Arne Naess

Created: 2022-12-28
Status: #soil
Last Edited: 2022-12-28
Topic: people #people environmentalism deep ecology

Who is Arne Naess?

Arne Naess (1912-2009) was a Norwegian philosopher, mountaineer and environmentalist, and one of the founders of the modern environmental movement.

He is best known for his work on deep ecology, a philosophical approach to environmentalism which emphasizes the intrinsic value of non-human life. His writings and activism have had a major influence on contemporary environmentalism and on philosophy more generally.

Naess was also an avid mountaineer: he climbed in Norway and the Himalayas, making first ascents of several peaks in Norway's Jotunheimen Mountains.

What are their main arguments?

Naess argued that humans should not dominate nature, but instead should strive for a "deeper" relationship with nature. He believed that this deeper relationship could be achieved through a spiritual connection with the natural world, and that it was important to respect the value of all living things.

Naess also argued that environmentalism should not be based solely on utilitarian or economic interests, but rather on the intrinsic value of nature and its non-human inhabitants. This idea has been influential in contemporary environmental thought, particularly in the rise of ecofeminism.

What Legacy Did Arne Naess Leave?

The legacy of Arne Naess lives on in environmental activism around the world. His ideas and writings continue to influence modern environmental thought and practice, particularly his emphasis on the intrinsic value of non-human life and his spiritual approach to environmentalism.

Naess' mountaineering feats have also been commemorated: Norway's highest peak, Galdhøpiggen, was renamed "Arne Naess Peak" in 2011 to commemorate his life and work.