The premise of this chapter is as follows: science has played a major role in transforming our Western worldviews, specifically the Western perception of nature/wilderness. In this text, Oeschlaeger discusses the evolution of the term nature, and how it is perceived throughout history (beginning at the Middle Ages) by society. Oeschlaeger states that nature is seen as mythless and infinitely plastic in today’s society.
The author compares medieval and Christian perspectives on nature. The medieval perspective perceives nature as representing the glory of god, and the Christian perspective views nature as something that must be tamed. These conflicting views share similarities to the concepts in William Cronon’s Uncommon Ground: Rethinking
The author compares medieval and Christian perspectives on nature. The medieval perspective perceives nature as representing the glory of god, and the Christian perspective views nature as something that must be tamed. These conflicting views share similarities to the concepts in William Cronon’s Uncommon Ground: Rethinking