ECOCENTRISM AS THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

Philosophical response to the environmental crisis has led to the emergence of two theoretical models; anthropocentrism and ecocentrism. Whereas the former seeks care for the environment from the perspective of nature’s instrumental value to mankind, the latter approaches human relation to nonhuman nature on the merits of the latter’s inherent value. On our choice of which of these theories to build our environmental ethic depends how far humanity advances in facing the ominous challenge of environmental sustainability. This article exposes the ecocentric framework with the objective of outlining its essential elements, thereby making it accessible to philosophers and scientists alike. Building on this exposition, the argument is made that the ecocentric framework provides the radically new dimension in moral theory without which every prospect of an effective environmental ethic of sustainability falters in want of an appropriate philosophical foundation. The article concludes as a defence of and recommendation for greater appropriation of ecocentrism in environmental sustainability research.