What if someone tells you everything you have been learning about habitats and ecosystems is not how you knew it? You might wonder, “How is that possible?” While some people believe it is true, others support Biocentrism Debunked!
Recent advancements in the branches of biology have led to revelations that we were unaware of. Now, scientists believe that the world exists because we do. The latest theories mention that organisms are the center of the existence of life, and all organisms are equal. However, not everyone believes in this theory.
Don’t worry if everything sounds confusing; we will explain everything in this article. Let’s get to it quickly!
What is Biocentrism?
Biocentrism says that life is the most critical element of the universe; the universe exists to support life, not vice versa.
Biocentrism correlates to ecosystems as it mentions that living organisms are essential to the universe and superior to non-living parts. However, the theory also states that all living beings are equal; unlike common perception, humans are not more important.
The environmental ethicist, Holmes Rolston III, coined the term “Biocentrism” in the 1970s.
Later, Robert Lanza, an American doctor, and scientist, introduced Biocentrism in his book “Understanding the Universe’s True Nature Through Life and Consciousness.”
After Lanza shared his thoughts in his book, many scientists added their bits to the concept. Arne Naess promoted the idea of deep ecology, whereas Aldo Leopold introduced land ethic. However, later, Robert Lanza explained his idea of Biocentrism based on his previous sharings.
Biocentrism is based on the following claims:
Humans are Not Superior
As we mentioned above, Biocentrism believes that humans are not superior to other living things as opposed to what we think.
Life is Infinite
Biocentrism believes in rebirth and says that life is not a linear process. Instead, it is an infinite cycle from birth to death, rebirth, and evolution.
Consciousness Creates the Universe
Biocentrism also mentions that the universe is created by consciousness instead of the other way around. Thus, it also means that our thoughts shape our universe.
Interconnection Among Organisms
Another feature of this theory is the relationship between different organisms and microorganisms. Biocentrism says that changes in the existence of one species impact the whole ecosystem and, eventually, the biosphere.
Time is not Absolute
Furthermore, this theory explains that time is not an absolute entity. It is relative and linear, and events occur in different realities at the same time.
What is Biocentrism Debunked?
Debunking Biocentrism means disagreeing with Lanza’s theory of Biocentrism. Most scientists still believe in the previous studies about life, as Biocentrism negates many other theories. So, believing in the truthfulness of Biocentrism will change many other beliefs, such as the theory of relativity and laws of thermodynamics.
Scientists that support Biocentrism Debunked state the following reasons:
- Some scientists believe that it is very complicated.
- Robert Lanza does not have evidence to back up his claim.
- The theory cannot be tested or measured to know if consciousness shapes the universe.
- It does not align with some of the existing laws of physics.
- Lanza’s theory is more of a philosophical thought than a scientific theory.
Research such as Einstein’s Theory of Relativity explains the importance of gravity, while Biocentrism negates the vitality of non-living components.
Scientists and philosophers are not quite convinced by Biocentrism. The lack of evidence and testing has strengthened their beliefs on previous research further.
Physicist Lawrence Krauss said:
“It [biocentrism] may represent interesting philosophy, but it doesn’t look, at first glance, as if it will change anything about science.”
Moreover, Philosopher Daniel Dennett expressed his thoughts:
“It looks like an opposite of a theory because he doesn’t explain how consciousness happens at all. He’s stopping where the fun begins.”
So, it would not be wrong to say that many people, whether scientists or philosophers, do not agree with Robert Lanza.
Biocentrism Accepted or Biocentrism Debunked?
While Robert Lanza’s Biocentrism theory excited and intrigued scientists and researchers worldwide, he is yet to prove it.
Many experts are ready to accept Lanza’s theory and believe that our consciousness plays a major role in shaping the universe. However, many believe in Biocentrism debunked as there are no measurable metrics to prove the theory. There is still time to accept Biocentrism as it contradicts many other scientific theories.
At the same time, it provokes us to think about how our actions impact other organisms around us (no, you don’t have to turn vegan). It pushes us to think about ecosystems, types of biodiversity, the value of all living species and subspecies, how we are connected, and what we should do to preserve our environment.
| Biocentrism Support | Biocentrism Critique |
| All animals are equal | Cannot be tested |
| Our consciousness shapes the universe | Contrary to other theories |
| Life cycle is infinite | The life cycle is infinite |
Biocentrism in Religion and Philosophy
Theories like ecocentrism, biocentrism, and anthropocentrism are a part of religion and philosophy. While Biocentrism holds living organisms superior to the nonliving parts of the ecosystem, ecocentrism believes all ecosystem elements hold equal value. Meanwhile, anthropocentrism suggests humans are top-tier compared to other living and nonliving components.
Biocentrism encourages people to think from different perspectives instead of believing that the universe revolves around the well-being of humans. However, it prioritizes living beings over nonliving ones to promote conscious care toward the environment.
Many religions that do not believe in the afterlife also debunked Biocentrism as it mentions that the circle of life is infinite.
The Bottom Line
Biocentrism refers to believing that life is the central component of the ecosystem and that all organisms are equal. Holmes Rolston III coined the term “Biocentrism” in the 1970s. Later, Robert Lanza introduced Biocentrism in his book “Understanding the Universe’s True Nature Through Life and Consciousness.” He mentions that our consciousness shapes the universe, and time is absolute. While some people agree with Lanza, many support Biocentrism debunked as the theory does not have evidence and seems more philosophical than scientific.
FAQs
How does biocentrism explain consciousness?
Biocentrism explains consciousness as the center of the universe. It mentions that life is not a product of the universe but vice versa. The theory furthermore states that our perceptions of our surroundings are based on our consciousness.
Can we test Biocentrism?
Robert Lanza has not shared any measurable evidence or made testable predictions. So, it is not possible to test Biocentrism right now.
What are the arguments for Biocentrism?
People supporting Biocentrism mention that it emphasizes the role of consciousness, mentions all living beings are equal, and says that the life cycle is infinite.
What are the arguments against Biocentrism?
People debunking Biocentrism do not believe in rebirth and mention that the idea is more philosophical than scientific. Furthermore, it negates existing theories, and we cannot test them.
Jeannie has achieved her Master’s degree in science and technology and is further pursuing a Ph.D. She desires to provide you the validated knowledge about science, technology, and the environment through writing articles.