Catastrophic Thinking: Extinction and the Value of Diversity from Darwin to the Anthropocene

The history of scientific ideas about extinction over the past two hundred years has influenced Western society's approach to biological and cultural diversity, leading to a fascination with diversity as a precious resource. This fascination is due to our sense that diverse ecosystems and societies are precarious and their loss could have profound consequences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 06 December 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

The looming threat of mass extinction has become a constant reminder in our modern world, driven by scientists, media, and popular culture. We are told that human activities are causing a sixth mass extinction, potentially even more significant than the previous five geological catastrophes that have radically altered life on Earth. The possibility of the human species becoming extinct, like the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, is a genuine concern.

How we interpret the causes and consequences of extinction and their moral implications are deeply intertwined with the cultural values of a particular historical era. As David Sepkoski reveals, the history of scientific ideas about extinction over the past two hundred years has played a significant role in shaping how Western society approaches biological and cultural diversity. While the intrinsic value of diverse ecosystems and societies is widely recognized, the current fascination with diversity is a relatively recent phenomenon.

It is important to note that the way we value diversity is significantly influenced by our perception that it is fragile and at risk of loss. This sense of vulnerability creates a sense of urgency and motivates us to protect and preserve these valuable resources. In his book, Catastrophic Thinking, Sepkoski explores how and why we learned to value diversity as a precious resource while simultaneously developing a catastrophic mindset regarding extinction.

One of the key insights of Sepkoski's work is that the concept of extinction has evolved over time. In the past, extinction was often seen as a natural process that shaped the evolution of life on Earth. However, with the rise of modern science and the increasing awareness of the impact of human activities on the environment, extinction has become more closely associated with human actions and their consequences.

As a result, the way we think about extinction has shifted. We now recognize that extinction is not just a natural phenomenon but a human-made one. This shift in perspective has led to a renewed emphasis on conservation and the preservation of biodiversity.

Sepkoski argues that the catastrophic mindset regarding extinction has been instrumental in driving this shift in perspective. By thinking catastrophically about extinction, we are more likely to take action to prevent it from occurring. This includes measures such as habitat protection, sustainable resource management, and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.

However, the catastrophic mindset regarding extinction also has its limitations. Sepkoski warns that it can lead to a sense of complacency and a failure to recognize the ongoing threats to biodiversity. He suggests that we need to develop a more nuanced and balanced approach to conservation that recognizes the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of human well-being.

In conclusion, the history of scientific ideas about extinction has played a crucial role in shaping our understanding of diversity and its value. By learning to think catastrophically about extinction, we have become more motivated to protect and preserve these precious resources. However, we must also recognize the limitations of this mindset and develop a more nuanced and balanced approach to conservation that recognizes the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of human well-being.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226829524