Kohak starts off with the definition of biocentrism as being "the idea that life itself, life as such, any life, is a source of meaning and value." This sense of biocentrism relates to the way that Albert Schweitzer and Paul Taylor presents his ideas on ecological ethics. According to Sweitzer, ethics consists of showing to all life the same reverence of as to our own. He states, "It is good to protect and love life, it is wrong to destroy or wound life." Kohak says Schweitzer is convinced that the day will come when humanity will find it unbelievable that it could have even been so cruel. I disagree with Schweitzer's assumption. I do not believe that humanity will ever be considerate of what animals go through on a daily basis to satisfy our daily needs.
Earlier in the book, Kohak talks about the idea of antropocentrism. Now, the idea of biocentrism comes about. As stated above, Paul Taylor is one who believes in this phenomenon. Biocentrism is different from anthropocentrism as it is not based towards humans and derived from humans; it is the obiligation to other beings as well, to the good of other beings because of their own intirinsic value. Biocentrism should be the way that the world views nature, not just as the good for humans.
The section on The Land Ethic all concentrates on Leopold's viewpoint. Leopold views the land ethic as revloving around the integrity, stabilty, and beauty of the biotic community. His view on land ethics focuses on the balance of life. He wrote that environmental ecologist must think like a mountain because the mountain cares about the balance of life, caring for the harmony of all life. I believe this is a good way to view nature.
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