Planetary health ethics: A Confucian alternative
Planetary health acknowledges that the disruptions and deterioration of natural systems pose a significant and pressing threat to human beings and the interconnected network of life. The perceived dichotomy between anthropocentrism and ecocentrism is a human construct that reflects the binary thinki...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Elsevier
2025-03-01
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| Series: | The Journal of Climate Change and Health |
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| Online Access: | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667278224000828 |
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| author | Eric C. Ip |
| author_facet | Eric C. Ip |
| author_sort | Eric C. Ip |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Planetary health acknowledges that the disruptions and deterioration of natural systems pose a significant and pressing threat to human beings and the interconnected network of life. The perceived dichotomy between anthropocentrism and ecocentrism is a human construct that reflects the binary thinking that has dominated Western philosophy. The anthropocosmic perspective of Confucian ethics highlights the interdependence between humans, their communities, the environment, and the cosmos, emphasizing that environmental well-being is vital to personal health and wellness. Confucianism also asserts that humans are a product of nature and should embody the principles of life and growth to become compassionate individuals in harmony with the universe. Consequently, human existence is inherently tied to nature, and the deterioration of the environment eventually harms humanity. A Confucian planetary health ethic prioritizes the concept of humanity's oneness with all things. Given that the Earth system now experiences less stable patterns than before, humans must assume accountability for anthropogenic climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. We must begin to appreciate that the rest of the biosphere is closely linked to our physical body. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c4efef7137a444cd96c110ee3631699c |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2667-2782 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-03-01 |
| publisher | Elsevier |
| record_format | Article |
| series | The Journal of Climate Change and Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-c4efef7137a444cd96c110ee3631699c2025-08-20T02:56:10ZengElsevierThe Journal of Climate Change and Health2667-27822025-03-012210040410.1016/j.joclim.2024.100404Planetary health ethics: A Confucian alternativeEric C. Ip0HKU Centre for Medical Ethics and Law, Cheng Yu Tung Tower, Centennial Campus, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong, SAR, ChinaPlanetary health acknowledges that the disruptions and deterioration of natural systems pose a significant and pressing threat to human beings and the interconnected network of life. The perceived dichotomy between anthropocentrism and ecocentrism is a human construct that reflects the binary thinking that has dominated Western philosophy. The anthropocosmic perspective of Confucian ethics highlights the interdependence between humans, their communities, the environment, and the cosmos, emphasizing that environmental well-being is vital to personal health and wellness. Confucianism also asserts that humans are a product of nature and should embody the principles of life and growth to become compassionate individuals in harmony with the universe. Consequently, human existence is inherently tied to nature, and the deterioration of the environment eventually harms humanity. A Confucian planetary health ethic prioritizes the concept of humanity's oneness with all things. Given that the Earth system now experiences less stable patterns than before, humans must assume accountability for anthropogenic climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss. We must begin to appreciate that the rest of the biosphere is closely linked to our physical body.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667278224000828Planetary healthEthicsConfucianismAnthropocentrismEcocentrismAnthropocosmism |
| spellingShingle | Eric C. Ip Planetary health ethics: A Confucian alternative The Journal of Climate Change and Health Planetary health Ethics Confucianism Anthropocentrism Ecocentrism Anthropocosmism |
| title | Planetary health ethics: A Confucian alternative |
| title_full | Planetary health ethics: A Confucian alternative |
| title_fullStr | Planetary health ethics: A Confucian alternative |
| title_full_unstemmed | Planetary health ethics: A Confucian alternative |
| title_short | Planetary health ethics: A Confucian alternative |
| title_sort | planetary health ethics a confucian alternative |
| topic | Planetary health Ethics Confucianism Anthropocentrism Ecocentrism Anthropocosmism |
| url | http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667278224000828 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT ericcip planetaryhealthethicsaconfucianalternative |