Inherent Moral Values in Deep Ecology and the Theory of Sustainable Development

PDF (ελληνικά)
Published: Mar 25, 2020
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/ethiki.22639
Keywords:
Deep Ecology; Sustainable Development; Environmental Ethics; Inherent Value; Anthropocentrism; Arne Næss; Ecosophy; Biocentrism
Alexa Tseroni
Abstract

This article explores the ethical foundations of the Deep Ecology movement and the Theory of Sustainable Development, contrasting them with traditional anthropocentric ethics. The author analyzes the transition from viewing nature as a mere resource for human utility to recognizing the inherent value of all living beings and ecosystems, as introduced by Arne Næss. The study examines how Deep Ecology advocates for a radical shift in human consciousness and lifestyle—moving from consumerism to "simple means, rich ends"—while Sustainable Development attempts to integrate these ecological values into legal and political frameworks. By bridging classical Greek values of measure and justice with modern environmental philosophy, the text argues that the protection of the environment is inextricably linked to the preservation of human dignity and the survival of the biosphere.

Article Details
  • Section
  • Articles

Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:

  1. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal the right of first publication, with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). This license allows others to share and adapt the work, provided that the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal are properly acknowledged.
  2. Authors are permitted and encouraged to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
  3. Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their personal websites) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
Dekleris, Michael El. The Law of Sustainable Development: General Principles [Το Δίκαιο της Βιώσιμου Αναπτύξεως (Γενικές Αρχές)]. Athens-Komotini: Ant. Sakkoulas, 2000.
Doak, Kevin. The Japan Romantic School and the Crisis of Modernity. University of California Press, 1994.
Drengson, Alan. "Ecophilosophy, Ecosophy and the Deep Ecology Movement: An Overview." The Trumpeter: Journal of Ecosophy 14, no. 3 (1997): 110–11.
Johns, David M. "The Relevance of Deep Ecology to the Third World." Environmental Ethics 12, no. 3 (1990): 233–252.
Næss, Arne. "The Shallow and the Deep, Long-Range Ecology Movement." In Deep Ecology for the 21st Century, edited by George Sessions, 151. Boston: Shambhala, 1995.
Protopapadakis, Evangelos D. Ecological Ethics [Οικολογική Ηθική]. Athens-Komotini: Ant. Sakkoulas, 2005.
Kallia-Antoniou, Angeliki. Greek and Community Environmental Protection Legislation, Years 1989-1994 [Ελληνική και Κοινοτική Νομοθεσία Προστασίας Περιβάλλοντος, Έτη 1989-1994]. Goulandris Natural History Museum – Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre. Athens–Komotini: Ant. Sakkoulas, 1997.
Kallia-Antoniou, Angeliki. Quality of Life, Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection: Greek and Community Legislation, Years 1995-1996 [Ποιότητα ζωής, βιώσιμη ανάπτυξη και προστασία του περιβάλλοντος, Νομοθεσία Ελληνική και Κοινοτική, Έτη 1995-1996]. Goulandris Natural History Museum – Greek Biotope/Wetland Centre. Athens–Komotini: Ant. Sakkoulas, 1998.
Most read articles by the same author(s)