Jaidan Brass - Eisenberg on What is Nature (12/04)

  Chapter 6: "Life on the Edge" was another chapter I presented on. Chapter 6 ask the question that we've talked about in class a couple of time. For example, 'what does nature mean, 'what is natural,' 'what is human nature,' and 'how can something be natural.' It is hard to explain what exactly nature is, and it can differ based on the individual using it. Eisenberg begins by stating that earlier usage of the word did not have any particular connection with the outdoors or the wilderness. He then states that we are a part of nature also means we have nature ourselves. Eisenberg also argues that many things are natural, like farming and progress, because it is a part of our human nature. He states farming did not come from evolution, so it had to be started due to human nature. He states things like our instinct to nurture, manipulate, and have a predictable environment can lead us to do things that can be considered natural. He also connects natural actions, such as farming, as cultural as well as natural.

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