More-than-human

Definition

More-than-human refers to a perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness of human and non-human entities within ecological systems. This concept challenges the anthropocentric view that places humans at the center of consideration and emphasizes the agency and significance of all beings, including animals, plants, and the environment, in shaping our world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The more-than-human perspective encourages a holistic understanding of ecosystems, where all entities, regardless of species, have intrinsic value and agency.
2. This viewpoint is crucial in queer ecology, which integrates queer theory with ecological considerations, examining how diverse forms of life interact within shared environments.
3. More-than-human critiques challenge traditional boundaries between human and non-human, fostering an understanding of relationality and cohabitation among different life forms.
4. In posthumanist discourse, more-than-human serves as a lens through which we can rethink identity, ethics, and responsibility in a world shared with non-human beings.
5. The concept promotes environmental justice by advocating for the rights of non-human entities and recognizing their roles in sustaining ecosystems that humans depend on.

Review Questions

• How does the more-than-human perspective challenge traditional views of human superiority over non-human entities?
  • The more-than-human perspective challenges traditional views by emphasizing that all living beings have intrinsic value and play vital roles in ecological systems. It argues against anthropocentrism, which places humans at the center of importance, by recognizing the agency of non-human life forms. This shift encourages a more equitable approach to environmental ethics where relationships among various species are valued equally.
• Discuss the implications of adopting a more-than-human perspective in queer ecology and how it reshapes our understanding of identity.
  • Adopting a more-than-human perspective in queer ecology allows for a richer understanding of identity as inherently relational and interconnected with other forms of life. It encourages an examination of how sexualities, gender identities, and ecological interactions are intertwined. By considering the influences of non-human entities on human experiences and identities, this perspective expands our notions of what constitutes identity and belonging within diverse ecosystems.
• Evaluate how the more-than-human concept influences environmental justice movements and what ethical considerations it raises.
  • The more-than-human concept significantly influences environmental justice movements by advocating for the rights and representation of non-human entities within socio-political frameworks. It raises ethical considerations regarding our responsibilities toward all living beings and challenges us to think critically about who gets a voice in environmental decision-making. This perspective fosters a more inclusive approach to justice that accounts for the needs and rights of both humans and non-humans, promoting sustainability and reciprocity in our interactions with nature.

Related terms

Anthropocentrism: The belief that human beings are the most important entity in the universe, often leading to the exploitation of non-human life forms and ecosystems.

Posthumanism: An intellectual movement that questions traditional humanism and explores the implications of advanced technology, biocentrism, and the evolving relationship between humans and non-humans.

Ecocriticism: A literary and cultural theory that examines the relationship between literature and the physical environment, focusing on how ecological concerns are represented and understood.