The United Nations Commission on Environment and Development defines ‘sustainable development’ as follows: “Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Sustainable development clearly postulates an anthropocentric bias, least concerned with the rights of other species which live on this earth. Anthropocentrism is always human-interest focused thinking that considers non-humans as having only instrumental value to humans,
in other words, humans take precedence and human responsibilities towards non-human are based on benefits to humans. Eco-centrism is nature-centred, where humans are part of nature and non-humans have intrinsic value. In other words, human interest does not take automatic precedence and humans have obligations towards non-humans independently of human interest. Eco-centrism is, therefore, life-centred, nature-centred where nature includes both humans and non-humans. The Constitution of India protects not only human rights but also casts an obligation on human beings to protect and preserve a specie from becoming extinct. Conservation and protection of environment is an inseparable part of the fundamental right to life. According to the doctrine of ‘public trust’ recognized under the Constitution of India, certain common properties such as rivers, seashores, forests and the air are held by the Government in trusteeship for the free and unimpeded use of the general public. The resources like air, sea, waters and the forests have such a great importance to the people as a whole, that it would be totally unjustified to make them a subject of private ownership. The State, as a custodian of the natural resources, has a duty to maintain them not merely for the benefit of the public, but for the best interest of flora and fauna, wildlife and so on.
Ms. G, a student of environmental science, has cultivated a butterfly garden which provides a favourable habitat for butterflies. Ms. G has cultivated the butterfly garden so that she could observe and study the different stages of development of butterflies such as egg, larvae, pupae, and adult. in the given situation, which of the following statements is correct?
Correct Answer :
Ms. G's approach to cultivation of butterfly garden is anthropocentric because it concerns the furtherance of her academic interest.
Solution :
The correct option is Ms. G's approach to cultivation of butterfly garden is anthropocentric because it concerns the furtherance of her academic interest.
Step-by-Step Explanation:
1. Understanding Anthropocentrism vs. Eco-centrism based on the passage:
• Anthropocentrism: The passage explicitly defines anthropocentrism as human-interest focused thinking. Under this viewpoint, non-human entities (like butterflies or plants) are considered to have only instrumental value—meaning they are valued primarily for the benefit, use, or interest of humans.
• Eco-centrism: In contrast, eco-centrism is nature-centered, recognizing that non-humans have intrinsic value independently of human utility or interest.
2. Analyzing Ms. G's Intentions:
According to the given scenario, Ms. G cultivated the butterfly garden specifically "so that she could observe and study the different stages of development of butterflies such as egg, larvae, pupae, and adult."
3. Logical Conclusion:
Because the primary motivation for creating and maintaining the garden is to further her own personal academic research and observational study (a human interest), the butterflies and their habitat serve an instrumental purpose for her benefit. Therefore, according to the passage's definitions, Ms. G's approach is anthropocentric because it centers around the furtherance of her academic interest.
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