the biophilia hypothesis

In his landmark book Biophilia, he examined how our tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes might be a biologically based need, integral to our development as individuals and as a species. http://www.theaudiopedia.com What is BIOPHILIA HYPOTHESIS? Island Press' Associate Director of Marketing. Grab a copy of our NEW encyclopedia for Kids! Wilson and others have argued that such declines in biophilic behaviour could remove meaning from nature, translating into a loss of human respect for the natural world. "Biophilia" is the term coined by Edward O. Wilson to describe what he believes is humanity's innate affinity for the natural world. In recent years he helped pioneer the field of biophilic design, an emerging discipline that aims to improve health and well-being by promoting connections between people and nature in the built environment. https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-biophilia-hypothesis/id537247472, https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/1127190484, http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781559631471, Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, fear, and even full-blown phobias of snakes and spiders are quick to develop with very little negative reinforcement, while more threatening modern artifacts -- knives, guns, automobiles -- rarely elicit such a response, people find trees that are climbable and have a broad, umbrella-like canopy more attractive than trees without these characteristics, people would rather look at water, green vegetation, or flowers than built structures of glass and concrete. Culture Chapter 6. To an extent still undervalued in philosophy and religion, our existence depends on this propensity, our spirit is woven from it, hopes rise on its currents.’ Since then, the biophilia hypothesis has In his landmark book "Biophilia," he examined how our tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes might be a biologically based need, integral to our development as individuals and as a species. The Biophilia Hypothesis. Regardless of the extent to which individuals feel or perceive biophilia, research has indicated that simply spending time in nature is beneficial for human health. A venturesome hypothesis has been put forth by Wilson (1984), Kellert (1996), and others and has been receiving increasing support. In Biophilia, Wilson introduced a conservation ethic based on multiple dimensions of the innate relationship humans share with nature. In the second section, therefore, we will examine what (empirical) evidence exists for supporting this emotional component. Ethics and Political Action Chapter 13. Genes that influence biophilia have not been identified, and it is suspected that the increased dependence of the human species on technology has led to an attenuation in the human drive to connect with nature. Known as the biophilia hypothesis, Kaplan’s theory suggests that the tendency of humans to focus on and affiliate with nature is genetic. A venturesome hypothesis has been put forth by Wilson (1984), Kellert (1996), and others and has been receiving increasing support. That idea has caught the imagination of diverse thinkers. Thus, reestablishing the human connection with nature has become an important theme in conservation. 3.0 • 1 Rating; $49.99; $49.99; Publisher Description "Biophilia" is the term coined by Edward O. Wilson to describe what he believes is humanity's innate affinity for the natural world. In its most literal sense, this separation was made possible by the construction of enclosed and relatively sterile spaces, from homes to workplaces to cars, in which modern humans were sheltered from the elements of nature and in which many, particularly people living in more-developed countries, now spend the majority of their time. In his landmark book Biophilia, he examined how our tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes might be a biologically based need, integral to our development as individuals and as a species. Corrections? Dialogue with Animals: Its Nature and Culture   PART III. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. Wilson defines biophiliaas ‘the innate tendency [in human beings] to focus on life and lifelike process. Kara Rogers is the senior editor of biomedical sciences at Encyclopædia Britannica, where she oversees a range of content from medicine and genetics to microorganisms. But as first-hand experience in their arctic landscape gave way to classroom learning and television, their horizons shrunk to the borders of a video screen. Updates? Island Press, Washington, DC. What does BIOPHILIA HYPOTHESIS mean? In his landmark book 'Biophilia' he examined how our tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes might be a biologically based need, integral to our development as individuals and as a species. For example, the appearance of the natural world, with its rich diversity of shapes, colours, and life, is universally appreciated. His vision was fulfilled with the opening, in 2009, of Kroon Hall, a building that boasts, among other