Abstract
The central claim of "deep ecology" is that we need to correct an anthropocentric bias in our attitudes to the nonhuman world, and in particular to extend moral concern across time and across species. This paper will examine the benefits and the shortcomings of anthropocentrism within the framework of 'deep ecology'. As well, this paper will attempt to demonstrate both the value and some of the limitations of this framework with respect to the problem of anthropocentrism.

Tags:deep, ecology

Abstract
The paper asserts that Anthropocentrism has justifiably been referred to as ineluctable, while at the same time, it has been convincingly argued that policy derives not from science, but from values. The paper suggests from this that the human race is in serious trouble, for if we value ourselves and our selfish needs above all else, we may never listen to the scientists who are warning that if we continue in our current greedy ways, we will destroy our habitat - the earth - and destroy ourselves along with it, for no species can survive without a habitat.

From the Paper
"Is it possible for the human race to save itself by embracing weak anthropocentrism? Anthropocentrism has justifiably been referred to as ineluctable (Morito 122). At the same time, it has been convincingly argued that policy derives not from science, but from values. It might be seen to follow from this that the human race is in serious trouble. For if we value ourselves and our selfish needs above all else, it follows that we may never listen to the scientists who are warning that if we continue in our current greedy ways, we will destroy our habitat - the earth - and destroy..."

Tags:environment, canada, kyoto

Abstract
This paper discusses that , in the first chapter of "First along the River," Benjamin Kline traces the philosophical foundations of Western society's belief that humanity determines nature and that the needs of the environment are subordinate to human needs. The author points out that the philosophical underpinnings of human's relationship with nature have shifted from divine sanction to scientific principles. The paper continues that, in "Ecocentrism and the Anthropocentric Detour," George Sessions summarizes the historical development of how humans came to view nature through an anthropocentric lens.

Table of Contents
First Along the River by Benjamin Kline
Biblical Justifications for Dominating Nature
Seeking New Land
Rational Nature of the New World
Social and Political Thought in the 18th Century
Ecocentrism and the Anthropocentric Detour by George Sessions
Ecocentrism and Primal Cultures
Rise of the Anthropocentric Modern World
Spinoza's Pantheistic Metaphysics and the Romantic Movement
Nineteen and Early-Twentieth Century Origins of Environmentalism
Ecocentrism After World War II
Ecocentrism versus Anthropocentric Survival Environmentalism
Rise of the Long-range Deep Ecology Movement

From the Paper
"As Christianity spread across Europe, however, this reverence for nature gave way to a desire to exploit nature. By the Middle Ages, scientific and technological changes allowed people to farm inhospitable land and otherwise "tame" nature. A bevy of technology "grain mills, harnesses, wheel plows and power trains with cranks, among others" allowed people to cultivate more crops and raise more animals. By increasing the food yield, the population tripled. By the 14th century, Europe had become a capital of trade and technology."

Tags:principles, foundation, nature, needs, human

Abstract
Underlying economic and anthropocentric motives drive all involved towards making decisions that are more right for humans than for animals. But given that animals are an important part of our global environment, any negative actions taken towards them will ultimately impact human beings. Therefore, whether or not one believes in the rights of animals, the actions of most zoos may be classified as having a negative impact on human society, and are therefore immoral.

From the Paper
The morality of zoos In a 1994 City of Vancouver referendum, citizens voted that the Stanley Park Zoo be closed. A city institution since 1964, the small Zoo housed a number of animals, including penguins two orphaned polar bears donated to the city by the Hudson's Bay Company (Vancouver Parks Board). The City kept the Zoo open until the last remaining polar bear, named Tuk, died in 1997 at the age of 36. The polar bear area, known as `the pit', was criticized frequently by animal rights groups because it bore little resemblance to the bear's natural habitat and was very restricting. After the Zoo closed, the area was converted into a demonstration salmon

Tags:environment, ethics, zoos

Abstract
This essay presents opposing arguments to those presented in Mark Sagoff's article, "Zuckerman's Dilemma: A Plea for Environmental Ethics," in which Sagoff analyzes the concept of value and discusses the kinds of value that objects of environmental concern can have. The author of of this paper takes the position, instead, that man is designed to have dominion over the animals and fields.

From the Paper
"Sagoff uses examples of things in nature which society wishes to preserve for various values. For example, he discusses obvious instrumental grounds, like potential medicinal reasons for preservation. He then contrasts that society may wish to preserve a ten thousand-year-old forest for its aesthetic qualities. Clearly, the very definition of aesthetics is the appreciation of beauty! If man appreciates the beauty of an object, it serves him! Lastly, Sagoff talks of moral value of objects in nature. Yes, we must preserve resources, but only for the sake of preserving human resources, not to preserve nature for its own sake, or for its value to non human beings."

