Do you think anthropocentrism is an
acceptable basis for an environmental ethic? Justify your view
ANTHROPOCENTRISM
Anthropocentrism
assumes that human beings are the only bearers of intrinsic value and that all
the other living things on earth exist to sustain the existence of humanity.
Humanity with this in mind have destroyed the nature’s balance hence causing
environmental degradation which might lead to the extinction of humanity itself
if not controlled. Although the human race is the only thing perceived to
think, the other living organisms have the same chance of existence without
interference by human beings or destruction (Dalile,
2012). It is for this reason that this paper does not support Anthropocentrism
as an acceptable basis for environmental ethics. Instead, the essay will
provide support showing why anthropocentrism should not be used in
environmental ethics.
The
Anthropocentric ethics claims that although human beings have responsibilities
towards the natural world, the responsibility is not direct (Burchett,
2016). The claim in my view is incorrect as anything human being does in the
natural world directly affects the ecosystem. For example, the release of
excessive greenhouse gases by humans through their every day to day activities
has continued to destroy the ozone layer. However, if they plant more trees to
act as carbon sinks, the depletion of the ozone layer would be slowed. The same
can be seen when trees are cut down, they directly affect an ecosystem causing
effects like soil erosion and desertification, however, if human beings do not
cut down the trees the ecosystem would be maintained. The relationship between
human beings and the environment is direct therefore any claims that humans are
not directly responsible for the environment are false.
The
ethical approach also justifies humanity’s exploration of nature which in many
cases causes degradation of nonhuman components of nature (Dalile,
2012). Every element in the ecosystem plays an essential role in maintaining
the balance; if one component dominates the environment, there is bound to be
an imbalance causing the other components to suffer. The ethical approach gives
more power to the humanity which as we see is causing environmental degradation
that affects all the elements of the environment including the humankind
responsible.