Balancing Human and Environmental Value

What does Princess Mononoke contribute to the conversation about balancing economic development and environmental values as raised by William Fisher’s essay “Sacred Rivers, Sacred Dams” in This Sacred Earth? How do we know if we have the right balance? How might the concept of balance become a license to harm the environment? How might an emphasis on environmental concerns blind us to human needs? How would the character Ashitaka from Princess Mononoke answer these questions?

Review your classmates’ posts. As you think about this prompt, consider arguing a position that is not your own. Try to be as fair to that position as possible and utilize the strongest critique you can in relation to the position that you actually hold. Remember that all opinions should be backed with as much logical reasoning and factual evidence as one can gather.

Attend discussion on at least four separate days, and post a total of 800 words. There is no required word count for individual posts as long as all your posts together total 800 words. Nor is there a minimum number of posts, but you must post on at least four separate days by Day 7.