Biocentrism (ethics)
- For the cosmological concept, see biocentrism (cosmology).
Biocentrism (Greek: βίος, bio, "life"; and κέντρον, kentron, "center"), in a political and ecological sense, is an ethical point of view which extends inherent value to non-human species,[1] ecosystems, and processes in nature - regardless of their sentience.[2] It stands in contrast to anthropocentrism which centers on the value of humans.[3]
Definition
Biocentrism states that nature does not exist simply to be used or consumed by humans, but that humans are simply one species amongst many,[4] and that because we are part of an ecosystem, any actions which negatively affect the living systems of which we are a part, adversely affect us as well,[4][5] whether or not we maintain a biocentric worldview.[4] Biocentrists believe that all species have inherent value, and that humans are not "superior" in a moral or ethical sense.
John Muir (1838-1914) Naturalist, biocentric preservationist and writer. Founded the Sierra Club, a national conservation organization that is still active on a range of environmental issues.
Paul Taylor, one of the major[6] early proponents of biocentrism, maintains that biocentrism is an "attitude of respect for nature", whereby one attempts to make an effort to live one's life in a way that respects the welfare and inherent worth of all living creatures.[1] Taylor states that:[6][7]
- Humans are members of a community of life along with all other species, and on equal terms.
- This community consists of a system of interdependence between all members, both physically, and in terms of relationships with other species
- Every organism is a "teleological centre of life", that is, each organism has a purpose and a reason for being, which is inherently "good" or "valuable"
- Humans are not inherently superior to other species
Advocates of biocentrism are likely to promote preservation of biodiversity,[8] animal rights, and environmental protection.[citation needed]
The term has been used by those advocating "left biocentrism", combining deep ecology with an "anti-industrial and anti-capitalist" position (David Orton et al).[9]
History
The term biocentrism is strongly associated with the work of the philosopher Paul Taylor, especially his book Respect for Nature: A Theory of Environmental Ethics (1986).[6]
However, historian Donald Worster has traced today's biocentric philosophies, which he sees as part of a recovery of a sense of kinship between man and nature, to the reaction by the British intelligencia of the Victorian era against the Christian ethic of dominion over nature.[10]
He has pointed to Charles Darwin as an important spokesperson for the biocentric view in ecological thought and quotes from Darwin's Notebook on Transmutation of Species:
If we choose to let conjecture run wild, then animals, our fellow brethren in pain, diseases, death, suffering and famine — our slaves in the most laborious works, our companions in our amusement — they may partake of our origin in one common ancestor — we may be all netted together.
See also
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References
- ^ a b Derr, Patrick George (2003). Case studies in environmental ethics. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 21. ISBN 9780742531376.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ http://www.sociallearning.info/home/pdf/encyc%20of%20anim%20welfare%20-%20enrichment%20and%20research.pdf
- ^ "biocentrism". Encyclopædia Britannica. 2009. Retrieved 13 March 2009.
- ^ a b c Judi Bari (1995). "Revolutionary Ecology: Biocentrism & Deep Ecology". Alarm: A Journal of Revolutionary Ecology.
- ^ Ingram, David (2002). The complete idiot's guide to understanding ethics. Alpha Books. p. 201. ISBN 9780028643250.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c Curry, Patrick (2006). Ecological ethics: an introduction. Polity. p. 60. ISBN 9780745629087.
- ^ Taylor, Paul (1986). Respect for Nature: A Theory of Environmental Ethics. Princeton University Press. p. 99. ISBN 978-0691022505.
- ^ Robin Attfield, ed. (2003). Environmental ethics: an overview for the twenty-first century. Wiley-Blackwell. p. 17. ISBN 9780745627380.
- ^ "Left Biocentrism Primer". 15 March 1998. Retrieved 15 March 2009.
- ^ Worster, Donald (1994). Nature’s Economy: A History of Ecological Ideas (Studies in Environment and History). Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521468345.
Further reading
- Agar, Nicholas (2001). "Recent defenses of biocentrism". Life's intrinsic value: science, ethics, and nature. Columbia University Press. ISBN 9780231117869.
- Reichmann, James B. (2000). "Anthropocentrism, Biocentrism, and Envirocentrism". Evolution, animal 'rights,' and the environment. CUA Press. ISBN 9780813209548.
- Sterba, James P. (1998). "Biocentrism and ecological integrity". Ecological sustainability and integrity: concepts and approaches. Springer. ISBN 9780792349099.
{{cite book}}: Unknown parameter|editors=ignored (|editor=suggested) (help) - Taylor, Paul W. (2010). "Egalitarian Biocentrism". In Keller, David R. (ed.). Environmental Ethics: The Big Questions. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 9781405176392.
- Vilkka, Leena (1997). "Biocentrism". The intrinsic value of nature. Rodopi. ISBN 9789042003255.