ANTHROPOCENTRISM, BIOCENTRISM AND GOOD LIVING: FROM THE SOCIO-ENVIRONMENTAL CRISIS TO THE SEARCH FOR A RESIGNIFIED RELATIONSHIP WITH MOTHER EARTH

Abstract

This study analyzes anthropocentrism, biocentrism, and buen vivir (good living) as a way to explore possible paths for re-signifying the connection between human beings, nature, and Mother Earth. Its objective is to highlight the need to overcome anthropocentrism, given that its influence over the past century and into the presente - particularly in how humans relate to nature - has shown signs of exhaustion. In contrast, biocentric and buen vivir perspectives recognize the intrinsic value of nature and promote a harmonious and interdependent relationship. The methodology used is bibliographic, involving conceptual, historical, and normative analysis of Colombia, Ecuador, and Brazil. The conclusions reinforce the understanding that the anthropocentric view is one of the driving forces behind the socio-environmental crisis. Meanwhile, biocentrism and buen vivir, by valuing nature for its own sake and emphasizing life's interdependence, offer alternatives to the identified crisis by proposing a break from the anthropocentric and utilitarian paradigms that underpin the dominant development model. Thus, recognizing the rights of nature is one possible step toward building a new legal and ethical paradigm that transcends the traditional anthropocentric view - an approach already reflected in some Latin American constitutional texts and judicial decisions. However, within the Brazilian context, there remains a need to overcome human centrality, which is evident in how environmental protection is incorporated into various normative texts and, potentially, in the broader interpretation of fundamental and constitutional rights.