Tags:relationship, environment, humans, dualism, ideologies, freedoms, ethics, devestation

Abstract
This paper describes how free-market environmentalism works, identifying ways to restructure the way property owners are accountable for shared resources. The writer explains that its chief flaw is its inherent anthropocentrism. The writer discusses the cleavages between environmental professionals classified by Aldo Leopold as A and B cleavages, A being a means of economic gain through land's subordination (free-market environmentalism), and B exemplifying Leopold's idea of an ecological conscience that puts the importance of flora and fauna above human self-serving desires. The paper concludes that free-market environmentalism is flawed because it lacks an ecological conscience.

From the Paper
"Free-market environmentalism's strength in appealing to the property owner's basic desire to maintain property value is astute, however, the theory weakens because the economy is not ecologically driven and free-market environmentalism allows unregulated property owners to make ecological decisions, which affect shared natural resources. It is unlikely that property owners with short-term economic gain in mind will consistently, or ever, make choices based upon ecological sustainability for the biotic and public health of community. Furthermore, free-market environmentalism is based upon economics, ruled by the supply and demand of natural resources; therefore, those managing the property will innately seek to ensure their investment is secure while fluctuating in market value. Plainly, it is unlikely that many property owners would be willing to take an economic loss in order to protect the biotic health of the land."

Tags:overpollution polluter taxation, wildlife preservation, subordination ideology continuous-yield plantation

Abstract
This paper explains that Arme Naess' philosophy of "deep ecology" encourages respect for the environment, not because humans depend on nature, but because nature and its inhabitants have inherent value. The author points out that Ramachandra Guha's ecological philosophy of "anthropocentrism" declares that all environmental responsibility is derived from human interests alone, which challenges this "deep ecology" philosophy. The paper concludes that Ramachandra Guha, who alleges that "shallow ecology" is sufficient for providing a satisfactory ethic of obligation and concern for the non-human world, is not rational; rather the concept of "deep ecology" needs to be extended especially toward non-human individuals, wilderness areas and across time and species.

From the Paper
"Assuming characteristically anthropocentric perspectives and values is a defect, we should, instead, assume a biocentric perspective. We should certainly abandon crude conceptions of human needs that equate them with the sort of needs that are satisfied by extravagant resource use. One of the problems with shallow ecology lies in anthropocentrism, specifically the fact that they are characteristically short-term, sectional, and self-regarding. Suppose that astronomers detect a modest asteroid on collision course with Earth. The impending collision would be perfectly natural. Such periodic disruptive events are natural, though they probably destroy most of the then extant large life forms. These times of renewal provide opportunities for smaller, flexible organisms to radiate opportunistically into vacated niches, and life goes on. There is little doubt that our demise would provide comparable opportunities for development that we currently prevent. Even then, we should step aside so that evolution can continue on its majestic course."

Tags:human, value, habitat, biocentric, ethic

Abstract
Michael Smith's article in question falls within the category of a critique of anthropocentrism. This paper will analyse the concept of 'egalitarianism' and the general problems with 'ethical reasoning'. It will be argued that while his critical arguments are sound, there are problems with biocentrism and the reference to Spinoza. It will also be argued that he rejects this because this latter notion is fraught with traditional problems of metaphysics.

Abstract
This paper outlines the ethical problems with Dow Chemical Company's production of Dioxin and their inability to properly manage the waste they produce. It then outlines the reasons for a moral obligation to remedy the problem. The paper focuses its argument by taking both anthropocentric approaches and anti-anthropocentric approaches to the issue.

From the Paper
"Nearly all corporations produce waste as a by-product of the service or product they provide. That waste can have detrimental effects on the surrounding environment; not only the corporation's environment but the public and private environments associated with the effects of that waste. The Dow Chemical company produces many different kinds of waste in their production of various chemical products. In her article "Dioxin Class-Status Question Will Get another Day in Court," Kathie Marchlewski discusses a specific waste product released by the Dow Chemical Company into the Tittabawassee River in Midland, Michigan. This paper will take into account the ethical considerations of releasing Dioxin into the Tittabawassee River. The scope of this essay will be divided into two main approaches to dealing with environmental ethics: anthropocentric approaches and anti-anthropocentric approaches."

Tags:environment, toxic, Greenpeace

Abstract
The mechanistic worldview, on the one hand, depicts nature as atomistic, passive, lifeless, and wholly devoid of purpose. Feminist critics of deep ecology's insistence that an anthropocentric worldview is the root cause of the ecological crisis agree that there are important connections between the oppression of nature and the oppression of women that the anthropocentric emphasis of deep ecology obscures. Nature itself is conceived of as feminine. The powerful metaphor of "Mother Nature" allows one to see women and nature as both nurturing and gentle as well as wild and unpredictable. The irrational forces of nature must be tamed by culture and the emotional nature of women must be constructively directed by the masculine force of rationality.

Tags:argument, for, anthropomorphic