Different metaphysical positions are possible which lead to a deep ecology kind of position, but not necessarily by deductive logic. The basic insights or intuitions of deep ecology are found in many philosophical, religious and scientific traditions. The Tao, Atman, the ultimate are deep expressions of Nature within which human consciousness is a part, not apart from. In practice, deep ecology encourages articulation of ecosophy. Earth wisdom or the wisdom of the soil.
Wisdom comes from intellectual theories but also from life practice.
We all know the difference between a merely well- educated person and a wise person. While implicit in these remarks, given the unjustified assertions made by some people about the deep ecology kind of perspective, I want to make it clear that there is nothing in deep ecology which is misanthropic or racist or gender biased. Nor does the deep, long-range ecology movement demand that supporters be followers of any guru or any philosophical or religious position. While some ecofeminists, for example, demand that people take an ecofeminist position before becoming ecologists and some Christians demand that one believe in their doctrines concerning Jesus Christ before becoming an ecologist, the deep, long-range ecology movement is a kind of neutral movement on issues of faith or historical cultural changes. Historical and cultural analyses are important in assessing our current situation and making changes in culture and society, but such analyses are separate from the type of argumentation used.