Environmental Ethics Forum

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS FORUM
with William Dvorak

How can we live without violating natural ecosystems? Now that we know a lot about ecology and our human impact, what do we personally do with that knowledge? Also, we know how humans have evolved through tool use and fire use to alter the planet into the Anthropocene Era that we’re in now — disrupting Gaia’s delicate self-regulating mechanisms. We know that the average American discharges 20 tons of CO2 per year plus many other toxins with the rest of humanity trailing behind but eager to catch up. What ethical standards have we assigned ourselves in this predicament? What should we strive for? Shall we write a new Ten Commandments appropriate to our ecological awareness? How has human behavior, including our own, been influenced in the past toward a greater good? What guidelines can we give ourselves intelligently, if any? Let’s share any personal insights or convictions we have arrived at through the rocky road of life. Are the concepts of guilt or shame applicable in any way? Please bring your ideas about your individual self, your local community, the nation, and the planet. We will start with a round robin format where each person speaks one at a time without interruption. Then we’ll follow this with an open discussion.

Humanist Hall is wheelchair accessible around the corner at 411 28th Street

$5 donations are expected