Env Stds 375: Ecosocial advocacy

QUESTIONS IN THE ANALYSIS OF ECOSOCIAL ACTIVISM

for analysis of case studies and for articulating your own philosophy of activism

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In preparing for class discussion and in writing your paper on your ecosocial philosophy, keep in mind the following components and questions. They are not exhaustive; other components and questions are also important. In addition, you do not need to talk or write about each one, but you should keep them all in mind.

 

TYPES OF ACTIVISM

What are the different types of activism, and what relative value do they have?

  • Ameliorating the symptoms in diverse ways (e.g., ecological restoration, women’s shelters).
  • Working for legislation aimed at reducing or eliminating problems (e.g., pollution regulations, living wage standards).
  • Engaging in various types of direct action (e.g., marches, ecotage)
  • Developing positive alternatives (e.g., bioregionalism, local living economies).
  • Transforming consciousness (e.g., deep ecology, ecofeminist spirituality).
APPROACHES TO ACTIVISM

What are the different approaches to activism, and how should we evaluate them?

Is civil disobedience ever justified? If so what kind and when? What kind is not justified; what circumstances is it not justified?

Is any form of violence ever justified? Iif so what kind and when? What kind is not justified; what circumstances is it not justified?

What should be the attitude toward public knowledge of one’s activism? Should one always be open about one’s actions? Is it justified to attempt to hide one’s actions?

If the activism is considered illegal, what should be one’s attitude toward punishment? Willingly embrace the punishment and be a model prisoner? Accept punishment if one can’t avoid it through legal and political means? Do what it takes to avoid punishment?

What should one’s attitude be toward the opponent: rage against the machine, love thy enemy, recognition of inter-causation (Buddhism)?

What should be the goal in terms of the opponent? Gain power over the opponent? Seek to convert the opponent?

What should one’s attitude be toward the effect of one’s actions? Insistence on victory? Hope? Detachment?

What should one’s attitude be toward different approaches? Monist and universalist: we should seek to have one right approach in all cases? Contextual and pluralistic: different approaches are appropriate for different situations? Relativistic: we must respect and not judge the approaches taken by different cultures and peoples?

 

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT BASES OF ACTIVISM, AND HOW SHOULD WE EVALUATE THEM?

What different social philosophies underlie activism, and what is their relative merit?

  • Feminism?
  • Anarchism/social ecology?
  • Neo-Marxism/socialist ecology?
  • Liberalism?
  • Libertarianism?
  • etc.

What different ethical views underlie activism, and what is their relative merit?

  • Utilitarian?
  • Deontological?
  • Natural rights?
  • Virtue ethics?
  • Deep ecology/transpersonal ethics?
  • Ecofeminist ethics?
  • etc.

What forms of spirituality can form the basis of activism, and what is their relative merit?

  • Christian liberation theology?
  • Spiritual deep ecology?
  • Ecofeminist spirituality?
  • Buddhism?
  • Native American?
  • etc.

 

 

 

 

 

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Last updated: March 14, 2007