"When Nature Holds the Mastery": The Development of Biocentric Thought in Industrial America

Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Degree type
Graduate group
Discipline
Subject
biocentrism
ecocentrism
environmental history
American perceptions of nature
John Muir
Liberty Hyde Bailey
Nathaniel Southgate Shaler
Edward Payson Evans
Anna Comstock
Jeanne C. Carr
Charles Darwin
Aldo Leopold
Rachel Carson
Hetch-Hetchy
Conservation
Preservation
George Perkins Marsh
Theodore Roosevelt
Frederick Jackson Turner
Gifford Pinchot
Deep Ecology
History
Funder
Grant number
License
Copyright date
Distributor
Related resources
Contributor
Abstract

This thesis explores the concept of "biocentrism" within the context of American environmental thought at the turn of the twentieth century. Biocentrism is the view that all life and elements of the universe are equally valuable and that humanity is not the center of existence. It encourages people to view themselves as part of the greater ecosystem rather than as conquerors of nature. The development of this alternative world view in America begins in mid-nineteenth to early twentieth century, during a period of rapid industrialization and urbanization as some Americans began to notice the destruction they wrought on the environment and their growing disconnect with nature. Several individuals during this time introduced the revolutionary idea of biocentrism including: John Muir, Liberty Hyde Bailey, Nathaniel Southgate Shaler and Edward Payson Evans. This thesis traces the development of their biocentrism philosophies, attributing it to several factors: more mainstream reactions to the changes including the Conservation movement and Preservation movements, new spiritual and religious approaches towards nature, and Darwin's theory of evolution which spurred the development of the field of ecology and the concept of evolving ethics. It draws upon the personal papers, unpublished and published works of thinkers that participated in this dialogue to show how the concept emerged and fits into the greater context of American environmentalism.

Advisor
Date of degree
2007-04-20
Date Range for Data Collection (Start Date)
Date Range for Data Collection (End Date)
Digital Object Identifier
Series name and number
Volume number
Issue number
Publisher
Publisher DOI
Journal Issue
Comments
A Senior Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for Honors in History. Faculty Advisor: Kathy Peiss
Recommended citation