Characterized by a focus on human beings, their values, and their experiences, often to the exclusion or detriment of other factors such as the natural world, spiritual considerations, or divine will. It prioritizes human needs, perspectives, and aspirations above all else. This approach can manifest in various forms, from ethical frameworks that emphasize human rights to societal structures that prioritize human progress and comfort. It can also imply a view where humans are the central point of the universe or reality. The term often carries a nuanced connotation depending on the context, sometimes implying positive attributes like compassion and progress, while at other times suggesting anthropocentrism and disregard for other lifeforms or values.
Man-centered meaning with examples
- The environmental crisis is, in part, a consequence of man-centered philosophies that prioritize economic growth and human consumption over ecological balance. Our current practices exemplify a worldview where nature is seen as a resource solely for human use, overlooking the inherent value of biodiversity. This approach creates ecological damage and ultimately threatens our own survival, highlighting the need for a shift.
- Critics argued that the proposed urban development plan was overly man-centered, prioritizing the needs of human residents and visitors over the preservation of natural habitats and the well-being of local wildlife. The developers prioritized human convenience such as road networks and housing but neglected the vital ecosystems that support local biodiversity, making it unsustainable.
- Some religions can be criticized for being overly man-centered, with a focus on human redemption and the relationship between humans and a higher power, sometimes neglecting the inherent worth of the non-human world. Some scriptures depict the earth and its creatures as being created solely for mankind.
- The historical interpretation of art, architecture, and literature was often man-centered, concentrating on the accomplishments of human artists and builders, and the expression of human themes and values, sometimes ignoring other cultural narratives or the broader impacts of the work on the environment or society.