ecosophies

Ecosophy is a philosophy or framework that seeks to articulate a coherent ethical stance toward the natural world and humanity's place within it. The term combines ecology with philosophy and is used to describe ecophilosophies that emphasize the value of ecosystems and non-human life beyond their usefulness to humans. While not a single doctrine, ecosophies guide thought on how humans should relate to other species, landscapes, and the biosphere as a whole.

Origins and influences: The term is most closely associated with the Norwegian philosopher Arne Næss, who in the 1970s and 1980s developed a family of ecophilosophies that later became linked to the deep ecology movement. Næss introduced the idea of ecosophy as a personal or plural framework; one well-known example is ecosophy T, Naess's own position. The broader movement has influenced debates in environmental ethics, conservation, and sustainability.

Core ideas: Central to ecosophies is the recognition that nature has intrinsic value independent of human use. They stress the interdependence of all living beings and ecosystems, and they challenge anthropocentric worldviews that place humans above or apart from nature. Many ecosophies advocate reforms in political economy, technology, and daily life to reduce ecological footprints, promote biodiversity, and safeguard ecological integrity. They also emphasize humility, precaution, and active engagement with the natural world and with diverse knowledge traditions.

Variants and reception: Ecosophy intersects with terms such as ecophilosophy, biocentrism, and deep ecology. Critics argue that ecophilosophies can be abstract or difficult to translate into concrete policy, and debates continue over the scope of moral consideration for non-human life and the practicability of systemic change.