The main difference between anthropocentrism biocentrism and ecocentrism is their focus; anthropocentrism considers humankind as the central element of existence and biocentrism considers all living components of the environment as central, while ecocentrism focuses on the ecosystem as a whole.
Anthropocentrism, biocentrism, and ecocentrism are three terms we encounter in environmental ethics and environmental philosophy.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Anthropocentrism
– Definition, Focus, Features
2. What is Biocentrism
– Definition, Focus, Features
3. What is Ecocentrism
– Definition, Focus, Features
4. Difference Between Anthropocentrism Biocentrism and Ecocentrism
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Anthropocentrism, Biocentrism, Ecocentrism
What is Anthropocentrism
Anthropocentrism is the view or belief that human beings are superior to all other organisms. The focus in this view is mainly on humans, and animals and the natural world is merely a background. In anthropocentrism, human perspective is the most important and other issues take a second place. We can describe most branches of study, such as philosophy and psychology, as anthropocentric.
There are various types and degrees of anthropocentrism. Sometimes, anthropocentrism is considered as contributing to environmental harm. This concept often comes up in the field of environmental ethics, but most experts argue that it’s short-sightedness that promotes environmental harm, not anthropocentrism, since the environment is necessary for the existence of human beings. Some also argue that anthropocentrism is a basic element of human nature since human beings have always used natural resources, including both plants and animals, for their own benefit.
What is Biocentrism
Unlike anthropocentrism, biocentrism places greater importance on living components of the environment, including living individuals. It focuses on the natural world. According to this perspective, all living things in the world are equally important. According to this perspective, an animal’s life is as important as human life. Moreover, when considering an issue like climate change, biocentric individuals would focus on how climate change influence living things by analyzing the migration of species or change in wildlife habits.
Moreover, biocentrism does not consider chemical or geological elements of the environment to be important as living things. In addition, biocentric experts often tend to emphasize the importance of individual organisms.
What is Ecocentrism
Ecocentrism is a perspective that places importance on the ecosystem as a whole. It considers both living components and non-living components equally important, especially when making decisions regarding the environment. Unlike anthropocentrism, it places little importance on human beings. Ecocentrism is only concerned with humans when considering how human beings influence the ecosystem as a whole. If we take the above example of climate change again, ecocentrists might also consider changes in abiotic factors like changing seas levels, ocean acidity, and weather patterns.
Ecocentrism has a more holistic approach than biocentrism as it gives value to species, ecosystems, or the environment as a whole. In contrast to biocentrism, ecocentrism also uses abiotic factors or ecological components in nature to demonstrate the importance of non-living elements of the environment. Therefore, it also involves the chemical and geological components of nature.
Difference Between Anthropocentrism Biocentrism and Ecocentrism
Definition
Anthropocentrism is the view or belief that human beings are superior to all other organisms, and biocentrism places greater importance on living components of the environment, while ecocentrism is a perspective that places importance on the ecosystem as a whole.
Perspective
Anthropocentrism is human-centred, while biocentrism is centred on all living things, while ecocentrism is centred on ecosystems as a whole.
Biotic vs Abiotic Factors
While anthropocentrism considers human beings the most important, biocentrism considers biotic factors important, and ecocentrism considers both biotic and abiotic factors as important.
Conclusion
The main difference between anthropocentrism biocentrism and ecocentrism is their focus; anthropocentrism considers humankind as the central element of existence, while biocentrism considers all living components of the environment as central and ecocentrism focuses on the ecosystem as a whole.
Reference:
1. “What Is Anthropocentrism?” Safeopedia.
2. “Glossary of Terms in Environmental Philosophy.” University of Wisconsin.
Image Courtesy:
1. “User Centric – The Noun Project” By Matt Brooks – Noun Project – (CC0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “1081997” (CC0) via Pixabay
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