Graduation Date
1995
Document Type
Thesis
Program
Other
Program
Arts
Committee Chair Name
Dr. William Devall
Committee Chair Affiliation
Cal Poly Humboldt Faculty or Staff
Second Committee Member Name
Dr. Elizabeth Watson
Third Committee Member Name
Dr. Susan Bicknell
Keywords
Art
Subject Categories
Art
Abstract
This thesis is a review of literature relating to the concept of sustainability. Political and philosophical underpinnings of the current use of the terms ‘sustainability’ and ‘sustainable development’ are discussed. The Malthusian debate over ‘natural limits’ is identified as the starting point for the development of the modern concepts. The debate is traced from Malthus’ Essay on Population to the present day. The contemporary debate is then explored in greater depth, focusing on economics, environmental ethics and technology, leading to the conclusion that what underlies current problems identified as ‘environmental’ is a culture based on domination. The culture responds to crisis with a self-defeating attempt to increase control. The rhetoric of sustainability contains elements of both a world-view that seeks domination, and a world-view that seeks reconciliation. This tension is both a strength and a weakness.
Recommended Citation
Dresner, SImon J., "The Philosophy and Politics of the Concept of Sustainability" (1995). Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects. 2367.
https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/etd/2367