prohuman

Prohuman is a term used to describe a stance, policy, or philosophy that prioritizes human welfare, rights, and flourishing. In general discourse, it denotes favoring human interests over others in ethical, political, or design contexts. The term is not tied to a single doctrine, and its meaning can vary with the surrounding discussion.

Etymology and scope: The word combines the prefix pro- (in favor of) with human. It is used descriptively to describe attitudes rather than to designate a formal movement. In some contexts, it contrasts with ecocentric or biocentric viewpoints that emphasize non-human life or ecosystems.

Applications: In ethics and policy, prohuman positions stress autonomy, protection of fundamental rights, and human welfare. In technology and product design, a prohuman or human-centered approach aims to safeguard users, prioritize human values, and ensure that innovations serve people. In artificial intelligence, pro-human or pro-humanity framing highlights alignment with human values and the avoidance of actions that harm people.

Criticism and nuance: Critics warn that prohuman can risk anthropocentrism if taken as a blanket preference for humans at the expense of other beings. Proponents emphasize that many prohuman frameworks seek to balance human interests with ethical consideration for others, including animals and future generations, depending on the context.

See also: humanism; anthropocentrism; transhumanism; human-centered design; pro-human AI.