The Ecological Citizen: Confronting human supremacy
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What is ecocentrism? (A definition)
Ecocentrism recognises the Earth as the ultimate source of value, meaning and enablement for all beings, including – but not only – human beings. For this reason the Earth, its places and creatures have intrinsic and not merely instrumental value. Ecocentrics therefore believe that we should put them at the centre of our ethical, intellectual and practical deliberations. 'The Earth' here means its living parts plus its non-organic components, all of which are necessary to the ecological integrity of the Earth's ecosystems, wild places, and natural processes. We humans, like the rest of life, are completely dependent upon that integrity. Wild animals also play vital roles in maintaining it. And since all natural entities are (in their own ways) agents and subjects, the key focus of ecocentrism is on the quality of our relationships with others, both human and non-human. That includes taking responsibility for how we affect them, so ethics is not an optional add-on but fundamental.
To a unique extent, of course, the impact of one species – humans – tends to degrade or destroy ecological integrity. Ecocentrics thus urge that human numbers and activities (such as 'development') need to be self-limited in order to become truly sustainable. In particular, when there is a conflict between relatively narrow or short-term human interests and ecological health, the former must give way. Ecocentrics therefore try to promote cultures, societies and economies in which such an outcome is possible, even encouraged.
The relevant contrast is with anthropocentrism.
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For further reading, see: Curry P (2017) Ecological Ethics: An Introduction, Polity Press.
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