IN140: University Seminar
Ishmael Discussion Questions (p. 125- 184)
Chapter 8.
1. What are the 4 things Takers do that other living things do not?
The 4 things Taker do that other living things do not is exterminate their competitors, destroy their competitors food to make room for their own, deny competitors access to food, and they kill more and save some for the next day.
2. What is the name(s) for “the law”?
It's the peace-keeping law.
3. Since the Takers are not following the law, we are seeing a decrease in what? Why is this unfortunate?
Decrease in diversity, because that'd cause it to be ecologically fragile, and vulnerable. If anything would change the whole thing would collapse. "Diversity is a survival factor for the community itself"(130).
4. Since the Takers are not following the law, we are seeing an increase in what?
We are seeing an increase in species disappearance.
5. What is the relationship between population growth and food supply?
Whenever the food supply increases that population increases. As that population increases its food supply decreases, and as its food supply decreases, that population decreases. Keeps everything in balance.
6. How do Leavers limit their population size?
Leavers limit their population size by not killing off the direct competitors and let the cycle flow for itself. So the game is scarce and so their population doesn't grow.
7. The Law of Limited Competition tells us what?
The Law of Limited Competition tells us that the more competitors destroyed the more humans can be brought into the world. If you don't have humans then the law of limited competition states that everything in the world except your food and the food of your food becomes an enemy to be exterminated.
8. How does the Taker story compare to the Leaver story?
They both have population problems! They both kill. Each story if asked by their own people are being followed by the same story. Their own.
9. Why “Mother” culture?
Culture is a mother everywhere and at every time because culture is inherently a nurturer-- the nurturer of human societies and life-styles. Among Leaver peoples, Mother Culture explains and preserves a life-style that is healthy and self-sustaining. Among Taker peoples she
