Chapter.4: Integral Ecology

1. Why does Francis argue that “we are faced not with two separate crises, one environmental and the other social, but rather with one complex crisis which is both social and environmental”?

2. What would it mean to have “an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature?” (139)

3. Why does Francis think it is important for us to understand ecosystems and our relationship to them (140)?

4. Why do we “urgently need a humanism capable of bringing together the different fields of knowledge, including economics, in the service of a more integral and interesting vision”? (141)

5. Francis speaks of an “integral ecology” that combines environmental (138-140), economic ,social and cultural ecologies(141-143). What does he mean? How does it work?

6. How does the environment of our homes, work place, and neighbourhoods affect our quality of life?

7. How does poverty, overcrowding, lack of open spaces, and poor housing affect the poor (149)? Why are these environmental issues?

8. What does Francis mean by “the common good” (156)?

9. What are the consequences of seeing the earth as a gift that we have freely received and must share with others and that also belongs to those who will follow us (159)?

10. “What is the purpose of our life in this world? Why are we here? What is the goal of our work and all our efforts? What need does the earth have of us? (160)

11. Why does Francis say, “Doomsday predictions can no longer be met with irony or disdain? (161)?

12. What does Francis mean when he says, “An ethical and culture decline… has accompanied the deterioration of the environment” (162)?

Chapter 5. Lines of approach and action. What is to be done?

1. The word “dialogue” is repeated throughout this chapter. What does it mean and why does Francis think it is important?
2. Francis speaks of the need for a global consensus for confronting problems. Why is it needed, and how is it going to be achieved? (164)
3. Why does he think that “the post-industrial period may well be remembered as one of the most irresponsible in history”? (165)
4. What does Francis see as the successes and failures of the global response to environmental issues? (166-169)
5. What international strategies does Francis oppose in responding to the environmental crisis (170-171), and which does he support (172)?
6. Francis argues, “The same mindset which stands in the way of making radical decisions to reverse the trend of global warming also stands in the way of achieving the goal of eliminating poverty” (175) What is this mindset?
7. “Given the real potential for a misuse of human abilities, “Francis argues, “individual states can no longer ignore their responsibility for planning, coordination, oversight and enforcement within their respective borders” (177) What does that mean for the United States?
8. “The Church does not presume to settle scientific questions or replace politics, “Francis says. “But I am concerned to encourage an honest and open debate so that particular interests or ideologies will nor prejudice the common good”(188). What is the proper role of the church in political, economic and environmental issues?
9. Francis is critical of many business practices, has no faith in the marketplace to safeguard the environment, and sees a robust role for government in the regulation of the economy and protecting the environment. How will Americans respond to this? How do You?
10. What does Francis mean when he says, “There is a need to change “models of global development” (194? What is wrong with the current models? What would the new models look like?
11. What are the separate roles of religion and science, and how can they dialogue and work together (199-201)?