Blog #6

Kohak mentions a philosopher by the name of Arne Naess.  Naess's main contribution to ecological ethics is the foundation of his idea of "deep ecology."  Although I believe this concept is difficult to grasp, the basic understanding is understood.  In this section, the comparison of shallow ecology vs. deep ecology is very reptetative.  Shallow ecology is an idea that opposes pollution because it interfers with economic development, criticizes overpopulation, and insists that humans will not accept a lowering of their consumpttion.  Deep ecology is the idea that states environment is more than just development, critcizes overconsumption, and that people ought not to accept a lowering of the quality of life.

After looking at the comparison of shallow and deep ecology, it is obvious to see that most people are at the shallow ecologist viewpoint.  No one really thinks of the consequences that come about from pollution or the results of overconsumption.  This idea of shallow ecology "results from human activites and not with the basic orientation that brought on the crisis."  From this idea of shallow ecology, Naess propsed deep ecology to for us to look into the meaning of life and our role within nature.  This idea of deep ecology is ideal, but requires a deep personal committment that may not be attainable by all people.

In order for a deep ecological movement, Naess believes that multiple principles must be met.  These principles include: rejecting the idea of personal relation, supporting biotic equality, considering diversity and symbiosis, rejecting all claims to superiority, considering ecological practice a part of ecological effort, striving for consistent global thought, and standing for decentralization and local autonomy.  At this point in time, I do not believe that any if none at all of these principles are exhibited the least little bit by humans. Humans do not notice that everything is linked with everything, that all lives are equal, or that we are not superior over the other species.  These ideas proposed by Naess just do not cross the average indivduals minds because they are only concerened with themselves, not anyone else that surrounds them.  Us humans need to realize that "life is not about cruelty to the other but about rejoicing in living."  When this idea is granted, then deep ecology will start to make its move.