Arne Naess (1912-2009) was a Norwegian philosopher and prolific writer who coined the term 'Deep Ecology'. Rachel Carson's 'Silent Spring' and Gandhian non violence influenced him a lot to shape and strengthen his ecological vision. Shallow Ecology is actually anthropocentric. But Deep ecology presents itself as an alternative to 'Sallow ecology', a world view that focuses on environmental issues and prioritizes finding solutions to pollution and exploitation. Deep ecology brought a paradigm shift from anthropocentric perspective of looking at life to a biocentric perspective that values all living organisms and natural systems equally.
The basic principles of
deep ecology were actually formulated by Naess in collaboration with George
Sessions, an American philosopher.
According to them the well being and flourishing of human and non-human
life on earth have values in themselves.
The Richness and diversity of life forms contribute to the realization
of these values. Human may interfere
with the non-human world and utilize them to satisfy his vital needs. But humans have no right to reduce the
richness and diversity of the non-humans.
Unfortunately the present human interference with the non-human world is
excessive and the situation is rapidly worsening. So, the existing policies that are based on
economic, technological and ideological structures should be changed. Because they are anthropocentric. The change should definitely be one that of
appreciating life quality rather than adhering to an increasingly higher
standard of living. There will be a
profound awareness of the difference between big and great. As we all know,
great is based on quality while big is calculated on quantity.
Doubtlessly the
principles and philosophy of deep ecology will promote sustainable living and
reduce the human impact on nature. They
will change our attitudes and life style.
Our living according to the principles of Deep ecology will strengthen
environmental protection.
-------Thulasidharan V
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