MA Deep Ecology and Bioregionalism

Overview

Coined by the Norwegian philosopher Arne Næss in 1973 the phrase 'deep ecology' has come to represent the strongest critique of global,consumer society. Identified with 'strong' sustainability, the implication of Naess' philosophy is that ecological probity requires severe limitation on human encroachment into the biosphere. As a form of eco-philosophy, deep ecology stands in diametric opposition to any anthropocentric or hierarchical theory of value that seeks to establish a ranking of moral worth or ethical consideration. Deep ecology is also antipathetic to scientific (shallow) ecology which starts from a utilitarian concern with facts rather than a spiritual wisdom and connection with nature. This course allows students a chance to read widely and engage in a serious way with the philosophical, political and ecological dimensions of the deep ecology tradition. As well as contributions from advocates such as Thomas Berry, Wendell Berry, Fritjof Capra, Neil Evernden, David Foreman, Warwick Fox, Dolores LaChapelle, Theodore Roszak, George Sessions, Paul Shepard, Gary Snyder, Richard Sylvan and controversial figures such as Martin Heidegger, students will also consider liberal, feminist and social ecology critiques of the movement. The course will also explore the connections between deep ecology the related concept of bioregionalism as it emerged in the work of pioneering geographers such as Élisée Reclus and Patrick Geddes. Finally it looks at the impact of these ideas in relation to concepts such as localization, 'slow food' and the politics of 'authenticity' as they appear in the contemporary discourse of sustainability.

Indicative reading

  • Peter Berg (1978) Reinhabiting A Separate Country: A Bioregional Anthology of Northern California (San Francisco, Planet Drum).
  • Michael McGinnis (eds) (1988) Bioregionalism (Routledge)
  • Kirkpatrick Sale (1985) Dwellers in the Land: The Bioregional Vision (Random House)
  • Gary Snyder (1995) A Place in Space: Ethics, Aesthetics, and Watersheds (Counterpoint)
  • Robert Thayer (2003) LifePlace: Bioregional Thought and Practice (University of California Press)
  • Jamie Bastedo (1994) Shield Country: The Life and Times of the Oldest Piece of the Planet (Red Deer Press)
  • Devall, W. and G. Sessions. (1985) Deep Ecology: Living As if Nature Mattered (Salt Lake City: Gibbs M. Smith, Inc)
  • Drengson, Alan. (1995) The Deep Ecology Movement
  • Katz, E., A. Light, et al. (2000) Beneath the Surface: Critical Essays in the Philosophy of Deep Ecology (Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press)
  • Næss, A. (1989) Ecology, Community and Lifestyle: Outline of an Ecosophy Translated by D. Rothenberg. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press)
  • Passmore, J. (1974) Man's Responsibility for Nature (London: Duckworth)
  • Sessions, G. (ed) (1995) Deep Ecology for the Twenty-first Century (Boston: Shambhala)
  • Jozef Keulartz (1998) Struggle for nature: a critique of radical ecology (Routledge)
  • Michael Tobias (1984, 1988) ed, Deep Ecology (Avant Books)
  • Harold Glasser (2005) (ed), The Selected Works of Arne Næss, Volumes 1-10. (Springer)
  • Jack Turner(1996) The Abstract Wild (Tucson, Univ of Arizona Press )