things, wide access to natural light and wood harvested by Yale foresters. $27.50 Please select which sections you would like to print: While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. The Biophilia Hypothesis was originally referred to (Wilson, 1984) as an ‘innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes’, meaning that we gain the most satisfaction from processes that mimic the nature of life on many levels, be they cognitive or emotional. Biophilia: Unanswered Questions   Coda Index, From the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies. Biophilia, Biophobia, and Natural Landscapes Chapter 4. https://www.britannica.com/science/biophilia-hypothesis, University of Washington - Developmental Psychology and the Biophilia Hypothesis: Children’s Affiliation with Nature, International Society of Biourbanism - Biophilia and Gaia: Two Hypotheses for an Affective Ecology, International Community for Ecopsychology - Examination of The Biophilia Hypothesis and its Implications for Mental Health, VineYard Conservation Society - Biophilia: A Birthright to Cultivate. In a 1989 paper, psychologist Rachel Kaplan suggested the theory that nature can provide a restorative effect to attention after mental fatigue. These responses are the result of evolution in a world in which humans were constantly vulnerable to predators, poisonous plants and animals, and natural phenomena such as thunder and lightning. Humans, Habitats, and Aesthetics Chapter 5. The term "biophilia" literally means "love of life or living systems." Read more. The term biophilia was used by German-born American psychoanalyst Erich Fromm and was later popularized by American biologist Edward O. Wilson. Edward O. Wilson introduced and popularized the hypothesis in his book entitled Biophilia. The biophilia hypothesis is the belief that humans are genetically predisposed to be attracted to nature. Those principles would inspire Kellert to propose a new F&ES headquarters that achieved less environmental impact but also made occupants feel more in touch with nature. Wilson's (1984) biophilia hypothesis. Of Life and Artifacts   PART VI. On Animal Friends Chapter 10. "Biophilia" is the term coined by Edward O. Wilson to describe what he believes is humanity's innate affinity for the natural world. In fact, the loss of desire to interact with the natural world, resulting in a decreased appreciation for the diversity of life-forms that support human survival, has been cited as a potential factor contributing to environmental destruction and the rapid rate of species extinction. 'Biophilia' is the term coined by Edward O. Wilson to describe what he believes is humanity's innate affinity for the natural world. "Biophilia" is the term coined by Edward O. Wilson to describe what he believes is humanity's innate affinity for the natural world. Among adults, spending time in natural environments is associated with improved mental and spiritual health; for children, being out in nature has been found to encourage physical activity and play. Juxtaposed to the notion that biophilia competes with the human technological drive is the notion that technology is in itself an extension of human evolution and biophilia. The Biophilia Hypothesis, Stephen R. Kellert and Edward O. Wilson. The scientific evidence for the whole ensemble of pieces of it have been summarized in The Biophilia Hypothesis, which Steve Kellert and I edited. How to use biophilia in a … The hypothesis asserts the existence of biophilia, a fundamental, genetically based human need and propensity to affiliate with other living organisms. The Sacred Bee, the Filthy Pig, and the Bat Out of Hell: Animal Symbolism as Cognitive Biophilia   PART V. Evolution Chapter 11. The final part is a critical assessment of biophilia's Link/Page Citation Inuit children were not always near-sighted. Affect and Aesthetics Chapter 3. This appreciation is often invoked as evidence of biophilia. Wilson describes biophilia as the … This book contains writings and research from several fields, their experts trying to confirm the hypothesis that human beings are naturally drawn to various manifestations of the natural world ("biophilia"). Fear was a fundamental connection with nature that enabled survival, and, as a result, humans needed to maintain a close relationship with their environment, using sights and sounds as vital cues, particularly for fight-or-flight responses. The hypothesis asserts the existence of biophilia, a fundamental, genetically based human need and propensity to affiliate with other living organisms. It has now been applied to indoor plants in an office environment in several scientific studies, but with mixed results. The Biophilia Hypothesis. Both perspectives were offered in The Biophilia Hypothesis (1993), a work coedited by Wilson and American social ecologist Stephen R. Kellert. A somewhat controversial hypothesis put forward by Edward Wilson is the idea that humans evolved as creatures deeply enmeshed with the intricacies of nature, and that we still have this affinity with nature ingrained in our genotype. The