- Domination of human by human is the root of the idea that humans should dominate nature. Bookchin argues that the concept of dominating nature arose from hierarchical social structures where humans dominate other humans.
- Social ecology is distinct from environmentalism. He defines environmentalism as a mechanistic approach that seeks to manage nature for human use without questioning the premise of human domination. In contrast, social ecology is concerned with understanding the dynamic balance of nature and humanity's role in it. He is critical of attempts to reduce the complexity of nature to a simplistic “oneness”.
- Hierarchy is not a natural ordering principle. Bookchin argues that natural ecosystems are non-hierarchical and that hierarchy is a social construct that is harmful to both society and nature.
- Social ecology challenges the traditional distinction between the realms of necessity and freedom. He argues that this distinction is a social ideology that justifies exploitation and domination, and that a truly free society would integrate both realms.
- Justice and freedom are distinct concepts. Bookchin distinguishes between justice, which he sees as the equality of equals (rewarding everyone based on their contributions), and freedom, which he sees as the equality of unequals (recognising and compensating for individual differences and needs).
- Happiness is not the same as pleasure. He defines happiness as the satisfaction of basic needs, while pleasure is the fulfilment of intellectual, aesthetic, and sensuous desires. He argues that many radical ideologies mistakenly prioritise happiness over pleasure, leading to a devaluation of human potential.
- Technology is a tool that can be used for either domination or liberation. Bookchin argues that technology is not inherently good or bad, but its impact depends on the social context in which it is used.
- There are authoritarian and libertarian forms of reason, science, and technology. Bookchin contrasts the two approaches: authoritarian forms are based on control and domination, while libertarian forms are based on participation, cooperation, and respect for diversity.
- An ecological society is based on non-hierarchical institutions, ecological sensibilities, and a harmonious relationship with nature. This society would be decentralised, communitarian, and based on principles of direct democracy and usufruct.
- Mutualism, self-organisation, freedom, and subjectivity are inherent in nature. He sees these as intrinsic goods that should guide human ethics and behaviour.
Bookchin draws on a range of historical and philosophical sources to develop his ideas, including the work of Marx, Proudhon, Fourier, Kropotkin, and many others. He also critiques various social and ecological theories that he sees as flawed or incomplete.
The sources provided offer excerpts from The Ecology of Freedom and focus primarily on explaining these main ideas. They do not delve into the specific practices or strategies for creating an ecological society in detail.