Here's a summarized translation of the provided Wikipedia article on Arcadian Ecology:
Arcadian Ecology: A Harmonious Vision of Nature
Arcadian ecology is a school of thought, named after the Arcady region of Greece, that emphasizes a harmonious and balanced relationship between humans and the natural world. It's rooted in the idea of peaceful coexistence, drawing inspiration from works like Gilbert White's "Natural History of Selborne," which promotes a benevolent view of nature and highlights the interconnectedness of living organisms. This perspective serves as a counterpoint to "Imperial ecology," which views nature as a resource to be managed and dominated for human benefit (utilitarianism). The tension between these two views reflects a long-standing debate about humanity's role in the environment, influencing figures like Henry David Thoreau and Charles Darwin, and continuing to shape contemporary environmental ethics and policy.
The historical foundations of Arcadian ecology lie in various cultural traditions, including the Renaissance appreciation for landscapes and wilderness. It explicitly criticizes the "resourcism" and "reductionism" inherent in Imperial ecology, viewing natural disasters like the Dust Bowl as direct consequences of a dominating approach to nature. A significant aspect of Arcadian thought involves a focus on the human-animal relationship, highlighting animal rights and the ethical treatment of animals. This aspect built upon work by Keith Tomas and Lynn White and other thinkers, emphasizing a shift from viewing animals as existing solely for human use to recognizing the need for harmonious coexistence.
The ethical and political dimensions of Arcadian ecology are central to ongoing environmental discussions. The article highlights how this is not a new issue, using Aldo Leopold's mid-20th-century call to "live on the land without spoiling it" and Rachel Carson's critique of unreflective science as examples of earlier expressions of this concern. The summary draws attention to long term implications of the debate and how it has the potential to shape nature in the future.
The article explores the Arcadian/Imperial dichotomy through the lens of United States conservation history. The establishment of National Parks and environmental legislation like the National Environmental Policy Act and the Endangered Species Act are presented as examples of Arcadian principles in action. However, the article also acknowledges the U.S.'s history of resource exploitation and its large ecological footprint. The Hetch Hetchy controversy, where John Muir's preservationist views clashed with Gifford Pinchot's utilitarian approach to water resource management, exemplifies the core conflict between Arcadian and Imperial perspectives.
Finally, the article points to the inherent subjectivity in assessing environmental success. It contrasts the views of an economic historian who sees U.S. development as a success story fueled by resource utilization with those of an environmental philosopher who views the same history as one of costly environmental destruction. This contrast underscores the ongoing challenge of defining humanity's place within the natural world and the enduring relevance of the Arcadian/Imperial debate.