Anthropocentrism

/ænθroʊpoʊˈsɛntrɪzəm/ noun

Definition

A philosophical viewpoint that humans are the most important or central element of existence, and that human values and experiences should be the standard for everything.

Etymology

From 'anthropo-' (human) + 'centric' (center) + '-ism' (belief system). The term crystallized in academic philosophy during the 20th century, though the concept dates back millennia.

Kelly Says

Environmental philosophers argue anthropocentrism is why we trash the planet—if nature only matters because it serves humans, we'll exploit it until it's useless. But if you care about a rainforest because jaguars deserve to exist, you're thinking beyond anthropocentrism!

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