The Ecology of Wisdom: Writings by Arne Naess

by Arne Naess, Alan Drengson (Editor), Bill Devall (Editor)

Overview

A founder of the Deep Ecology Movement, Arne Naess' has produced articles on environmentalism that have provided unmatched inspiration for ecologists, philosophers, and activists worldwide. This collection amasses a definitive group of Naess' most important works in which he calls for nonviolent, cooperative action to protect the Earth. Rich with observations, insights, and anecdotes, Naess' writings draw from Eastern religious practices, Gandhian nonviolent direct action, and Spinozan unity systems. Playful and compassionate in tone, Ecology of Wisdom showcases Naess' exceptional enthusiasm, wit, and spiritual fascination with nature, while educating each of us about the steps we must take to rescue the planet and illuminating the relevance of this important environmental advocate.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781582439976
Publisher:	Catapult
Publication date:	05/01/2009
Sold by:	Penguin Random House Publisher Services
Format:	eBook
Pages:	320
File size:	708 KB

About the Author

Arne Naess is a widely celebrated Norwegian philosopher and activist whose long career includes a prestigious professorship in the University of Oslo's philosophy department, continuing activism in social and ecological issues, and major contributions to the development of the Deep Ecology Movement. His many books include Ecology, Community, and Lifestyle, Life's Philosophy , and Four Modern Philosophers . He is currently Professor Emeritus at the University of Oslo and a Fellow of their Center for Development and Environment.

Bill Devall is emeritus professor of sociology at Humboldt State University, Arcata, California. He is the author of numerous books on deep ecology, including Deep Ecology: Living as if Nature Mattered and Simple in Means, Rich in Ends: Practicing Deep Ecology. He is also the editor–in–chief of Clearcut: The Tragedy of Industrial Forestry.

Alan Drengson is emeritus professor of philosophy and adjunct professor of environmental studies at the University of Victoria in Canada. He is the founding editor of The Trumpeter: Journal of Ecosophy and Ecoforestry, as well as coeditor of three anthologies, The Philosophy of Society, The Deep Ecology Movement, and Ecoforestry. Most recently, he oversaw the completion of the Selected Works of Arne Naess, a ten–volume collection of Naess's writings.

Table of Contents

Preface   Alan Drengson   Bill Devall     vii
Acknowledgments     xi
Introduction: The Life and Work of Arne Naess: An Appreciative Overview by Alan Drengson     3
Places in the Real World
An Example of a Place: Tvergastein     45
Modesty and the Conquest of Mountains     65
Avalanches as Social Constructions     68
The World of Concrete Contents     70
Self-Realization: An Ecological Approach to Being in the World     81
The Long-Range Deep Ecology Movement
The Three Great Movements     99
The Basics of the Deep Ecology Movement     105
Cultural Diversity and the Deep Ecology Movement     120
The Place of Joy in a World of Fact     123
Beautiful Action: Its Function in the Ecological Crisis     133
Lifestyle Trends Within the Deep Ecology Movement     140
Methodology and Systems
Reflections on Total Views     145
The Limited Neutrality of Typologies of Systems     160
The Methodology of Normative Systems     167
Pluralism in Cultural Anthropology     181
The Principle of Intensity     187
Creativity and Gestalt Thinking     192
Gestalt Thinking and Buddhism     195
Nonviolence and Gandhi, Spinoza and Wholeness
Nonmilitary Defense     207
Gandhian Nonviolent Verbal Communication: The Necessity of Training     219
Spinoza and the Deep Ecology Movement     230
Through Spinoza to Mahayana Buddhism, or Through Mahayana Buddhism to Spinoza?     252
Freedom, Self, and Activeness, According to Spinoza     274
Problems and Ways Forward
Industrial Society, Postmodernity, and Ecological Sustainability     279
Sustainability! The Integral Approach     293
Population Reduction: An Ecosophical View     302
Deep Ecology for the Twenty-Second Century     308
Notes     315
Bibliography     326

Editorial Reviews

"A well–written, thought provoking set of works from a man who is a national hero of sorts in Norway, but has yet to really make his mark here in the United States. With luck, this collection will help to change that . . . The essays written with a particularly light–hearted, even playful, tone still manage to get their point across and are a cause for reflection by the reader." —Elephant Journal

"The Ecology of Wisdom only hints at the breadth and power of [Naess's] thought . . . At a time when the environment hangs in the balance and it's tempting to give in to despair, these sturdy, hopeful writings from an ecological philosopher and peace activist are more necessary than ever." —Orion

From the Publisher