During the past two centuries, the desire to conquer nature has often seemed synonymous with progress. Dam the rivers, drain the swamps, harvest the forests and bring all plants and animals under human control – such counsel seemed eminently sensible. … Continue reading →

In the common sense sequence, one begins by asking: What are our needs? What fundamental purposes define our inquiries? After the basic social ends have been clarified, compared, debated and evaluated, we then move on to make choices among existing … Continue reading →

As a general matter, technologies should be judged superior if the consequences of their use are reversible. Some common projections about the outcomes of some chemical or nuclear technologies point to effects that could never be recalled from the environment … Continue reading →