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How to use this

Two grids on the same template. The first is empty - print it, fill in each cell with a one-line note while you revise. The second is a worked example to check yourself against.

Each cell asks one question: does this row strengthen the column quality (mark +) or weaken it (mark -)? Then add a one-line note saying why. The plus and minus columns are deliberately not pre-printed - your judgement is the work.

Ecocentric, not human = should nature, not humanity, be the centre of value? Intrinsic value of nature = does nature have worth in itself, beyond use to humans? Limits to growth = is unlimited growth impossible on a finite planet? Anti-capitalist economy = must the capitalist growth economy be rejected? Change human consciousness = must human consciousness be radically transformed? Reframe as human hierarchy = is the real cause human-on-human hierarchy?

Ecologism strands - judgement grid +   -

Empty version. Print and fill in.
Strand+   - Ecocentric, not human Intrinsic value of nature Limits to growth Anti-capitalist economy Change human consciousness Reframe as human hierarchy
Deep green
Shallow green
Social ecology
How to use the grid in an essay. Pick the column the question asks about, read down it across the rows, and judge where they agree and where they differ.

Ecologism strands - judgement grid +   -

Filled version. Use this to check your own grid - and tap any cell for the full detail behind the judgement.
Strand+   - Ecocentric, not human Intrinsic value of nature Limits to growth Anti-capitalist economy Change human consciousness Reframe as human hierarchy
Deep green +Strongly holds: ecocentric or biocentric, rejecting anthropocentrism completely (Leopold). +Strongly holds: nature has intrinsic value, not just usefulness to humans (Leopold). +Strongly holds: hard limits to growth; ecological capacity is fixed and no tech can substitute. +Strongly holds: zero growth or degrowth, a steady-state economy outside capitalism (Schumacher). +Strongly holds: environmental consciousness; the self is realised through identifying with nature. -Rejects: the problem is humanity versus nature, not human-on-human hierarchy.
Shallow green -Rejects: enlightened anthropocentrism; humans are stewards, human flourishing still counts (Carson). -Rejects: nature has instrumental value; it matters because humans depend on it (Carson). ±Mixed: accepts limits exist but trusts technology and substitution to ease the pressure. -Rejects anti-capitalism: green capitalism, smarter slower greener growth, weak sustainability (Carson). -Rejects: no inner transformation needed; policy, tech and regulation deliver greener outcomes. -Rejects: the problem is managing humanity's impact on nature, not human hierarchy.
Social ecology ±Mixed: rejects the anthropocentric frame but reads ecology socially, not purely ecocentrically (Bookchin). ±Mixed: values nature but ties its standing to ending human oppression (Bookchin, Merchant). +Strongly holds: accepts limits to growth and rejects materialism and consumerism. +Strongly holds: reject capitalism for small-scale local production and common ownership (Bookchin). ±Mixed: change is needed but follows from social transformation, not a purely inner shift (Bookchin). +Strongly holds: the root cause is human-on-human hierarchy, not humanity versus nature (Bookchin).
What the filled grid shows. Read down each column to see which rows score plus, mixed or minus - the pattern that drives the judgement.
See also