Ray wrote:
>
> Hello Chris Perley,
>
> It seems to me that the "Bambi" image is helpful for children -
> and adults -
> to see nonhumans in a different light.  Not *just* as objects for
> human use,
> but as life that has some significance in itself and, indeed,
> something that
> is recognizable in oneself as a human.
>
> Then the challenge for educators, it seems to me, is to incorporate, for
> example, that sense into a more complex understanding of the role of
> "predator/prey" in Mother Nature's system.  Into the Darwinian theory,
> extinction process, human-nature-relationship....  Does this make sense to
> you?

The trouble, as I see it Ray, is that the first image of the anthropomorphed
Bambi is so diametrically opposed to the point you make in your second para
about learning about nature.  I endorse your second para fully.  As to the
first, your comment that Bambi allows us to see non-humans in different
light rather than "objects for human use" is a moot point.  If that
"different light" involves a move away from exploitative object (fine with
me) to one that is an overly aesthete, anthropomorph - such that its death
means murder - then that different light is - I think - hugely problematic
for a workable environmental ethic.  In fact the whole focus on individuals
such as Bambi and his mother - both hghly intelligent sentient beings who
are chums with all the other creatures - is very harmful.

Why cannot we teach the second para first, while allowing people to see the
grandeur in this environment to which we all belong.  As to Bambi - rate it
R18.

Chris


> Sincerely,
>
> Ray
> ----------
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Chris Perley" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2001 6:24 PM
> Subject: Anthropocentrism? Biocentrism? Ecocentrism?
>
>
> > I'm with you Ray.  Their definition of biocentrism states a focus on
> > individual "organisms" - anthropocentric utilitarianism writ
> large on all
> > Bambis.  The ecosystem is where it is at.  Excellent ideas
> presented here.
> > Key is to include people as part of the ecosystem.  Biocentrism can IMHO
> > lead people to still make judgments form outside it (don't kill Bambi,
> don't
> > cut the tree, learn to live on air, etc.)
> >
> > Chris P
> >