Biophilia

Biophilia is the natural tendency to focus on living things and lifelike processes. It is a theory developed by Edward O. Wilson in his book by the same name. Wilson argues that there is an instinctive bond that humans feel for living things, suggesting that biophilia is genetic in origin, a result of evolution, and enables greater survivability. This innate intelligence shapes cognition, emotions, values, and culture. Biophilia fosters a conservation ethic, and elements of modern society that alienate people from the natural world may frustrate innate intelligence and threaten continued evolution.

Relating to life is a biological need—an innate process—and is deeply connected to our mental and physical development. Humans are instinctually drawn to living things, processes, and such, which are aligned with our cognitive development and reason. Humans' ability to understand other organisms is related to our ability to value those organisms, life in general, and ourselves. When we understand other life-forms, we appreciate and understand ourselves more. Humanity is what it is largely because of the unique way we affiliate with and use other [Page 37]organisms. Advances in moral reasoning and development of a deeper conservation ethic are dependent on people's understanding of other organisms and the interconnectivity of life. Greater reporting, observing, and intimacy are required to advance understanding. Personal freedom and a conservation ethic are not at odds with each other; a conservation ethic and affiliation with the biosphere is what secures the stability of our own species.

The biophilia hypothesis proposes that humankind's instinctual interest in other organisms and need to protect and care for them may be the result of evolution.

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Humans prefer certain animals because of a kinship feeling: Animals are related life. Humans may relate to animals as if they are people. The observation of the continuity of life with humanity encourages a desire for the protection and continued existence of those other organisms. This desire advances the value of other creatures without diminishing humanity. The insight of relatedness enlarges the circle of ethics beyond our own species to other life. This ethic is not necessarily altruistic. In simple economic measures, species diversity is one of humanity's greatest resources. People completely depend on other living things for their own existence. The more the natural world is explored and cataloged, the more resources people will appreciate and use for their own development. Existing organisms are the result of evolution and are already a very select group. They are our biological inheritance and a natural base for other developments and yet-undiscovered uses. Extinction is a great loss to our own species because we permanently lose that advanced life-form and the gifts it may have offered us.