Glossary

Our key words and definitions

Word	Definition
bio-inclusive	Recognising humans as part of the living world rather than separate from it and extending ethical care to ecosystems and other species.
anthropocentricism	A way of thinking that places humans at the centre of value and decision‑making, often viewing humans as separate from and superior to the living world. From this perspective, nature is primarily valued for its usefulness and benefit to humans.
ecocentrism	A way of thinking that places Earth and all living systems at the centre of concern. An ecocentric perspective recognises that ecosystems, species, and natural processes have intrinsic value, meaning they are valuable for their own sake, not just for how they are useful to humans.
earth	The interconnected, living system that includes land, water, air, climates, ecosystems, and all forms of life. In the context of Earth and ethics, Earth is understood as a shared community of life to which humans belong and for which we hold responsibilities.
environmental ethics	The area of study and practice concerned with how humans ought to relate to the living world. Environmental ethics examines the values, responsibilities, and principles that shape human relationships with ecosystems, other species, and Earth systems, including questions of intrinsic value, justice, sustainability, and responsibility to future generations.
ethics	The study and practice of how we ought to live, act, and relate. Ethics involves reflecting on values such as care, responsibility, fairness, and justice to guide decisions and actions, including our responsibilities to the living world and the impacts of human activity.