Question

Western philosophy, like Aristotle's Great Chain of Being in which all living organisms are ranked hierarchically and Sir Francis Bacon's assertion that nature should be harnessed to make the world a better place for humans, tends to:

Answer 1

Western philosophy, exemplified by Aristotle's Great Chain of Being and Bacon's views on nature, is anthropocentric, valuing the natural world for its utility to humans. This standpoint has enabled exploitation of the environment for human advancement, though philosophical reflection also emphasizes the importance of understanding nature.

Step-by-step explanation:

Western philosophy, including Aristotle's Great Chain of Being and Sir Francis Bacon's stance on harnessing nature for human benefit, has historically taken an anthropocentric approach. This perspective posits that humans have intrinsic value and that the natural world is primarily of instrumental value, serving to fulfill human needs and desires. In ethical frameworks such as Bacon's empiricism, the natural environment is managed and exploited to serve human progress, reflecting a belief that humanity has dominion over the earth. The connection between ethics and the environment can be seen in the different ways religious beliefs and scientific endeavors have approached ecological preservation. Philosophical examination, epitomized by figures like Aristotle, also highlights the importance of understanding the natural world, not merely for exploitation, but as a critical aspect of thriving human life and society.