Biocentrism (ethics)

For the cosmological concept, see biocentric universe.

Biocentrism (from Greek βίος bios, "life" and κέντρον kentron, "center"), in a political and ecological sense, as well as literally, is an ethical point of view that extends inherent value to all living things.[1] It is an understanding of how the earth works, particularly as it relates to its biosphere or biodiversity. It stands in contrast to anthropocentrism, which centers on the value of humans.[2] The related ecocentrism extends inherent value to the whole of nature.

Advocates of biocentrism often promote the preservation of biodiversity,[3] animal rights, and environmental protection. The term has also been employed by advocates of "left biocentrism", which combines deep ecology with an "anti-industrial and anti-capitalist" position (according to David Orton et al.).[4]

  1. ^ Derr, Patrick George; Edward M. McNamara (2003). Case studies in environmental ethics. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 21. ISBN 978-0-7425-3137-6.
  2. ^ "biocentrism". Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 2009. Retrieved 13 March 2009.
  3. ^ Robin Attfield, ed. (2003). Environmental ethics: an overview for the twenty-first century. Wiley-Blackwell. p. 17. ISBN 978-0-7456-2738-0.
  4. ^ "Left Biocentrism Primer". 15 March 1998. Retrieved 15 March 2009.