Reference no: EM132780438 , Length: Word count:-1500

Tree huggers are often ridiculed. In this society, loving the natural world--really feeling connected--is not exactly encouraged. But if we accept the ecological and philosophical principle of the "biotic community," then should we not ask, what kind of relationship are we having? How should we feel? What are our duties and obligations to fellow members? If we truly understand the ecological basis of our existence, these questions are not really optional, but essential.

Imagine that you are engaged in a conversation with a group of high school seniors about to graduate. Let's imagine they are "the next generation," and you are in a position to teach them, to help them transcend the limitations of social conditioning. You are going to teach them to think more critically.

As most of us did, they are growing up in a civilization that has little regard or understanding for the environment on which it depends. They have no substantial sense of a land or environmental ethic. Their values and principles when it comes to the natural world are hazy, undeveloped, and confused. And yet, they know that there is an environmental crisis, that humans are hastening climate change, and that their future is uncertain.

Problem 1: What is our ethical obligation to the environment, our biotic community?