The Harvard Seminar on Environmental Values Seminar Theme 1997-1998 Water -- Symbol and Substance of Life: Toward a New Environmental Ethic

      Scientists have long asserted the vital importance of a truth we all know on some level to be common sense: without water, there is no life. With water, there is at least the possibility of life -- both here on Earth, and perhaps, as some now speculate, elsewhere in the cosmos.

      Given its fundamental role for all human survival and the antiquity of our cultural reflection on its importance, one might have expected humans to have developed a broad consensus of thought or a measure of cumulative wisdom about water usage in the ecosystem. But what we might call a water ethic -- a set of common understandings, shared values and widely-accepted norms governing how humans ought to behave with reference to water -- does not appear to be widely operative in contemporary human affairs. Water itself is far from uniformly appreciated. Some cultures extol its value as priceless, while others behave as if it were worthless.

      Research scientists tell us that we are not likely to thrive or survive for long into the next century without careful reflection, deliberate public policy and timely action to protect Earth's water resources. We live on what has been called the "water planet," yet over 99% of Earth's water is either saline or frozen. Humankind depends upon the remaining 1% for its survival. Competition for that 1% has already become intense in many parts of the world, and even those who live in water-abundant regions are becoming conscious of water as a precious asset. Beyond valuing water sources, however, we are only just beginning to become aware of the down-stream impact that our water habits are having upon whole communities of life-forms that inhabit pond, lake, stream, river, estuary and marine environments, some of which may prove vital for our own survival. In addition to its role as the substance and medium for all life-forms, water needs to be respected as a geologic force. In the face of recent extreme weather events, cultures around the world are realizing with renewed awe that as humans we did not create nor can we control the hydrologic cycle. This can be a sobering recognition for technological cultures, accustomed to the illusion of dominance over nature. The multiple roles that water plays in the evolving climate system are being investigated with an eye to the future. Any shift in climate is likely to involve new patterns of global water distribution, and these new circumstances will in turn require humankind to devise new habits, policies and ethical norms to govern water usage.

      Because of the salience of these issues the Harvard Seminar on Environmental Values is focusing its deliberations this year on the theme: Water -- Symbol and Substance of Life: Toward a New Environmental Ethic. We intend to explore water not only as a scientific topic or engineering problem, but also as a living symbol with a long history in the western and other cultural traditions.

      Devising effective public policy on environmental matters requires a reassessment of deeply held cultural values. The sustained renewal of values in any realm of environmental concern stems ultimately from a fresh encounter with the fundamental conditions of human existence in the ecosystem. This year's Seminar topic makes this reflection possible, and it provides scientists, humanists, policy analysts, business people, government officials, and environmentalists a timely forum for deliberation on the important new task of developing an environmental ethic for water.

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Seminar Schedule

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	Day	Event	Time and Location or Contact Information

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Fall Semester 1997

October 28 Tuesday

Harvard Seminar on Environmental Values Dr. Michael O'Laughlin, Dianne McMenamin and Professor Mark McMenamin -- "Out of the Depths: The Science and Theology of Water" (Some Readings and Research Resources)

For information contact Tim Weiskel tel. 496-5208

November 25 Tuesday

Harvard Seminar on Environmental Values Professor Robert France, Harvard Graduate School of Design and Dr. Robert Steedman Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources -- "The Integrity of Water: A Unifying Principle for Linking Ethics, Science and Management?" (Some Readings and Research Resources)

For information contact Tim Weiskel tel. 496-5208

December 16 Tuesday

Harvard Seminar on Environmental Values Professor Stephan Chorover and Dr. Stella Humpheries, M.I.T. -- "Learning from Water: An Educational Resource for Sustainability" (Some Readings and Research Resources)

For information contact Tim Weiskel tel. 496-5208

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Spring Semester 1998

February 17 Tuesday

Harvard Seminar on Environmental Values Robert L. Zimmerman, Jr., Executive Director, Charles River Watershed Association -- "Water Resource Sustainability: Issues and Opportunities." (Some Readings and Research Resources)

For information contact Tim Weiskel tel. 496-5208

March 17 Tuesday

Harvard Seminar on Environmental Values Dr. Jerry Schubel - President, New England Aquarium, "It All Comes Together at the Coast," and Dr. Paul R. Epstein - Associate Director, Center for Health and the Global Environment "Water, Health and Climate Change." (Some Readings and Research Resources)

For information contact Tim Weiskel tel. 496-5208

April 21 Tuesday

Harvard Seminar on Environmental Values Professor Lawrence Buell, John P. Marquand Professor of English, Harvard University, "Water as Ethical Symbol: Symbol-Making and Environmental Action." (Some Readings and Research Resources).

For information contact Tim Weiskel tel. 496-5208

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Dr. Timothy C. Weiskel
Director, Harvard Seminar on Environmental Values
56 Francis Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138

or call:

tel. 617-496-5208

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