An Edible History of Humanity

Develop an argument for whether agriculture is a destructive force. What negative elements does Standage fail to mention? In what ways has agriculture positively contributed to humans’ quality of life?

How have religions historically reflected the relationship between humans and food/agriculture? How do modern religions continue this tradition?

Standage explains that advocates for locality often fail to understand the ethical complexity of food production. What main arguments do proponents offer to support that locality is an ethically responsible way to consume food? How can locality pose its own ethical problems?

The text outlines many ways in which agriculture and power are connected throughout history. In what ways is agriculture linked to power in the modern world? Who are the “Big Men” of today?

How has the Columbian Exchange contributed to modern diets? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the global food market? How does it perpetuate existing power structures?

What new challenges will agriculture face in the future? Will there ever be a comprehensive system of agriculture that does not create new problems? Why or why not?

How does agriculture continue to contribute to social complexity? What aspects of the larger culture are influenced by agriculture today?

Standage states that famines do not occur within democratic societies. Explore this idea and why democratic societies have avoided widespread starvation. What does this say about power and the government?