This volume is themed around the interdependent relationship between humans and the environment, an important topic in the work of Corrie Bakels. How do environmental constraints and opportunities influence human behaviour and what is the human impact on the ecology and appearance of the landscape? And what can archaeological knowledge contribute to the current discussions about the use, arrangement and depletion of our (local) environment?
First published in 1864, Marsh's ominous warnings inspired environmental conservation and reform. By linking culture with nature, science with history, "Man and Nature" was the most influential text of its time next to Darwin's "On the Origin of Species."
"How the environment causes, or contributes to, psychic and social conflict is frequently discussed. Less often considered is the theme developed in this Pelican by Professor Rapoport--that human conflict intimately affects the 'symbolic' environment, which may be a more powerful determinant of man's condition than pollution, war or urbanization. By 'symbolic' environment is meant the whole non-material body of knowledge, science, art, history, language, beliefs and ideas which human intelligence has amassed. Outlining various theories of aggression, progress, evolution and the struggle for existence, Professor Rapoport examines in detail the systemic philosophies advanced by Hobbes, Hegel, Clausewitz, Marx, Lenin and the modern 'think-tanks'. He concludes--in a book which from the start is concerned with the functioning of systems--that the 'mind' of a system, backed by power, may be disastrously different from the psychology of any of its members. In this context Professor Rapoport detects a gleam of hope in the growing scepticism about all and any concentrations of power"--Back cover.
"This book explores the complex processes and features of mountain environments: glaciers, snow and avalanches, landforms, weather and climate, vegetation, soils, and wildlife. A major section analyzes the effects of latitudinal position on these processes and features. There is also an investigation of the origin of mountains, our attitudes towards them, and their manifold implications for us."--Inside front jacket.
Man and His Environment, Volume 2 covers the proceedings of the Second International Banff Conference of Man and His Environment, held in Banff Springs Hotel, Alberta, Canada on May 19-22, 1974. The conference addresses the broad environmental issues in relation to man and his natural environment. This book is organized into six sessions encompassing 17 chapters. The first session deals with the continuing development of the Canadian mineral resources and the role of the National Energy Board in the country's energy management. This session also provides an overview of the world hydrocarbon energy resources. The second session discusses various problems in overpopulated and industrially and technologically underdeveloped countries and developments in the environmental restraints on production practices to protect the environment. The subsequent two sessions look into the effects of human activities on his environment. Topics covered in these sessions include the use and misuse of technology; social, economic, and political impact of urbanization; and government environmental policies. The concluding sessions outline the ethical structure of Western Society and the development of a theoretical model of public morality. These topics are followed by discussions on the essential nature of the environmental problems and the systematic relations between the Western culture and Western environment.
