Is Biocentrism Debunked?A Critical Look

The basic tenet of biocentrism debunked is that all living things are equally important and ought to be treated fairly and on moral grounds. Let’s address the subject from every angle: Is biocentrism debunked?

Many see biocentrism as the relatively new yet far better way of looking at the universe. It’s difficult for some others to understand. People have developed defences and criticisms of biocentrism ethics over time. Certainly, the theory has flaws and is devoid of factual support, as philosophical and scientific analysis has shown, but is biocentrism debunked?

Defining Biocentrism 

Biocentrism, first proposed by Robert Lanza in 2007, holds that consciousness is the primary force of the universe and that everything else is merely a result of it. Essentially, the universe is a mental construct formed by our senses rather than a physical reality. According to this hypothesis, the fundamental science of the cosmos is biology rather than physics. It highlights that existence is primarily made up of life and consciousness, with all other elements existing in a secondary capacity.

Western philosophers began to systematically engage the biocentric ethical framework in the late 20th century. That evolution can be linked to a growing moral consciousness to solve urgent environmental problems.

Environmental philosophers advocated for the inclusion of animal species, plants, ecosystems later on, and so on in the typically human-centred moral standing. As a result, one of the positions of environmental ethics became biocentrism.

The Romantic movement advanced the notion that the natural world had inherent value in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The prevalent instrumentalist view of nature at the time contrasted with that reverence for the natural world.

Key Ideas of Biocentrism

Subjectivity of the Universe: According to biocentrism, the universe is essentially subjective and only exists since it is a product of human consciousness. Stated differently, our perception shapes reality.
The Observer’s Role: Biocentrism holds that for the universe to exist, there must be an observer.

Life After Death: The hypothesis that awareness might endure after physical death is one of the most fascinating parts of biocentrism. This idea contradicts widely held notions about death.

Respect for Biodiversity: Biocentrism encourages the survival of a wide range of organisms.

The Challenges of Biocentrism

Like any contentious theory, biocentrism is not without its critics. Let’s examine a few of the major issues it faces:

1. Anthropocentrism vs. Biocentrism: The conflict between biocentrism and anthropocentrism or human-centred thinking, is one of the primary objections. Critics contend that it is difficult to balance human interests and other living forms’ ethical priorities. Maintaining the balance between human demands and the survival of all life is a difficult challenge.
2. Practicality and extremes: Biocentrism can sometimes be viewed as  impractical or extreme. For instance, some critics fear that rigorous adherence to biocentric principles may impede the advancement of infrastructure and other essential activities like agriculture and medicine.
3. Ethical Dilemmas: The possibility of ethical quandaries presents another difficulty. Biocentrism poses challenging moral dilemmas when deciding between options that could save human lives at the expense of other living things.
4. Scientific Scepticism: According to certain critics, biocentrism is not supported by science. They think it lacks a strong basis for scientific investigation and is more philosophical than empirical.
5. Balancing Act: It can be difficult to strike a balance between ecocentrism, which puts ecosystems at the centre of ethical issues, and biocentrism.

Alternative Theories

Conclusion: Is Biocentrism Debunked?

All living things, sentient or not, are entitled to moral attention according to biocentrism. It supports both plant and animal welfare. But it has flaws, just like every intellectual theory. Do you think you can refute biocentrism? Instead, we’d take lessons from it.