DEEP ECOLOGY

WHAT IS
DEEP ECOLOGY
WHAT IS
DEEP ECOLOGY

Deep ecology is a somewhat recent branch

of ecological philosophy (ecosophy) that
considers humankind as an integral part of its
environment. The philosophy emphasizes the
interdependent value of human and non-human
life as well as the importance of the ecosystem
and natural processes. It provides a foundation
for the environmental and green movements and
has led to a new system of environmental ethics.
WHAT IS
DEEP ECOLOGY

The phrase "deep ecology" was coined

by the Norwegian philosopher Arne
Naess in 1973.
WHAT IS
DEEP ECOLOGY
- Næss rejected the idea that beings can be ranked according to their
relative value. For example, judgments on whether an animal has an
eternal soul, whether it uses reason or whether it has consciousness (or
indeed higher consciousness) have all been used to justify the ranking of
the human animal as superior to other animals.
- Næss states that from an ecological point of view "the right of all forms [of
life] to live is a universal right which cannot be quantified. No single
species of living being has more of this particular right to live and unfold
than any other species." This metaphysical idea is elucidated in Warwick
Fox's claim that we and all other beings are "aspects of a single unfolding
reality".
WHAT IS
DEEP ECOLOGY

Deep ecology offers a philosophical basis for environmental

advocacy which may, in turn, guide human activity against
perceived self-destruction. Deep ecology and environmentalism
hold that the science of ecology shows that ecosystems can
absorb only limited change by humans or other dissonant
influences.
THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF
DEEP ECOLOGY
 THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF
DEEP ECOLOGY
THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF DEEP ECOLOGY
George Sessions and Arne Naess, 1984
1. Inherent value
The well-being and flourishing of human and nonhuman Life on
Earth have value in themselves (synonyms: intrinsic value, inherent value).
These values are independent of the usefulness of the nonhuman world
for human purposes.

2. Diversity
Richness and diversity of life forms contribute to the realization of
these values and are also values in themselves.
 THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF
DEEP ECOLOGY
THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF DEEP ECOLOGY
George Sessions and Arne Naess, 1984

3. Vital Needs
Humans have no right to reduce this richness and diversity except to
satisfy vital needs.

4. Population
The flourishing of human life and cultures is compatible with a
substantial decrease of the human population. The flourishing of nonhuman
life requires such a decrease.
 THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF
DEEP ECOLOGY
THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF DEEP ECOLOGY
George Sessions and Arne Naess, 1984

5. Human Interference
The present human interference with the nonhuman world is
excessive, and the situation is rapidly worsening.

6. Policy Change
Policies must therefore be changed. These policies affect basic
economic, technological, and ideological structures. The resulting state of
affairs will be deeply different from the present.
 THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF
DEEP ECOLOGY
THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF DEEP ECOLOGY
George Sessions and Arne Naess, 1984

7. Quality of Life
The ideological change is mainly that of appreciating life quality
(dwelling in situations of inherent value) rather than adhering to an
increasingly higher standard of living. There will be a profound awareness of
the difference between big and great.

8. Obligation of Action
Those who subscribe to the foregoing points have an obligation directly
or indirectly to try to implement the necessary changes.
 EXAMPLES OF
DEEP ECOLOGY
EXAMPLES OF
DEEP ECOLOGY

Deep ecology has a number of main goals such as population

control, living democracy and living economies. Let's take a
look at these goals as well as some deep ecology examples.
EXAMPLES OF
DEEP ECOLOGY
Deep Ecology Definition Example
Goals
Population This concept within deep Many deep ecologists are opposed to
Control ecology was first deforestation, particularly as the purpose is
understood to mean the often financial gain. Not only does
rise in population is deforestation lead to the loss of wildlife
disastrous to the and biodiversity, but this degradation of
ecosystem but, now, refers land is undertaken at the hands of wealthy
to the idea that society organizations for greed and financial
must be reorganized to purposes. Deep ecologists promote wildlife
prevent the vast majority and land conservation such as national
of land from being held by parks and conservatories and believe that
a minority of people. society should be organized to stop the
ability for wealthy organizations to wipe
out entire ecosystems for profit.
EXAMPLES OF
DEEP ECOLOGY
Deep Ecology Definition Example
Goals
Living Living economies or simple In a deep ecology-based living
economies living is the idea that societies economy, there would be no
should practice strong international importation of foods and
sustainability in which local goods. For example, if someone lived in
communities can produce and a community in the UK in a climate
sustain those living within where only apples and strawberries
them. could be produced locally, the practice
of importing mangoes, pineapples and
other tropical fruit would not occur as it
promotes consumerism and is not a
sustainable approach nor does it
encourage one to connect with the
local land.
EXAMPLES OF
DEEP ECOLOGY
Deep Ecology Definition Example
Goals
Living This refers to the idea that An example of living democracy could
Democracy democracy will occur at a local be seen in the proposed formation of
level and will take into account decentralised bioregions, these regions
the community's social and would be in harmony with nature and
environmental responsibilities. there would be a connection between
the universe/ecosystems and one's own
self. This relationship with nature would
serve to promote the mindset required
to holistically adopt ecocentrism. This
idea lends itself heavily to eco-
anarchism.
 IMPORTANCE OF
DEEP ECOLOGY
 IMPORTANCE OF
DEEP ECOLOGY
The importance of deep ecology is rooted in its rejection
of anthropocentrism which refers to human-centred approaches.
According to deep ecologists, ecology and anthropocentrism are
opposed to one another. Within deep ecology, nature is viewed as a
source of morality and good. Therefore, nature has intrinsic value.
Intrinsic value refers to the value and importance that an entity has
in itself. This means that nature should not be seen in an
anthropocentric or human-centred light. Making nature's value
contingent on its usefulness to humans runs counter to the beliefs of
deep ecology.
SHORT QUIZ:

1.) The phrase "deep ecology" was coined by the

Norwegian philosopher Arne Naess in ____.

2-3.) Give at least 2 basic principles of deep ecology.

4-6.) Enumerate the 3 deep ecology goals.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!
REFERENCES
http://environment-ecology.com/deep-ecology/63-deep-ecology.html
https://www.uwosh.edu/facstaff/barnhill/ES-243/pp%20outline%20Deep%20Ecology.pdf
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fptop.only.wip.la%3A443%2Fhttps%2Fugapress.org%2Fauthor%2Farne-naess&p
sig=AOvVaw11fuqoDmzlsd3oJA9ac4de&ust=1668189290277000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=2a
hUKEwjAj-XBl6T7AhVFbJQKHYCJBm4Qr4kDegUIARDOAQ
https://www.studysmarter.co.uk/explanations/politics/political-ideology/deep-ecology/