The Value Of Life And Consciousness: Biocentrism And Biocentric Views

For centuries, Western science and ethics have held to an anthropocentric view of life. This means that human beings living in the present time are the only form of life that deserves moral consideration. As recent years have seen the advent of environmental concerns, human population growth, and resource depletion, more people have started to explore another point of view called biocentrism. 

What is biocentrism?

Biocentrism is an ethical viewpoint that holds that all life on earth is worth moral consideration. This includes future generations of human beings, animals, plants, and even entire ecosystems. While some religions have long held to certain aspects of biocentrism theory (Buddhists and some Indigenous tribes believe in the sacredness of all living things, for example), the late 20th century has borne witness to the rise and systemization of this concept on a broader scale. 

Biocentrism and the inherent value of all living things

Many preservationists and animal rights activists will argue the intrinsic value of all life, some to the point of seeking legal standing similar to that given to humans for trees and animals. After all, the natural world is a holistic environment, with a delicate balance of everything from the largest plant structures to the smallest microorganisms playing a role in ecosystems. Even though animals may not think like us, animal understanding and sense perceptions explore the world in ways we may not understand. 

Biocentric Universe Theory: Space and time spring from life itself

Biocentrism even has a role to play in larger spaces. Quantum theory has posited, through a biocentric universe theory, that the concepts of time, space, and the cosmos spring from life itself. This idea turns the universe inside out, suggesting that physical reality only exists as a result of consciousness. In other words, if external physical objects are not perceived, do they exist? Is perception the matrix of the universe, or does the universe exist outside of what we observe? Do physical events occur independent of observation? Or does consciousness shape reality? These questions have been on the minds of philosophers and theoretical physicists for years, and the ideas presented by biocentrism are still being explored today by researchers interested in the true nature of real existence. 

Robert Lanza and the origins of biocentrism

Biocentrism and quantum physics

It can be challenging to discuss biocentrism without also talking about quantum physics, as the two are closely linked. As Ronald Green, former director of Dartmouth College’s Ethics Institute, notes biocentric theory has “quantum support.”

Observers and subatomic particles

Studying subatomic particles and quantum physics may confirm some of the theories underpinning biocentrism. For example, physicists acknowledge that most of the matter that comprises the universe is simply empty space. We interpret objects as solid, but this perception is really the result of energy interference. 

Double slit experiment and observer effects

The double slit experiment consists of researchers firing electrons through two vertical slits on a wall. When unobserved, the electrons take on a wave pattern, even though there’s no feasible way they could intersect during the firing. When researchers watch the electrons pass through the slits, however, the electrons behave differently, forming two different columns. Biocentrists often provide this experiment as proof that reality changes when it’s observed in the physical world. 

Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle

In line with Lanza’s theory of biocentrism, Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle posits that there are limits to our ability to acquire objective answers about the universe. For example, you can’t be sure of the exact position of an automobile and its speed at the same time. While calculating its speed, the object becomes a blur if you try to pinpoint the car’s exact location. Proponents of biocentrism use this example to “prove” that objects don’t have specific properties until an observer appears to measure them. 

Consciousness and visual reality

Biocentrism holds that consciousness and visual reality are tightly intertwined. Without consciousness or perception, a visual reality wouldn’t exist as we know it. Instead, there would be only a jumble of particles poised for infinite possibilities. 

Only one visual reality

Critics of biocentrism argue that the existence of only one visual reality disproves Lanza’s theory. After all, if our minds create our reality, wouldn’t there be multiple versions? According to biocentric theory, all humans are tuned to the same frequency, allowing us to form a collective reality. Moreover, biocentrism introduces the idea of a mindful universe that tunes itself to our frequency upon being observed.

Some principles of biocentrism ethics

No theory fully yields answers to the major puzzles of the universe, but there are some fundamental concepts central to biocentrism. To better understand the biocentrism theory, consider the following principles: 

• The sacredness of life, with no distinction between high or low, rich or poor
• Maintaining life is good; destroying or obstructing life is bad
• The lives of plants and animals are as important as our own lives
• The building of a civilized universe through ethical behavior to all things 

How biocentric principles have affected the world stage

Biocentrism was and continues to be a factor in fueling preservationist, animal rights, and ecological movements. Before the latter half of the twentieth century, ethics were more centered on the morality and ascendency of man, with only nominal thought given to other living things. Progress without borders was the norm, with scientific advances that did not address potential harm toward the environment, animals, or even future generations of humans. Biocentrism and its sister movement, environmental ethics, have shifted the paradigm of how many perceive the world. 

Biocentrism and human rights

Biocentric ethics influence human rights, too. Because biocentrism sees moral value in all living things, human life too is viewed as inherently valuable. The “do no harm” principle of biocentrism fuels many human rights initiatives, including: 

• Anti-racism campaigns
• Initiatives to relieve poverty
• Promotion of equality across all markers 

Pros and Cons of Biocentrism

Pros of biocentrism

There are obvious benefits to having a view of the world that sees value in all life. Adherents to biocentrism may be more active in any number of efforts to address environmental issues, fight for animal welfare, or campaign for human rights. Reverence for life often goes hand in hand with positive traits like:

• Empathy
• Kindness
• A sense of justice 

Cons of biocentrism

However, moral considerations can make biocentrism difficult to adhere to. Because of the very nature of biocentric thought (we are all connected, and all forms of life deserve moral consideration), it’s virtually impossible to refrain from harming any form of life. Therefore, there are a number of moral dilemmas that plague the practice of biocentrism in its purest form. Even the strictest vegan must eat something—but aren’t plants included as intrinsically valuable too? What about insects and microbes? Is it ethical for human beings to benefit if bacteria must die? These kinds of questions can make for interesting conversations, but may often be less than helpful in a practical sense. 

Why biocentrism matters to mental health and meaning

Biocentrism offers a new perspective on cognitive science and the meaning of life, which could provide benefits for mental health. 

Meaning, perspective, and the human experience

The idea that humans are interconnected with nature can make individuals feel less alone. Moreover, focusing on the value of all life could reduce existential anxiety and allow people to see the bigger picture of what it means to be alive.

How life-centered views may influence well-being

The unique perspective Lanza brings to science and the universe could have implications for your well-being, whether or not you fully adopt the theory of biocentrism. Certain biocentric ideas could make the ultimately inescapable journey of life more meaningful in some regards. For example, seeing yourself as part of something bigger could reduce anxiety and depression and make everyday stressors seem more tolerable. 

Therapy for learning empathy and balance: How to incorporate the ethical perspective that all living things deserve equal moral consideration 

In the same way that biocentrism may be considered more practical and beneficial with some level of nuance, human psychology can benefit from a balance between empathy and self-interest. Too much self-interest can be detrimental to relationships and self-growth, while too much empathy may lead to emotional burnout. Therapy can help you strike a balance that may help you to manage relationships and stress in a healthy way. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy (or CBT) in particular is an effective and common form of talk therapy that focuses on shifting patterns of thought and behavior into healthier channels. CBT is used to treat mental health conditions like anxiety and depression, or simply to learn better stress management habits. 

Reachability to mental health care has improved over the past decade through the growth of telehealth services. Geographical areas previously unreached by mental health services can now have these services online. People who have difficulty attending in-person sessions can now attend therapy over video chat, and online therapy can be more cost-effective for those who don’t have insurance coverage. Also, BetterHelp has a growing list of providers who accept certain insurance plans, with average copays of approximately $23 per session.