Do we place humans within nature or as an external factor?

Question 1

What is Anthropocentric/ Antrhoprocentrism?

Answer 1

• Humans are the most important beings; humans have dominion over other organisms and ecosystems; nature is exploited to serve humans – but humans act ethically/morally (Teilhard de Chardin’s Noosphere)

Question 2

What is Ecocentric/ Ecocentrism?

Answer 2

• Values and/or decision-making centred on nature, rooted in ecology;
• sustainable resource use; operating within natural limits (Leopold, 1949)

Question 3

What is Nature?

Answer 3

• “The idea of ‘nature’ is at the very core of science, considered as its flagship and deepest link with human societies.
  However, while nature preservation has become a major social concern, the idea of nature remains elusive.” (Ducarme & Couvet, 2020, 1).
• As scientific knowledge of nature is (and will always remain) incomplete, scientists have to rely on mental representations and theoretical concepts, but these must be identified as such, and clearly defined (Demeritt, 2002)

Question 4

Anthropocentric perspectives on ecosystem services (ES)

Answer 4

-Our continued existence on the Earth necessitates recognition of ES
- Decision-making must ensure sustainable use of ES
- We therefore manage the environment so that our health, well-being, social cohesion, and economic prosperity aren’t compromised
- Continuing to deplete natural capital orextracting/using ES beyond natural limits ultimately put us at risk

Question 5

Ecocentric View on Ecosystem Services?

Answer 5

• Humans are part of nature, are ecosystem components, and serve ecosystem functions – our actions are ‘natural’
• Humans operate as Nature’s Conscience
• Our ‘duty’ to protect ecosystems and maintain natural capital
• Continuing to deplete natural capital or extracting/using ES beyond natural limits ultimately puts us at risk