality of life having adapted a knowledge culture in a specific place when hum an ecosystem activity support and enhance one another.Based on relationship experience with distinct ecosystems. Epistemological driven- are determined and reinforced by knowledge acquired through interaction with comple energetic environment. Example Milk weed as birth control Proff Lovelace

Paradigm Shift

Definition: A paradigm is more than just a theory, it is a collection of stuff that is observed and scrutinized using different mechanisms to answer and come to conclusions about a question. A theory providing a unifying explanation for a set of phenomena in some field, which serves to suggest methods to test the theory and develop a fuller understanding of the topic, and which is considered useful until it is replaced by a newer theory providing more accurate explanations or explanations for a wider range of phenomena. For ENSC203: In context to this course Paradigms are "What scientist know" changes. A radical example of a PS was Rachel Carson "Silent Spring". (struggles of the PS pesticides companys disregard it). This novel put everyone over the top. This book was a pivotal as it helped launched a new age of environmental awareness. The purpose of the book was written as a plea to a stubborn world to be aware of the dysfunctional relationship between man and nature. The purpose was to evoke a paradigm change. She died before she could see the change. Paradigms shifts are difficult to make. Dr. Brown talked about how difficult PC are. To effect a PS one must clearly and repetitively highlight the anomalies not explain by the current paradigm and present an alternative (without one the original paradigm will continue to persist). Another highly influential postmodernist author is Thomas Kuhn. He analyzed a number of historical cases of scientific advancements and argues that periods of normal science were interrupted by key paradigm shift, where old ideas were abandon. Sadly he over used the term. Example: Sunscreen- During the 1970's citizens had no idea what sunscreen was. It wasn't until later when proposing a change in an existing paradigm (Ozone atmosphere issue: UV-B rays harmful for humans) by approaching it as a personal health risk lead to a quicker change in behaviour. Earth is round not flat Sun is the center of solar system, not earth. Example: Bacteria Ulcer contributes he almost quite bc scientific community encouraged him to resign. Paradigm shift need anomoly

Land ethic

Definition: This term comes from the reader, a piece from Aldo Leopold's A Sand County Almanac. Leopold writes about land ethic which, simple encompasses the boundaries of the community to include soil, water, plants and animals collectively the land. He makes several references to the myth Odessy's as a parallel to man's relationship to land. Land, like Odessy's slave girl, is still property. The current land relation is strictly economic entailing privileges but no obligations. The current most impeding obstacles for the progression of Land ethic is our economic and educational system is headed away from the consciousness of land. Leopold states for society to get on board with land ethic people need to start viewing and asking questions of is it right? does it preserve the integrity and beauty, and stability of the biotic community? If not it is wrong when it tends other wise". For this to become integrated people need a change of attitudes as land ethic is an intellectual and emotional process. From ENSC 203: During the lecture we briefly touched upon Land Ethic which emerged early 20th century. Leopold challenged the dominant social paradigm and brought a new persepctive between humans and the land. He fought the human ethical system should extend to nature as part of "community" fought for wilderness protection. Silent Spring- dysfunctional relationship between man and nature in regards to land ethics

Precautionary Principle

Definition: An issue from Taking sides by Easton, discussed the pros and cons to the Precautionary Principle. This term was defined that when there is reason to think but not absolute proof that some human activity is or might be harming the environment, precautions should be taken. Yes, this principle can be an obstacle for innovation and slow progress but it provides a framework for risk management and assessment. Precautionary principle has become widely accepted. For ENSC203 In lecture, Dr. Goebel discussed the Rio Declaration's emphasis on precautionary principle. This principle has played and increasingly important role ever since it appeared mid 1960's. Khoury's work demonstrated that suitable steps should be implemented to prevent harm on the environment. This concept has become widely accepted and been applied to to climate change, ozone depletion and biodiversity. Europe tend to over used it they are very proactive. VS NA tend not to use it until afterwards they are reactive. ECOHEALTH preventive measures about human health problems cause by environment. ie. Planting trees as a canopy

Sustainable development

Definition: The Brutland report defined Sustainable development as " development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs". It recognized that limits exists and must be taken into account for planning for the future. In the Reader, SD has two key concepts; the idea of limitations imposed by the state of technology and social organization on the environments ability to meet present and future needs. SD requires meeting the basic need of all and extending to all the opportunity to satisfy their aspiration of a better life. Perceived needs are socially and culturally determined and SD requires the promotion of values that encourages consumption standards that are within bounds of the ecological possible. In essences, sustainability development is a process of change in which the exploitation of resources, the direction of investments the orientation of technological developments are all in harmony enhancing both current and future potential of humans needs and aspirations. For ENCS203 Dr. Goebel discussed in lecture that sustainability is emerging as dominant framework for assessing actions in response to environmental issues as it is interdisciplinary, has intergenerational effects which consider various perspectives and impacts. Key points Human centered good and bad. (-) we focus on minor issues ie lone whale (+) relevant to our actions Tripod of sustainability economic, social, environmental. Intergenerational. Global (poverty). principle of conservation based on SD. Tripod view all are used to assesses global needs. conservation based on SD Still anthropcentric

