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Shallow Ecology Movement Analysis

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Arne Naess’s The Shallow and the Deep Ecology Movement, tries to present an argument for the deep ecology movement. The shallow ecology movement is just as that, shallow. It does not want to focus deeper into the issues its trying to fight. The shallow ecology movement is trying to fight pollution and decrease in resources, but its not focusing beyond the surface of these issues. However, the shallow ecology movement attracts the most attention and is more known. According to Naess, the deep ecology movement is less followed because to achieve the goals it presents would mean a major change in the concept of life. This movement takes the fight deeper into the same issues the shallow movement is fighting. The deep ecology movement embodies more …show more content…

This principle proposes that the survival of the fittest philosophy is not the right philosophy to live by. The philosophy that should be followed is “live and let live”. The survival of the fittest idea has led to the annihilation of species and nature which has resulted to damaging effects on the environment over the years. There is no benefit to this way of thinking, survival of the fittest. The live and let live idea provides the ability to coexist in our environment and allow for us to live amongst the complex relationships that the environment has. As stated by Naess, ecology favors the diversity of life rather than the annihilation of animals and nature. The anti-class posture principle is the idea that ecological egalitarianism and symbiosis. Naess supports in a dominating class to occur. To follow the three principles I have addressed above, would mean to support diversity and have no class distinction. The anti-class posture principle disapproves of any emergence of a dominating class or group over another and widely supports diversity and collaboration of …show more content…

These principles value diversity and strive for a plan that will lead to the best outcomes for both humans and nonhumans. From the reading, I conclude that the deep ecology movement is striving for a better quality of life that will lead to an increase of happiness rather than an increase in material things. I almost feel like it resembles a utilitarian idea, since it wanted the greatest amount of happiness for everyone. I agree with several of Naess’s points on taking the fight to the deeper causes and considering all outcomes which is the cautious approach, but the appropriate one in my opinion. Furthermore, the deep ecology movement is demanding major changes that would reconstruct all aspects of human lives. It falls on humans to change their way of life and not concern themselves with a higher standard of living, but better quality of life for everyone. The main goal is of this movement is deny anthropocentrism which is the best decision to help with our ecological

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