Relationship Between Humanity and Nature: Explore the Philosophies
THERE ARE WIDELY DIFFERENT PHILOSOPHIES PERTAINING TO THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMANITY AND NATURE. WHAT DO YOU BELIEVE?
Anthropocentrism: is the belief that humanity is the central and most important entity in the universe. This concept is also sometimes phrased as “humanocentrism,” “human supremacy,” and “human exceptionalism. ”From an anthropocentric viewpoint, humanity is first viewed as being separate from, and superior to nature. Humanity is not only viewed as superior to nature, but also that all of nature’s bounty including animals, plants, and minerals, are resources for use by humans. Anthropocentrism regards humankind as the central or most important element of existence.
Theocentric: is a philosophy that God is at the center of life, and humanity strives to live according to what he or she believes is God’s will.
Biocentrism: attributes inherent value to all living things. Biocentrism isa philosophical and ethical premise that all living organisms should be considered by humans as equals and calls for an attitude of respect for nature.
Zoocentism: attributes inherent value in animals.
Ecocentrism: is a philosophy placing value and importance on the entire environment and all life in it, not just the parts that are useful to humans. Ecocentrism finds intrinsic value in all of nature. It goes beyond biocentrism by including environmental systems as whole, together with all abiotic aspects. It goes beyond zoocentrism by specifically including flora and the ecological contexts for organisms. This viewpoint also envisions a sense of stewardship for humans to care for and preserve the other inhabitants of earth.
These philosophies and attitudes essentially ask humans to make the effort to live their lives in a manner that respects the welfare and inherent worth of all living creatures.
Many cultures, religions and societies through human history have integrated biocentric and ecocentric principals. Islam, Hinduism, and Buddhism are good examples. Different Asian cultures and indigenous populations like the American Indian incorporated important nature-based laws and principles, which are beautifully presented in Braiding Sweetgrass.
One of the most prominent issues today is the inherent conflict between man and nature highlighted by expansion and infringement of human settlements into natural settings. Humans also find themselves in competition and conflict with nature when special protections are afforded to certain animals and natural resources which adversely impact the ability of humans to make a living or utilize resources critical to the survival of their families. We therefore must achieve some sort of plausible balance protecting the needs and interests of humans and nature, before all our natural landscapes and resources perish. But this is a very delicate and difficult problem.
