SRS 2172 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Taoism, Genetic Engineering

• School: University of Ottawa
• Department: Religious Studies
• Course: SRS 2172
• Professor: Anne Vallely

Document Summary

Humanities surrounds have perpetually been seen as either a gift or a problem. They were our sources of sustenance they were seen as a gift. But when nature has it"s own integrity, purpose, and value they it is seen as a problem. In western monolithic religions nature is seen as god"s creation, and ultimately his property. Once divine ownership is acknowledged, we had the full right to use that property for our own advancement. Indigenous traditions for the most part saw the natural world as peopled by beings with whom it was necessary to cultivate mutually respectful relationships. Daoism viewed humans as an essential part of nature, eschewing as well any xed distinction between the mind, soul, or body. In hinduism, the entire universe is god, and for buddism reincarnation as an animal in a future life is fully compatible with being a human in this one.