On Mon, 13 Nov 1995, Bruce Metelerkamp wrote:
> How can dominant forces be wrong? Has evolution not dictated that
> those who are strongest survive? Why then the hooha over the
> changes that accompany this present evolution of social culture
> and civilisation? How do we know what is "wrong" when it comes to
> choosing between old-growth forests and plastic furniture? The
> answer is that we "just do".
Hi Bruce,
I'm not sure where your comment was aimed, but I shall comment on the
sentiment above. It is true that evolution, a mindless mechanism, has
produced a wonderful variety of species and ecosystems. If you mean to
extrapolate from this fact to the notion that we should also behave in a
mindless manner in economics, resource use, or organisation of our
societies, then I disagree. We have the ability to reason and to make
predictions about the results of our actions. This sets us apart from
the evolutionary mechanism which can only react to results after they
have occured.
The same applies in forestry (he says in a desparate attempt to get back
on topic), where we shouldn't ignore the likely consequences of our
actions because of some notion of "might makes right".
Regards,
Euan
==================================================================
Dr Euan G. Mason Silviculture, Modelling and
Lecturer in Silviculture Decision-support systems
School of Forestry
University of Canterbury New Zealand's professional
Christchurch, New Zealand Forestry School
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