The Usufructuary Ethos: Power, Politics, and Environment in the Long Eighteenth Century

English writers of the 17th and 18th centuries believed that humans had only the usufruct of the earth, the right of temporary possession, use, or enjoyment of the advantages of property belonging to another. This belief, known as the usufructuary ethos, had profound ethical implications for the ethics of power and use and resonated with contemporary debates about our human responsibilities to the natural world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 21 May 2021
Publisher: University of Virginia Press

Rewritten text:

In a fascinating exploration of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century environmental thought, Erin Drew reveals an overlooked thread of thought that contended that human beings had only the usufruct of the earth – the right of temporary possession, use, or enjoyment of the advantages of property belonging to another, so long as it was done without causing damage or prejudice. This belief, known as the usufructuary ethos, held profound ethical implications for the English understanding of the ethics of power and use.

Drew's book traces the evolution of the usufructuary ethos from the religious and legal writings of the seventeenth century to the poems of colonial commerce in the mid-eighteenth century. She carefully examines the specific political, economic, and environmental pressures that shaped, transformed, and ultimately marginalized this belief system. While The Usufructuary Ethos is a study of past ideas, it resonates with contemporary debates about our human responsibilities to the natural world in the face of climate change and mass extinction.

The usufructuary ethos challenged the traditional notion of absolute ownership and control over the natural world. It emphasized the need for humans to exercise their power and use resources responsibly, recognizing that their actions could have long-term consequences for the environment and other species. This ethos encouraged a sense of stewardship and accountability towards the natural world, urging individuals and societies to balance their needs with the needs of the planet.

However, the usufructuary ethos faced challenges from various quarters. As societies became increasingly industrialized and capitalist, there was a growing emphasis on maximizing profits and exploiting natural resources without regard for environmental consequences. This led to the devaluation of the natural world and the erosion of the ethic of responsible use.

Furthermore, the rise of scientific rationalism in the eighteenth century challenged the traditional religious and moral frameworks that supported the usufructuary ethos. Scientists began to view the natural world as a complex system governed by laws of nature, rather than as a creation of God or a place of moral value. This shift in perspective led to a more mechanistic and utilitarian approach to resource management, which often prioritized economic growth over environmental sustainability.

Despite these challenges, the usufructuary ethos continues to inspire contemporary environmental thinkers and activists. Many argue that we need to return to a more holistic and sustainable approach to resource management, one that recognizes the intrinsic value of the natural world and the interconnectedness of all living organisms. This requires a shift in our mindset, from one of dominance and exploitation to one of collaboration and respect for the natural world.

In conclusion, the usufructuary ethos was a significant thread of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century environmental thought that challenged the traditional notion of absolute ownership and control over the natural world. While it faced challenges from various quarters, its ethical implications continue to resonate with contemporary debates about our human responsibilities to the natural world. By returning to a more holistic and sustainable approach to resource management, we can strive to live in harmony with the planet and preserve its beauty and diversity for future generations.

Weight: 502g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813945798