Limits to growth

Definition: The Club of Rome published a report on the limits of growth in 1972. This study concluded that if current polices on unrestrained growth were to continue the next century would be a disaster. 20 years later an update on the original study was published and their conclusion had not improved. They even went as far to suggest that "humanity has already over shot the limits". Further critiques have reinforced the conclusion that growth without limits will have consequences. From this emerged the wake up call for "sustainability". For ENSC203: In class we discussed why there was disappointment after such momentum leading to the Rio conference. In brief, the conference recognized there are limits to growth, and discussed sustainability. However, there was alot of disappointment after the conference as thier was disconnect between support and behaviour. What needs to occur is a shift in perspective from anthropocentric to ecological view. However, the problem is that paradigm shifts are difficult to make as they are slow. As well, the public get confused over the scientific knowledge that there is so much to resolve and clarify. In addition, popular understanding of science and scientific methods says scientific "truth" should not change, all scientist should agree. Scientific positions can be discredited by highlighting opposing positions even if held by 2% or fewer scientist.

Anomaly

Defintion A deviation or departure from the normal or common order. It is the failure of existing theories to explain their results. For ENSC203 An anomaly is a cause of crisis minor/major deviation of normal science. Professor Brown explained that the stubbornest of scientist comes from the various of repeated experiments to ensure the piece of evidence is legitment. Science is slow to change because it is a good way for scientist to be. Need to report results and convince other scientist to repeat results. Scientist get nervous for reporting anomalies. They do not change their minds immediately because of one anomalies. Anomalies" are failure of existing theory to explain results - Departures from "normal science" - Cause a "Crisis" (philosophy definition) - Could be minor, could be major... Ie Earth is round/flat

Anthropocentrism

For ENSC203 ) human-centered view on our relationship with the environment. Human requirements are #1. Focuses on the importance of human existence over any aspect of living and nonliving world. Is central to western culture, part of the dominant social paradigm. John Perkins Marsh (19th Century): "stewardship"- promoted restoring degraded areas so they can better serve human needs (anthropocentric). DSP is an example of anthropocentrism. (+) conservation (-) DSP

Scientific Paradigm

In the reading SP is defined as research firmly based upon more past scientific achievements. Gin Rachel Carons silent spring came out revolutionary. Requires re-evaluation. SP are not widely understoodby general public has many false assumptions about how science works, or should work. There are many barriers to overcome. Definition: What is to be observed and scrutinized. ENSC: Kuhn defined scientific paradigm, what's to be observed and scrutinized, what kinds of questions are to be asked, how these questions are to be put, how results of scientific investigations should be interpreted

Sustainability

Interdisciplinary, consider various perspectives and impacts of decisions. Includes intergenerational effects and time-scales. Most dominant framework for assessing action in response to environmental issues. How diff stake holders and disciplines perceive sustainability. SS is at root a trasndisciplinary effort to come to grips with one of the most perplexing issues of our time. " how to achieve symbiotic relationship between biological and social cultural systems so that future option are not foreclosed. (Rapport) Ecocentric

Preservation

Muir, Yosemite Park. Maintenance of a resource in its present condition, with as little human impact as possible. Leave nature as it is. Relates to this course through the ideology that humans aren't more important than anything on earth. In lecture: Leopold was an early 20th century environmentalist from an ecocentric perspective, associated with a preservation perspective rather than a conservation.

Ecocentrism

Opposite of DSP We are all equal. Example: John Muir who worked to create Yosemite park; nature for its own sake. Leopold is another example: extending ethic to nature as part of community. Nature-centered For ENSC203: Ecocentrism/ecological view as an emerging paradigm Would require a radical shift in the perception of human/environment relations (Humans are separate and superior to non-humans) • Reconsideration of core values and concepts such as human nature, progress, economic growth, development, ethics (The most important human goal is the pursuit of economic growth) • Exists as a "competing paradigm" that is not widely accepted • Serious anomalies emerging to challenge old paradigm (The environment is a limitless storehouse of resources at the disposal of human progress)

Conservation

This comes from the reader, Principles of Conservation by Gifford Pinchot. Originally came from forestry. Sustainable use and management of natural resources. Conservation means the greatest good to the greatest number. Conservation does mean the provision for the future, but it means also and first of all the recognition of the right of the present generation to the fullest necessary use of all the resources with which this country is absolutely blessed It demands the welfare of this generation first and afterwards the welfare of the next to follow. For ENSC203: Pinchot was one of the most effective leaders of the conservation movement. He focused on utilizing natural resources to the fullest for the benefit of mankind. In lecture, Dr. Goebel brief mentioned Pinchot focus on forestry conservation and prevention of waste for the common good.

Epistemology

the investigation of what distinguishes justified belief from opinion. For ENSC203: Approaching the Study of Knowing. The study or theory of the nature and ground of knowledge especially with reference to its limits and validity. Coinsides with our notions that sometimes what we "know" changes over time. Western E- DSP-AS Proff Brown said: belive tend to look down on IK There are alternative knowledge systems. We explored some with Professor Lovelace ( Indigenous Knowledges) The Core of Indigenous Knowledge is through oral tradition through the creation stories 7 Grandfathers.