|
|
|
Entries 
|
Anthropocentrism, EnlightenedEnlightened anthropocentrism is the view that humans should give consideration to the needs of nature, although human needs always take precedence over nature�s needs. Enlightened anthropocentrism is similar to anthropocentrism in that it is motivated by exploiting nature for human wellbeing and prosperity, but in addition it attempts not to destroy it, albeit if only to make sustainable use of its mineral wealth, wildlife, aesthetics and recreational capacity.
Enlightened anthropocentrism is widely accepted as a strategy by liberal governments.
The exploitation of nature in enlightened anthropocentrism is moderated by the fear of inviting natural destruction, like floods, drought and animal extinctions, on human ventures. The benefits from nature and the fear of natural destruction make a doubly powerful incentive to protect nature from too much human violation. Hence this brand of anthropocentrism is said to be 'enlightened'.Our everyday human concerns of politics and legislation guide enlightened anthropocentrism in practice. For instance, we make laws to protect nature for human use and by doing so we indirectly protect wild animals. An example is that some countries have a short 'closed season' during which the sport shooting of deer is banned so that deer can breed and flourish. Thus a benefit for humans (shooting deer) becomes an advantage for animals (a bit of peace and quite). Adherents of enlightened anthropocentrism make a number of claims about it. Our moral duties, they argue, are only to humans. Although we exploit nature we also protect it as a human resource and it benefits indirectly through this protection. They say the preservation of the environment need only depend on the practical degree to which humanity can modify and manage ecosystems and not any other notion. They say that alternative non-human-centred outlooks, such as animal rights, environmentalism and deep ecology, amount merely to impractical, difficult to prove moral arguments for safeguarding nature. Indeed, liberal governments seeking a workable strategy for exploiting and protecting nature tend to turn to enlightened anthropocentrism for their inspiration.  |
