Write a three to four-page double-spaced essay (1000 to 2000 words) giving your reflections on the reading from Marica Bjornerud’s article on “Geology Makes You Time-Literate: A scientist tells us how her field instills timefulness”, and other course readings and videos for this week on the Earth, Deep Time, and Anthropocentrism. These are your thoughts and reflections, but be sure to address the questions listed below as you write your essay.
At least two brief supportive quotes (40 words or less per quote) from the readings must be used, placed properly in quotation marks, and with abbreviated citation in parentheses following each quote. While students may consult other materials on the Internet, as need be, no sources beyond the course module readings and videos are to be quoted. All quotes must be explained for the relevance to your essay argument or analysis.
A list of Works Cited with full reference information must be given at the end of the essay (use MLA requirements).
The essay is to be written in MS Word format and uploaded into Canvas using the link provided in the module. The essay is to be double-spaced with 11 or 12 pt. font (Arial, Calibri, or Verdana).
[1] From Bjornerud’s analysis and your own reflections, give several reasons for chronophobia that make time, and especially deep time, so difficult for people to face honestly.
[2] Explain how Bjornerud uses Descartes’ thought-experiment about “Being” (reality) as “real or an elaborate illusion created by a malevolent demon or god” (A Call for Timefulness, 2018, p.8). In what ways, if any, do you see deep time earth history and the place of humans in it, as a challenge to some religious worldviews and/or to the dominate worldview of modern global capitalism?
[3] In Bjornerud’s analysis, what is the difference between the so-called “pure” sciences and the science of geology. How does she connect the passion for pure science to Plato? And what do you think about her value judgment on prioritizing some sciences as pure and some as not?
[4] In light of this week’s materials on deep earth history, timefulness, and anthropocentric worldviews, search your own views and explain what you think now would be a more informed and honest view for yourself to take on humans, their place in the world, and their responsibilities toward the future.
Bjornerud’s article: https://nautil.us/geology-makes-you-time_literate-237196/
