By: patagonia

patagonia — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:44:52 +0000

I find it interesting the way you have applied predicting regime shifts of the environment to those in medicine. I think the principle may be the same but the framework of how we look at these two different things (environment and medicine) are very different. As we have discussed in depth, we lack an environmental framework or paradigm from which to base our actions, adaptations, conservation strategies, ethics, etc. that inevitably effect the environment and all living things supported by it. In contrast, there is a long history of medical ethic, law, codes of conduct and a general framework (Judeo-Christian) which governs medical research and practice. This is a generalization, but many people do not view environmental regime shifts or collapse with the same personal attachment, understanding or fear with which they consider human medical regime shifts, collapse (i.e.e illness and death). It is similar to the way we discussed applying ethics to nature being opposed by our inherently anthropogenic outlook on the world and all things is it; most humans would value a human life over a plant, an ocean, an ecosystem function. So, I believe it all comes down to the need for an environmental world view; a guiding paradigm that will guide humans in their ethics, understanding, coexistence and dependence with the environment.

Comments on: Indicators of regime shifts – potential uses in medicine

By: patagonia