In the article “From Anthropocentrism to Ecocentrism: Philosophical Anthropology in the Age of Climate Challenges,” published in The Scientific Heritage (2025), author Medzhidova N. explores how global environmental shifts are forcing a radical transformation of philosophical anthropology. Historically, Western thought has been rooted in anthropocentrism, a paradigm viewing humans as the central subjects of the world and nature merely as an object for exploitation. However, as the ecological crisis threatens planetary systems, Medzhidova argues for a shift toward ecocentrism—a worldview that recognizes the intrinsic value of all life forms and the interdependence of humans and nature.
The “Perfect Moral Storm” of Climate Change
Addressing climate change is not merely a technical hurdle; it is what philosopher Stephen Gardiner describes as a “perfect moral storm”. This ethical tragedy is defined by three complex dimensions:
- Global Inequality. Greenhouse gas emissions affect the entire planet, yet those who contributed the least to emissions are often the most vulnerable to their consequences.
- Intergenerational Injustice. Current actions dictate the quality of life for future generations, yet these future individuals have no mechanism to participate in today’s decision-making.
- Theoretical Underdevelopment. Our existing ethical tools often struggle to define our obligations toward non-human animals and the intrinsic value of nature.
Global Policy and the Impact of COP-29
The COP-29 conference held in Baku in November 2024 served as a pivotal case study for applying these philosophical principles to international policy. Key outcomes included:
- Financial Justice. The establishment of a $20 billion Adaptation Fund to support the nations most vulnerable to climate impacts.
- Technological Ethics. Initiatives like Azerbaijan’s “Green Caspian” project demonstrate how technology can be used to restore biodiversity rather than just extract resources.
- Indigenous Recognition. Resolutions were passed to support traditional practices in sustainable agriculture and forestry, acknowledging diverse cultural contexts.
The Path Forward: Collective and Personal Responsibility
A sustainable future requires a synthesis of global strategy and personal ethics. This involves corporate responsibility, where companies integrate sustainability into their core values, and individual action. Medzhidova emphasizes that cultivating “green virtues”—such as reducing consumption and waste—is essential for fostering the new ecological consciousness needed to preserve both the biosphere and human civilization.
SOURCE: Medzhidova, N. (2025). From anthropocentrism to ecocentrism: Philosophical anthropology in the age of climate challenges. The Scientific Heritage, (165), 18–23. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16417573
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