inconsistencies are thought to occur in the experimental design and the fact that the indoor environments studied were … Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). The biophilia hy… Love It or Lose It: The Coming Biophilia Revolution Chapter 15. Biophilia hypothesis, the suggestion that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems Biophilia , a 1984 book by E. O. Wilson presenting the above hypothesis Biophilia (album) , a 2011 album by Björk The variety of perspectives -- psychological, biological, cultural, symbolic, and aesthetic -- frame the theoretical issues by presenting empirical evidence that supports or refutes the hypothesis. Such spiritual experience and widespread affiliations with natural metaphors appear to be rooted in the evolutionary history of the human species, originating in eras when people lived in much closer contact with nature than most do today. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. The biophilia hypothesis is important for understanding human health and disease. Edward O. Wilson introduced and popularized the hypothesis in his book entitled Biophilia. Biophilia has been explored by researchers in a wide range of fields, and, as a result, its meaning and significance have been variously interpreted. Symbolism Chapter 9. God, Gaia, and Biophilia Chapter 12. This idea that we are drawn to and need nature was first put forth by a man named Edward O. Wilson in his book Biophiliapublished in 1984. Stephen R. Kellert. The term biophilia was used by German-born American psychoanalyst Erich Fromm in The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness (1973), which described biophilia as “the passionate love of life and of all that is alive.” The term was later used by American biologist Edward O. Wilson in his work Biophilia (1984), which proposed that the tendency of humans to focus on and to affiliate with nature and other life-forms has, in part, a genetic basis. The Biological Basis for Human Values of Nature   PART II. Essential to the biophilia hypothesis is that it posits an intimate emotional link between humans and the living world. Biophilia definition is - a hypothetical human tendency to interact or be closely associated with other forms of life in nature : a desire or tendency to commune with nature. "Biophilia" is the term coined by Edward O. Wilson to describe what he believes is humanity's innate affinity for the natural world. Wilson to the chemistry of life. Stephen R. Kellert ’71 Ph.D., a revered professor of social ecology at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies (F&ES) whose research and writing advanced the understanding of the connection between humans and the natural world, died on Nov. 27 after a long illness. In remembrance, we offer the prologue to Stephen's book, The Value of Life. The Biophilia Hypothesis brings together the views of some of the most creative scientists of our time, each attempting to amplify and refine the concept of biophilia. Biophilia and the Conservation Ethic Chapter 2. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Omissions? The variety of perspectives -- psychological, biological, cultural, symbolic, and aesthetic -- frame the theoretical issues by presenting empirical evidence that supports or refutes the hypothesis. The human appreciation for the physical beauty of the natural world is often invoked as evidence of biophilia. Contact with nature is essential for the human psyche. Throughout the planning and construction of Kroon Stephen Kellert was involved. Edited by Stephen R. Kellert and Edward O. Wilson. Biophilia, Selfish Genes, Shared Values Chapter 14. His notion of environmental stewardship drew on various concepts, including the practical dependence of humans on nature, which centres on the ecological services (e.g., clean water and soil) nature provides; the satisfaction derived from direct interaction with nature, such as through exploration and development of outdoor skills; the physical appeal of nature, evident in its role as a source of inspiration and peace; and the human attachment to nature in the form of emotional connections to landscapes and animals. Among the collection of views the work presented were those of American biologists Lynn Margulis and Dorion Sagan and Indian ecologist Madhav Gadgil, who considered the possibility that the human attraction to other life-forms is reflected in the diversity of technological developments that exist in the world today. Biophilia hypothesis, idea that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. A review of the biophilia literature sets into The Biophilia Hypothesis brings together the views of some of the most creative scientists of our time, each attempting to amplify and refine the concept of biophilia. Wilson's biophilia hypothesis includes the claim that, as a consequence of evolution, humans have an “innate tendency to focus on life and lifelike processes.” A review of various literatures converges to support this central claim. New Guineans and Their Natural World   PART IV. 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