Ecological Literacy David Orr Summary
In the article “Ecological Literacy: Education and the Transition to a Postmodern World,” David Orr (1992) presents his argument about the lack of emphasis on ecological literacy by our education system and how this discrepancy can be bad for society as a whole. Orr (1992) precedes his argument with an explanation of ecological literacy, and its importance in the lives of all people. He claims that just as regular literacy and mathematical skills are vital to everyday life, so is ecological literacy, the only difference being that ecological literacy is virtually untaught in our society. Orr’s (1992) central theory is based upon his belief that, “by failing to include ecological perspectives in any number of subjects, students are taught that
…show more content…
He claims that modern attitudes, by their very nature, work against the concept of ecological literacy. Children are taught through television “that the earth is theirs for the taking” (Orr, 1992, p. 300). I agree with Orr (1992) in that modern faith in technology has reached the point where people believe that scientists will devise some plan to stop global warming and create new wells of energy to fuel their lives, before the earth becomes a toxic hell. Orr’s (1992) claim that these types of attitudes do indeed work against ecological literacy is sustained by my own experience. I grew up thinking it would not matter what kind of food I ate or how I exercised, because I thought science would create a cheap, painless way to lose weight by the time I would have to worry about it. But now, I can see the effects of my slowing metabolism and I know that healthy eating habits and proper maintenance of my body are the best way to move into the future, just as taking preventive measures to keep the earth healthy, is clearly a better choice than waiting for a perfect solution to arise. Many people share my postmodern mindset and view the environment in a similar way to how I used to view my health. “[Ecology’s] goal is not just comprehension of work the world works, but, in the light of that knowledge, a life lived accordingly” (Orr, 1992, p.
He claims that modern attitudes, by their very nature, work against the concept of ecological literacy. Children are taught through television “that the earth is theirs for the taking” (Orr, 1992, p. 300). I agree with Orr (1992) in that modern faith in technology has reached the point where people believe that scientists will devise some plan to stop global warming and create new wells of energy to fuel their lives, before the earth becomes a toxic hell. Orr’s (1992) claim that these types of attitudes do indeed work against ecological literacy is sustained by my own experience. I grew up thinking it would not matter what kind of food I ate or how I exercised, because I thought science would create a cheap, painless way to lose weight by the time I would have to worry about it. But now, I can see the effects of my slowing metabolism and I know that healthy eating habits and proper maintenance of my body are the best way to move into the future, just as taking preventive measures to keep the earth healthy, is clearly a better choice than waiting for a perfect solution to arise. Many people share my postmodern mindset and view the environment in a similar way to how I used to view my health. “[Ecology’s] goal is not just comprehension of work the world works, but, in the light of that knowledge, a life lived accordingly” (Orr, 1992, p.