Slide 1

Humans & Nature:Some Reflections

1Conceptions of NatureSpiritual or religiousSource of sustenanceSource of knowledgeSubject of knowledgeAt the service of people (so controllable)Dangerous (so beyond control)Multiple understandings of nature can be in play at once in other cultures and in our own

Japan: Earthquake & Tsunami, April 7

Morganza Spillway opened May 18

Joplin, MO: Tornado, May 22

A societys relationship to nature is not static

Foundational Relationships

Describe relationships between people and natureTime/place specific (not universal)Greek men and Greek women in the BacchaeEarly modern European/ChristianWestern scientific approach of Galileo & HeisenbergKhoisanContingentDynamic (not static)

The Lion and the Jackals

SpiritualitySustenanceUneven controlDangerChange1) !no, 2) Poo, an animal said to eat the fruit of the !no.Drawing by !nanni. 5/24/1881. Bleek & Lloyd Collection, UCT

Song of the Broken String

Consequences of rupture in a societys relationship with nature

9Making meaning with nature

The place does not feel to meAs the place used to feel to me

10