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Criticism of anthropocentrism
Kritik des Anthropozentrismus
Last Updated: 2026-06-01 11:33:35
Abstract
Anthropocentrism views humans as occupying a special position in the world. Since Pico della Mirandola's text "On the Dignity of Man," it has been an important topic of philosophy. Today, in ecological ethics, the question arises to what extent Christian anthropocentrism is responsible for contemporary environmental crises. Historical and and systematic aspects will be examined through texts.
Objective
The aim of the course is to develop an understanding of the reasons for anthropocentrism and to comprehend its potentially problematic consequences.
Content
Anthropocentrism is the notion that humans occupy a special position in the world. Since Pico della Mirandola's text "On the Dignity of Man" from 1486, Anthropocentrism has been an important topic in Western philosophy. He claimed that nothing was more wonderful than man. His assessment was criticized in early modern conceptions, such as in Spinoza's "Ethics". Today, especially in ecological ethics, the question arises to what extent Christian anthropocentrism is responsible for contemporary environmental crises. The seminar will examine the historical and systematic aspects of this topic through selected texts. More texts will be given in the first session of this seminar.
General Information
- Language
- German
- Levels
- MSC
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 24
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| seminar | Kritik des Anthropozentrismus |
|
2 h weekly |