Aging and the Environment Theme

Aging and the Environment

Theme -- Aging and the Environment

Man and Environment -- a Dichotomy -- Each individual perceives his or her own environment that is connected, but independent, of the larger environment. There is a dichotomous view between man-(self) and the environment, particularly in Western thinking -- a separation instead of a holism. However, Behavior is a product of a complete function of individual variables related to the environment

Differing theories on Man-Environment Equation -- Some claim adaptive behaviors lead theory; others that there is a dual perception of self-environment and larger environment. Perception (cognition) of the environment based on past-knowledge, culture, and taste changes over time as well. There is, thus, a bi-directionality of self and the environment. In other words, how does one move from a creator of an/the environment to one who is a product of that environment?

Man the responder -- is reaction to the environment -- outward stimuli inward.

Man the building -- is the approach of taking charge -- inward towards outward.

Gaps in Theory -- Depending on the point-of-view of the theorist, the importance of linking theory to practice focuses on architecture, construction and the manner in which the dichotomy can be linked together. However, one is not either or at all times, but may be both depending on the circumstances.

Often, this theoretical bias encompasses the very nature of science and technology -- only humans use technology (for better or worse) to drastically change the environment. This use of technology, however, cannot be outside the realm of scientific theory.

Humans, however, do not always know how to accomplish what we want -- how to change the environment even if needed, is not always accomplished correctly or even appropriately and may cause problems at a future juncture.

The issue, in fact, goes far beyond the question of deciding what to do and organizing the priorities to make that happen.

Students of the environment tend to push the limits of theory and behavior, and the conclusions do not always mesh with the political and economic needs of society.

New Theories -- Current theories relating to the study of environment and behavior are inadequate to answer the major questions of the study. One cannot separate the environment from humanity -- ecological and systems theories are holistic.

Systems theory - This theory is an interdisciplinary practice that describes systems that have numerous spokes, or interacting components. The basic laws of thermodynamics (i.e. temperature, energy and entropy) work better for closed systems. Open systems, like living things, show different patterns and tendencies.

Diffusion of innovation theory - . The theory holds that diffusion is a process in which innovation is communicated through certain levels or channels over time and mitigated by whether the decision is made freely and who makes the decision.

Human impact on the environment then -- changes the system -- it is an artifact and thus in design and technology operates on a different set of laws than science.

In contrast to traditional science that searches for a one true law, environmental theory tries to understand the subject that changes and alters through and during the process of studying it.

We have difficulty putting environmental theory in place because it is a contingent relationship -- things do not have to be the way they are for human interaction, and change based on that interaction.