Anthropocentrism is a philosophical viewpoint that regards humans as the central or most significant entities in the world. It implies interpreting or regarding the world in terms of human values and experiences. The term can be broken down into “anthropo-” meaning human and “-centrism” meaning centered, thus literally meaning human-centered. This perspective is often contrasted with more ecocentric or biocentric viewpoints, which place equal or greater value on non-human life and ecosystems.In an anthropocentric view, human life, interests, and values are given priority over those of other species and the natural world. This approach has been influential in shaping human attitudes towards the environment, with implications for environmental policy, ethics, and conservation efforts. Critics argue that anthropocentrism contributes to environmental degradation and the exploitation of natural resources, as it justifies human dominance and the instrumental use of nature for human benefit. On the other hand, some proponents argue that recognizing human-centric values is essential for motivating conservation efforts, suggesting that protecting the environment is important for sustaining human life and well-being.

Anthropocentrism is evident in many aspects of human culture, including law, religion, and art, where human experiences and perspectives are often considered the default or most important. In environmental ethics, the debate between anthropocentric and more ecologically inclusive perspectives continues to evolve, with increasing attention to finding a balance that acknowledges human needs while also respecting and protecting the broader ecological systems upon which all life depends.