Environmental concern as a triadic system

Abstract

In this article I examine Frank Fisher’s “three stages of environmental concern” and compare these with each of Charles S. Peirce’s “three grades of clearness.” The aim of the article is to provide a framework within which supporters of the deep ecology movement will be better able to distinguish between three progressively deeper levels of environmental concern: whistleblowing; oppositional struggle (e.g., non-violent protesting); and deep ecology as enquiry. I argue that while each level of concern is necessary, it is only at the third grade of clearness, or stage of concern, that supporters of the deep ecology movement can effectively construct and communicate an ongoing community of deep enquiry for ecosophical living. Show more