Instruction: Read the following article and answer the discussion below.

Article: How ‘Silent Spring' Ignited the Environmental Movement

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/23/magazine/how-silent-spring-ignited-the-environmental-movement.html

Discussion:

Discuss among your peers the effect of Silent Spring on the government, private individuals, and the chemical industry. Consider the following questions in your discussion: Was Carson qualified to characterize the effects of DDT on the environment? Did she present specific evidence for the effects of DDT? Did she vehemently defend her work against all opposition? Or was she more concerned about how her book would be received?

Consider Carson's opposition: What did Carson claim as the reasoning for expanded use of DDT after World War II? Is this reasoning justified? What did chemical manufacturers specifically do after Silent Spring was published? How did Carson view the government's role versus the rights of individuals in DDT and it's application? Did she argue for stricter government controls? What compromise was struck between chemical manufacturers and the government about DDT? How is Carson's book viewed today by her critics? Are they justified in their opinion?