The
three
main
views
on
sustainability
are
anthropocentrism, technocentrism, and ecocentrism.
Each of these views places emphasis on diferent
factors and values, leading to diferent assumptions
and arguments.
UNDERSTANDING THE
MAIN VIEWS ON
SUSTAINABILITY:
ANTHROPOCENTRISM,
TECHNOCENTRISM AND
ECOCENTRISM
ANTHROPOCENTRISM
This view places humans at the center of sustainability and assumes that the preservation of human
well-being is the ultimate goal of sustainability. It prioritizes economic growth, human progress, and the
needs and desires of humans. Arguments based on anthropocentrism often focus on the benefts of
sustainable practices for human societies, such as reduced pollution, increased efciency, and improved
quality of life.
TECHNOCENTRISM
This view places technology at the center of sustainability and assumes that human ingenuity and
technological advancements are the key to solving sustainability problems. It prioritizes the development of
new technologies, innovations, and market-based solutions. Arguments based on technocentrism often
focus on the potential for technology to solve sustainability challenges, such as through the development of
renewable energy sources and green technologies.
ECOCENTRISM
This view places the natural environment at the center of sustainability and assumes that the preservation
and protection of ecosystems and the natural world are the ultimate goals of sustainability. It prioritizes the
conservation of natural resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems. Arguments based on ecocentrism often
focus on the importance of preserving natural systems and the long-term impacts of human activities on the
environment
THESE VIEWS CAN INFLUENCE ASSUMPTIONS AND ARGUMENTS IN DIFFERENT WAYS. FOR EXAMPLE,
PROPONENTS OF ANTHROPOCENTRISM MAY ARGUE THAT SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES ARE NECESSARY TO
ENSURE ECONOMIC GROWTH AND HUMAN PROSPERITY, WHILE CRITICS MAY ARGUE THAT THIS VIEW
NEGLECTS THE LONG-TERM IMPACTS OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT. PROPONENTS OF
TECHNOCENTRISM MAY ARGUE THAT NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATIONS WILL HELP SOLVE
SUSTAINABILITY CHALLENGES, WHILE CRITICS MAY ARGUE THAT THIS VIEW NEGLECTS THE SOCIAL AND
POLITICAL FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO SUSTAINABILITY PROBLEMS. PROPONENTS OF ECOCENTRISM MAY
ARGUE THAT PRESERVING NATURAL SYSTEMS AND THE ENVIRONMENT IS ESSENTIAL FOR LONG-TERM
SUSTAINABILITY, WHILE CRITICS MAY ARGUE THAT THIS VIEW NEGLECTS THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN
WELL-BEING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.