As to biodiversity and stuff...
I propose a step back from philosophy into reality: Yes, it's stupid to argue for
static
conservation of the current state of things. Yes, species have to disapear. But there
is a problem now, and the problem is the RATE of destruction which can in no way
be mascaraded as normal or sustainable. Maybe this rate has happend a few
times in our Planet's history because of catastrophic circumstances So what?
Whether we are the result of Evolution or the creation of the Almighty, we are not
alike most other living beigns because our numbers are not limited by the amount
of food we can *find*. AFAIK, few species share that with us and those who do aren't
clever enough to apply their abilities to diverse environments and their influence is
therefore limited. Recently we have found ways to modify genetic code but this is
hardly something fundamentally new. We have been hacking our environment for a
good number of thousand years.
We have the ability to observe and think. And we signed no contract with any
obscure force binding us to be "custodians", "gods", or niche maximizers, even
less genetic maniplulators.
We will never "get full control of biodiversity" and we are currently unable to match
the ability of biodiversity left alone to create life-sustaining infrastructure. As to
genetic engineering, even if we were capable to learn how DNA works, we do not
have the time to do it because the civilization sustaining genetics faces the risk of
extinction at short notice. So yes, for now it would not be a bad idea to leave nature
alone as much as we can not because of philiosophy but because we want to
survive. The point is not to "stop change" but to slow it because the current
"change" is no good.
Mark, I'd rather not see such an obscene things as people from our civilization
becoming "the inventors of future evolution and future biodiversity". What I've seen
so far does not bode well.
Mark, your technological arrogance is part of the problem. We are faced by a huge
problem caused by mindless technology and you're asking for another mindless
technological fix. Even if we did have the potential to apply genetics intelligently,
our culture is not yet ready.
Julien
BTW, why should the second law of thermodynamics apply to the Earth? It's not a
closed system. Specifically, there's the sun up there (hopefully).
_______________________________________________
Crashlist resources: http://website.lineone.net/~resource_base
To change your options or unsubscribe go to:
http://lists.wwpublish.com/mailman/listinfo/crashlist
