Definition of Deep Ecology

Generally speaking, there are two approaches to looking at ecology and ecological philosophy. The first and most common approach is known as scientific ecology, which is the one most individuals are familiar with. Scientific ecology includes the most basic definition of the term ecology – that being the study of the interrelationships and interactions between living things and their environments. In scientific ecology, the individual observer has a distanced or detached relationship with the environment. There is no personal attachment to the environment, and the majority of the relationship centers on collecting measurable data and information. There is very little room for personal feelings or associations in the world of the scientific ecologist. The nature of this relationship, if it can be called that, is strictly research-based. Studies, research, and investigations are at the core of scientific ecology.

The need to develop a closer, more personal relationship to and with the environment led to the evolution of a second approach to ecology and the environment. Deep ecology was born in 1972, out of the philosophy of the Norwegian thinker by the name of Arne Naess (Barnhill 2001). Naess first introduced the term deep ecology in a paper in which he called for a new approach to the way people looked at and related to the natural world around them. Naess saw that any significant change to the way individuals felt about and interacted with the natural world was going to require a more personal and holistic opinion about the environment. The result was the idea of deep ecology.

Central to the idea of deep ecology is the seemingly radical belief that people are an essential part of the planet and not just separate and detached observers (Drengson 1995). Followers of this ecological philosophy feel that by making people understand that they are more a part of the planet, they will in turn be more willing to be involved in protecting, preserving, and caring for it. Deep ecology stresses the notion that we as humans are part of the planet, and thus have a responsibility to protect it.

It is important to clarify that the term deep ecology has several uses and meanings. In the most simplistic of views, deep ecology is a term that asks individuals to look deeply and closely at environmental issues and problems. Everything from the causes of environmental issues and problems to the fundamental changes that some believe are necessary in order to be able to find solutions to major environmental problems is considered at this basic philosophical level. This view of deep ecology asks individuals to reflect upon their perceived value of nature as well as how they interact with nature.

Deep ecology has also served as a platform that outlines several basic ideas and principles related to the environment and the role that humanity plays as a part of it. This platform involves several basic principles, including ideas like the intrinsic value of human and non-human life, and the idea that there is a need for humans to limit their interference with the non-human world.

Deep ecology also serves as a central ecological philosophy (Drengson 1995). As a philosophy, deep ecology draws from a variety of diverse sources, including religion, poetry, and the works of some of history’s most famous and influential naturalists and ecologists.

Whatever approach to deep ecology an individual takes, the philosophy stays the same. Deep ecology is a more complete approach to looking at and living in this world. Deep ecology involves more than just science, data, and numerical figures. It requires humans to incorporate real feelings, personal spirituality, religion, and a true love of nature in order to develop a deeper, more effective and personal approach to being a part of this planet.

References

Barnhill, D. & Gottlieb, R. (2001). Deep Ecology and World Religion: New Essays on Sacred Ground. Albany: New York University Press.
Drengson, A. (1995). The Deep Ecology Movement: An Introductory Anthology. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books.