Wilderness

1.         Why might someone argue there is no nature left on earth “the end of nature? What definition of nature does this involve? Is this a plausible understanding of nature?

2.         According to the U.S. Wilderness Act, what role should humans play in wilderness? How does the act define a wilderness (and people’s relationship to it)?

3.         What are some of the typical reasons that people have for opposing wilderness designation?

4.         Explain the argument according to which wilderness would actually be helped if people had a greater tolerance toward human presence in wilderness. Do you agree with this argument?

5.         What are (were) some people doing to try to block wilderness designation of land in their region?

6.         Explain the argument that says rather than keeping our hands off wilderness areas what they need is more hands on management. What are some examples of active human management that are being done to protect wild areas and species. Why is this a problem for the idea of wilderness?

7.         What are some reasons some give for the idea that wilderness is a confused concept? Why do they think it promotes an unhealthy relationship between humans and nature?

8.         What is “Pleistocene Rewilding?” What does it involve? What are some of the arguments in its favor? Do you favor it? Why or why not? What is the relationship between American pronghorn antelope and cheetahs?

9.         Describe the debate among environmentalists over whether to put solar panels in the Mojave Desert? What are two environmental values that conflict in this case?

10.       Describe the case concerning Douglas Thomkins’ attempt to create a National Park in Chile. What lessons can be learned from this?