A worldview is a philosophical or cultural lens through which individuals or societies perceive and interpret their relationship with the natural world. Environmental worldviews guide how people interact with ecosystems and natural resources.
Let us examine two major worldviews in environmental ethics: Anthropocentric and Ecocentric.
1. Anthropocentric Worldview (Human-Centered)
Definition:
The anthropocentric worldview places humans at the center of moral consideration. Nature is seen primarily as a resource to serve human needs and interests.
Key Features:
- Nature has instrumental value; it exists to benefit humans.
- Environmental protection is justified only when human well-being is threatened (e.g., pollution causing disease).
- Prioritizes economic development and technological control over nature.
- Associated with industrial capitalism, urbanization, and consumerism.
Criticism:
This worldview is often blamed for unsustainable practices, over-exploitation of natural resources, and climate change because it neglects the intrinsic worth of non-human life.
2. Ecocentric Worldview (Earth-Centered)
Definition:
The ecocentric worldview sees nature as possessing intrinsic value, independent of its utility to humans. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life forms and the need to respect the rights of nature.
Key Features:
- Humans are seen as part of the ecosystem, not above it.
- Prioritizes the health of the whole ecosystem, even over individual species (including humans).
- Encourages sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and ecological balance.
- Influenced by indigenous cultures, deep ecology, and biocentrism.
Implications:
This worldview supports policies that recognize the rights of rivers, forests, and wildlife, as seen in the legal recognition of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in India or the concept of Buen Vivir in South American constitutions.
Comparison Table:
| Aspect | Anthropocentric View | Ecocentric View |
| Moral Focus | Human interests | Ecosystem as a whole |
| Value of Nature | Instrumental | Intrinsic |
| Policy Implications | Development-first | Sustainability-first |
| Cultural Roots | Industrial society, capitalism | Indigenous traditions, ecology |
| Environmental Impact | Exploitative | Conservative and protective |
Grammar Tip: Use “centric” to indicate a center of concern (e.g., anthropocentric = centered on humans). Avoid using “centric” as a standalone noun.
Vocabulary Perk: Intrinsic means inherent, natural, or essential to something. Instrumental means serving as a means to an end.
Conclusion:
Environmental ethics offers the conceptual tools to assess human responsibilities toward the environment. The distinction between anthropocentric and ecocentric worldviews highlights the differing philosophical foundations that shape our policies, lifestyles, and moral decisions. A balanced approach, sometimes referred to as “weak anthropocentrism”, tries to reconcile human development with ecological integrity. For sustainable development, it is crucial that society moves towards a more ecocentric or eco-sensitive perspective that promotes harmony between human needs and environmental sustainability