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.
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.
UNDERSTANDING THE MAIN VIEWS ON SUSTAINABILITY:
ANTHROPOCENTRISM, TECHNOCENTRISM AND
ECOCENTRISM.
These
views
can
infuence
assumptions
and
arguments in diferent 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.