Anthropocentrism and sustainable development: Oxymoron or symbiosis?

Abstract

This research focuses on the definition and achievement of sustainable development, and the factors that influence this. The aim is to understand the current situation in Western society, how and why we reached this point, and to determine a path forward that is genuinely sustainable. Within this context, this research paper will critically analyse the concept of anthropocentrism and the subsequent dominant cultural values, with particular emphasis on how they have framed our relationship with the built and natural environment. This will provide the framework to explore how this relationship, and the institutionalisation of anthropocentrism, has influenced the definition and achievement of sustainable development.