About Deep Ecology
In essence Deep Ecology is very simple. Non-human creation has its own value, exists for its own purposes and has the same right to life as we do. It is about recognising that all life is interconnected and interdependent. This is a radical idea in today's world. But gradually people's minds are changing.
This section explores the philosophical nature of this worldview. This is the foundation for all of the other ideas expressed on this website. So if you are after meaty ideas then read on.
The Ecophilosophy of Deep Ecology
This article is an introduction to the core ideas that underpin this ecophilosophy; that humans should participate in but not dominate the natural environment. We are experiencing an ecological crisis because our culture's vision pits us as a enemy of the world rather than a member of the community of life. The problem isn't that we aren't being eco-friendly enough, the problem is that we have a destructive vision that views man as separate from the rest of nature.
Shallow Ecology vs Deep Ecology
The easiest way to understand the deep ecophilosophy is to compare it to Shallow Ecology. Shallow Ecology seeks to preserve the status quo and advance our society, but merely in a more eco-friendly manner. A deep ecophilosophy questions the fundamental assumptions of our destructive culture and advocates a change in our worldview, which will lead to a change in our behaviour. Shallow ecology is the advocate of things such as clean energy, recycling, eco friendly soap etc.
The Eight Tenets Of Deep Ecology
Eight ideas established by Arne Naess and George Sessions which represent the essential principles. This is the layer on which people from diverse philosophical and religious viewpoints can converge. They are the foundation concepts and are a good starting point to understand the core philosophy. However these ideas are not intended to be dogmatic.
Deep Ecology - An Atheist Philosophy
Explore how these ideas fit into an atheist world view. If man evolved from apes then what justification is there for him to think that he is the only animal that matters? What gives us the right to subdue creation and bend nature to our will? We evolved by taking part in a functioning ecosystem. By destroying that ecosystem we are denying other life forms the chance to evolve.
Deep Environmental Philosophy For Monotheists
Explore how this idea fits into a Judeo Christian worldview. Discover a different interpretation of Genesis. Instead of the world being made for man's benefit see the world as a place where mankind partakes in co-operative interdependent relationships with God and the rest of creation.
Putting Humans First
This isn't about us making sacrifices for the good of the rest of creation. As humans we must put humans first. But the best thing for us to do is to live in a way that makes us a part of the world, not apart from it. This lifestyle is better for the planet but it's also more satisfying for us.
The Effects of Technology on Society - It Isn't The Root Of All Evil
Ecophilosophy has nothing to do with being a Luddite; it has nothing against technology. Our culture uses technology in a destructive fashion but that isn't a fault of the technology; it is a fault of the culture. If technology is used within the law of limited competition there is no issue.
The Problem With Mainstream Environmentalism
The term environmentalism is misleading because it suggests that somebody is either a supporter of the environment or a supporter of humans. But humans are nature; it is impossible to be "for the environment" but against people. Environmentalism frames the argument in the wrong terms.
Is The Deep Ecology Movement In "Eco La La Land?"
The movement is often accused of dreaming of an "eco la la land" that has no basis in reality. Granted there is a degree of idealism but that is actually the point. It is the ideals we hold in our minds that determines what we create in reality. To change the world we must do it by changing how we think. So sometimes we are in "eco la la land" but that isn't a bad thing.
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