Reading Questions 9

Phil 287-07E
November 10th, 2016
1. What is the significance of the first two principles of the deep ecology movement (pp. 1920) in relation to Naess' distinction between the narrow and comprehensive self?
The significance in relation to the narrow self is that the narrow self is rejected by the
deep ecology movement. This is exclaimed when Naess outlines the idea of rejection of the manin-environment image in favor of the relational, total image. As for the comprehensive self, it is
depicted through diversity and symbiosis to coexist with nature instead of killing to exploit
goods. This depicts a biospherical idea that all living things are equal. People become connected
with other parts of nature if they widen their view of self-realization.
2. Explain how Naess accommodates the existence of conflicts of interest with his view of
wide identification? Give an example that illustrates how conflicts of interest in Western
society do not exist through wide identification.
Naess states that the widening of the self implies widening perspectives, deepening
experiences, and reaching higher levels of activeness. In western society, there are conflicts of
interest because of people that cannot exist through this idea. This is because people in western
society fail to do any of the above stated. Their view is narrowed because they believe the
rights of other living beings threaten their own interests (conflicts of interest). An example
relates to the spread of the voluntary simplicity movement: some people believe that renouncing
their own luxuries (such as food) does not help the poor (others who are starving).
3. Explain Naess' critique of the Western view of self-realization and the implications for
the egoism-altruism distinction.
Naess claims that the psychology of the comprehensive self insists that the gradual
maturing of a person inevitably widens and deepens the self through the process of identification.
There is no need for altruism toward those with whom we identify. The pursuit of self-realization
conceived as actualization and development of the self takes care of what altruism is supposed to
accomplish, and thus the distinction between egoism-altruism is transcended.
4. What do you think Naess means when he says Only special social conditions are able to
make people inhibit their normal spontaneous reaction toward suffering (32)?
Naess defines spontaneous as a reaction to someone else or an instinct through
sympathizing. The special social conditions relate to behavioral crow psychology. There is a
propensity for individuals to be affected by a crowd and unquestioningly follow the shared ideas
of the crowd. Thus, individuals will not follow their own spontaneous reaction toward suffering,
they will follow the reaction of the crowd.
5. Explain why Guha rejects the deep ecological view that proper response to
environmental problems requires the transition from anthropocentrism to biocentrism?
Guha rejects the deep ecological view because of militarization and overconsumption. No
individual would sacrifice their own environment for the sake of nature. This relates to the idea

that some human needs are prioritized over others. This can only be changed through a
reformation of social structures.
6. What is Guha's worry about American environmental groups applying their methods in
places like India? How does he use this as a critique of deep ecology?
Guha gives the example of project Tiger. American environmental groups created a
network of parks in India. Guha is worried about this because American environmental groups
have a title to the land to create a reserve, but the people who once lived there are forced to
leave. The example outlines the idea that the emphasis on wilderness is positively harmful when
applied to the thrid world. It leads to the displacement of agrarian peasants who were already in a
healthy relationship with the environment. His critique is that these methods do not represent the
idea of deep ecology in any sense. He claims that these methods are narrow and inequitable
conservation practices.
7. Explain Guha's claim that American deep ecology is not as radical as it presents itself.
What, in contrast, does Guha's radical alternative look like?
Guha believes that American deep ecology is not as radical as it presents itself because it
ignores the social aspects. The example from question 6 emphasizes that belief. He also explains
that preservation is not possible without American control over nature, which takes away the
rights of the poor who need the land. The alternative that Guha exclaims is a nature dualism
approach. He believes humans must separate themselves from nature.