Blog 5 - Four Theses

When people hear the word biocentric, I imagine some of them believe the term means an “excessive love for animals” (Kohak p.85). Such thoughts paint out people who have biocentric views to be radical “tree huggers”. By viewing biocentrism as radical, many people are turned away from that train of thought. If more people were aware of Paul Taylor’s four theses, such views on biocentrism would change. Taylor’s theses effectively outline an attitude of biocentrism. If more people developed biocentric views such as the ones outlined by Taylor, nature would start getting the respect and concern it has long been deprived of by many people.

Taylor’s first point is the humans are an equal member of the community (p.85). We all must lose the self image that says we are superior to all of nature, because of our ability to reason. This image of superiority has led to the exploitation and cruel treatment of animals and nature. If anything, our ability to reason should make it apparent that such exploitation for the purpose of maximum gain is wrong and that we should take care of the world surrounding us and not abuse it. The second point Taylor outlines is that “the Earth is a web of mutual dependence” (p.86). The actions of one organism will influence other organisms; everything is interrelated. Humans who dispose of oil improperly poison the soil, which will eventually leak into streams and other water systems. Such an uncaring act can cause the death of many other organisms’ lives. The third biocentric view Taylor outlines is that every organisms in the biosphere has intrinsic value. As Kohak says, no being should have to justify its value to another being as long as it stays within its limits of long term sustainability (p.86). A cow isn’t important because of the meat or milk it provides, it is important because it is a part of this world. These three points lead to Taylor’s final conclusion that the idea of human superiority is in essence discrimination.

When looking at the biocentric view in this perspective, it is not radical at all but quite reasonable. It just states that humans are not superior, humans should be considerate with their actions because they affect other organisms, and everything has intrinsic value. If more people would give this viewpoint consideration, they would find it legitimate. I believe there would then be an increase in the movement for preserving nature and animal rights. Paul Taylor’s four theses allows for a grasp on basic biocentric ideas to be made.