Wisdom in the open air : the Norwegian roots of deep ecology

[this Book] Traces The Norwegian Roots Of The Strain Of Thinking Called 'deep Ecology,' The Search For The Solutions To Environmental Problems By Examining The Fundamental Tenets Of Our Culture. Although Arne Naess Coined The Term In The 1970s, The Insights Of Deep Ecology Actually Reflect A Tradition Of Thought That Can Be Seen In The History Of Norwegian Culture, From Ancient Mountain Myths To The Radical Ecoactivism Of Today.--back Cover. 1. Introduction: Deep Ecology From Summit To Blockade -- 2. Peter Wessel Zapffe. The Last Messiah. Farewell, Norway. Poems -- 3. Arne Naess. Intrinsic Value: Will The Defenders Of Nature Please Rise. The Politics Of The Deep Ecology Movement. Everything Really Important Is Dangerous -- 4. Sigmund Kvaloy. Complexity And Time: Breaking The Pyramid's Reign. Getting Our Feet Wet -- 5. Nils Faarlund. A Way Home. Touch The Earth -- 6. Finn Alnaes. The Way Of Two-ness -- 7. Johan Galtung. Development Theory: Notes On An Alternative Approach -- 8. Erik Dammann And The Future In Our Hands. The Future In Our Hands: Its Conceptions, Aims, And Strategies -- 9. Conclusion: Deep Ecology As A Force For Change. Edited By Peter Reed, David Rothenberg. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 249-251) And Index. This book traces the Norwegian roots of "deep ecology": the search for solutions to environmental problems by examining fundamental tenets of culture. Deep ecology contributes to the philosophical foundations of environmental education and outdoor education, and much writing in this area has focused on promoting awareness of the human relationship with nature. More broadly defined, deep ecology is a "questioning" ecology that recognizes the intrinsic value of nature, beyond human need. Although Arne Naess coined the term in the 1970s, the insights of deep ecology reflect a long tradition of thought within Norwegian culture. An introduction describes the Norwegian landscape, explores how the land has shaped Norway's politics and culture, and traces the history of the environmental movement in Norway. Chapters describe the work of seven Norwegian ecophilosophers and include excerpts of their work. Peter Wessel Zapffe (1899-1990), although pessimistic about the survival of humanity and nature, saw wilderness preservation as essential to mankind's spiritual development and existential well-being. Excerpts are "The Last Messiah"; "Farewell, Norway"; and poems. Professor of philosophy, 1936-70, Arne Naess shaped Norwegian higher education, which stresses a basic grounding in philosophy for all students and a concern for linking academics with real-world problems. This concern also forms the backbone of deep ecology: "wisdom related to action." Excerpts are "Intrinsic Value: Will the Defenders of Nature Please Rise?"; "The Politics of the Deep Ecology Movement"; and"Everything Really Important Is Dangerous." Sigmund Kvaloy, Norway's leading environmentalist, integrates philosophical thought and political action. Excerpts are "Complexity and Time: Breaking the Pyramid's Reign" and "Getting Our Feet Wet." Nils Faarlund, wilderness educator, expands on the Norwegian tradition of "friluftsliv" (open-air life) to emphasize the importance of first-hand nonaggressive outdoor experiences to reintroduce people to nature as their true home. Excerpts are "A Way Home" and "Touch the Earth." Other writers and their excerpts are: novelist Finn Alnaes ("The Way of Two-ness"); sociologist Johan Galtung ("Development Theory: Notes on an Alternative Approach"); and social reformer Erik Dammann ("The Future in Our Hands: Its Conceptions, Aims, and Strategies"). The Future in Our Hands is a Scandinavian organization that sponsors alternative development projects and related development education in secondary schools and adult education classes. A conclusion examines deep ecology's potential as a force for change. Contains references in notes, a selected bibliography, illustrations, and an index. (SV)