anthropocentrism

[ an-thruh-poh-sen-triz-uhm ]

noun

1. the view that human beings are the central fact or the final aim and end of the universe. Compare biocentrism ( def 2 ).
2. the tendency to view and interpret everything in terms of human experience, making it the only operative consideration in determining the moral or ethical value of a course of action. Compare biocentrism ( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of anthropocentrism¹

First recorded in 1905–10; anthropocentr(ic) + -ism

Example Sentences

In every case, the target of these revolutions was the persistent belief that our species is the center of everything, an idea called anthropocentrism.

From Salon

Scholars have warned about how easily reason falls into anthropocentrism and cultural bias when dealing with the nonhuman.

From Scientific American

Great Andamanese, it turns out, is exceptional among the world's languages in its anthropocentrism.

From Scientific American

Nevertheless, given that insects represent at least 60% of all animals, she says, “We can’t ignore them. There is still anthropocentrism in Western science that rejects the idea of caring about ‘dumb invertebrates.’

From Science Magazine

What constitutes language is unfortunately mired in anthropocentrism.

From Salon