6.0006 Qs: "Steward", Ethics, Surfaces, Grad Programs (4/81)
Elaine Brennan & Allen Renear (EDITORS@BROWNVM.BITNET)
Sun, 10 May 1992 23:50:38 EDT
Humanist Discussion Group, Vol. 6, No. 0006. Sunday, 10 May 1992.
(1) Date: Thu, 07 May 92 08:46:33 CDT (42 lines)
From: Charles Ess <DRU001D@SMSVMA>
Subject: "stewardship" and environment
(2) Date: Mon, 4 May 92 17:08:34 CDT (12 lines)
From: Michael Feld <feld@ccu.UManitoba.CA>
Subject: Reading list for Social Ethics
(3) Date: Wed, 6 May 1992 00:08 EST (16 lines)
From: JSCHWAR@BGSUOPIE.BITNET
Subject: Surfaces
(4) Date: Wed, 6 May 1992 15:17 EST (11 lines)
From: CHUCK TAYLOR <CTAYLOR@DESIRE.WRIGHT.EDU>
Subject: Grad Program Suggestions
(1) --------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thu, 07 May 92 08:46:33 CDT
From: Charles Ess <DRU001D@SMSVMA>
Subject: "stewardship" and environment
In a recent debate over a proposed environmental policy for our institution,
the words "steward" and "stewardship" -- as in "stewards of the environment"
-- raised several points of contention. As I see it, the objection to
such language rests on two points:
(a) "stewardship" can -- and for most of modern Western history, has --
served as justification for humanity's exploitation of, rather
than consideration for, the larger environment. Since the term
can be used so ambiguously, and in ways contrary to the intentions
of the policy, another term should be found;
(b) "stewardship" derives from the Biblical notion of "dominion" over
the natural order. While it is a point of debate in environmental
ethics whether such dominion _must_ mean, as it has in modern
history, exploitation -- a larger question is whether the
notion involved here of the relationship between the human and
the created order is overly Judeo-Christian in origin. It would
appear that Taoists, Buddhists, Shinto followers, Jains, and
others would reject such a notion as placing too great a distance
between humanity and a "disposable" nature. Still more broadly,
in an era of multiculturalism, do we want to use a notion (i.e.,
stewardship) which may "speak" only for people out of Jewish
and Christian traditions (I've never met a "Judeo-Christian"?).
I would appreciate the wisdom of HUMANIST readers on this issue: medievalists
may be able to point to a different understanding of the natural order
prior to modernity (i.e., Descartes and his "mastery and possession of
nature" motif); ethicists, theologians, religious studies folk, and anyone
else with something to contribute to this discussion are encouraged to do so.
It may be that this is a topic of sufficiently general interest to warrant
that replies be sent to HUMANIST -- but I will happily collect replies
sent directly to me and post them at a later date.
In continual befuddlement,
Charles Ess
Drury College
Springfield, MO 65802 USA
(2) --------------------------------------------------------------20----
Date: Mon, 4 May 92 17:08:34 CDT
From: Michael Feld <feld@ccu.UManitoba.CA>
Subject: Reading list for Social Ethics
I'd welcome help in compiling a list of articles to be included in a
collection of readings in comtemporary social ethics. Emphasis would
be on *practical* issues.
Recent classics like J.J. Thomson's "A Defence of Abortion" should be
the norm.
Topics would include, but need not be limited to: abortion,
punishment, family law, reverse discrimination, animal rights,
business ethics (whistle-blowing, etc.), censorship, etc.
(3) --------------------------------------------------------------24----
Date: Wed, 6 May 1992 00:08 EST
From: JSCHWAR@BGSUOPIE.BITNET
Subject: Surfaces
I need the address for the E-Journal Surfaces.
They sent out a very impressive pamphlet mentioning some really exciting
articles. When I recieved it, I attempted to retrieve the material by FTP,
according to their instructions. The Surfaces directories were empty.
I have since lost the electronic address. Does this publication exist?
Could someone post their address? Has anyone sucessfully gotten anything
from them?
Thanks.
Jeff Schwartz jschwar@opie.bgsu.edu
Dept. Of Popular Culture
Bowling Green State University
Bowing Green OH 43403
(4) --------------------------------------------------------------22----
Date: Wed, 6 May 1992 15:17 EST
From: CHUCK TAYLOR <CTAYLOR@DESIRE.WRIGHT.EDU>
Subject: Grad Program Suggestions
A graduate student here at Wright State is currently finishing a thesis
on "Angst" in Kierkegaard and Heidegger. He would like to pursue studies
in a Ph.D. program where he would be able to continue work om Heidegger
and Kierkegaard. Does anyone have suggestions about programs suited to
these interests?
Please post answers to HUMANIST or send e-mail to ctaylor@wsu[BITNET] or
ctaylor@desire.wright[INTERNET]