Antropocentrismi

Antropocentrismi, or anthropocentrism, is the view that humans are the central or most significant beings in the world and that moral consideration and value are fundamentally grounded in human interests, experiences, and needs. In this perspective, nature and non-human entities derive value largely from their usefulness to humans or from their role in supporting human welfare. The term derives from Greek anthropos (human) and kentron (center).

Historical roots of anthropocentrism can be found in various religious, philosophical, and political traditions that place humans at the core of moral or cosmic order. In modern thought, it has often been linked to scientific and economic rationalism, treating nature primarily as a resource for development and progress.

Variations exist within the stance. Strong or narrow anthropocentrism holds that only humans have intrinsic moral worth, with non-human concerns mattering only insofar as they affect humans. Weak or instrumental anthropocentrism allows recognizing the value of ecosystems and animals because of their contribution to human well-being or due to broader practical benefits. Some discussions distinguish between moral anthropocentrism and pragmatic or policy-oriented forms that justify environmental protection if it serves human interests.

Critics argue that anthropocentrism fails to respect the intrinsic value of non-human life and the health of ecological systems, potentially undermining long-term human welfare. Alternatives such as ecocentrism and biocentrism propose that ecosystems, species, or all living beings have intrinsic value independent of their usefulness to humans.

In contemporary discourse, anthropocentrism continues to shape policy, law, and ethical debate, while many frameworks seek to balance human interests with broader environmental and intergenerational considerations.