Why Deep Ecology Had to Die

Abstract

In this essay I trace my history of entanglement with deep ecology from its first emergence on the scene, through some vicious attacks and the loss of its early promise as a movement, to more mature criticisms and finally to its recent, ignominious purge from polite ecophilosophical discourse. I will explain the "deep reasons" why I think deep ecology had to "die" at a certain point in the history of environmental philosophy, indicate some avenues the discipline might want to take in the years ahead, and suggest that deep ecology be accorded a place of honor as an approach to living nature that can continue providing us with valuable insights.