Anthropocentrism (See Biocentrism; Ecocentrism; Zoocentrism)

The word “anthropocentrism” derives etymologically from the Greek words anthropos (human) and kentron (center) and is used to classify systems or perspectives centered on the human, on humankind. The Greek suffix -ismos (Latin -ismus) expresses the general scope of the word to which it is added. Thus anthropocentrism refers to the different doctrines that privilege man as the supreme being—the only being having an intrinsic, absolute, and unconditional value. It considers man as the center (as well as the beginning and end) of all thoughts and actions to whom everything else should be subordinated. Anthropocentrism has been the dominant perspective of Western religions, cultures, and philosophies.