The term Biophilia was popularized by Harvard naturalist Dr. Edward O. Wilson and means the innate affinity of humans for other life or living systems. Wilson in his 1984 book, “Biophilia,” describes the connections that human beings subconsciously seek with the rest of life and that the deep connections humans have with nature are rooted in our biology. This concept has been referred to as the “Biophilia Hypothesis” and is underpinned by earlier philosophic views on nature and humankind including those of Aristotle, Thoreau, Fromm, and others.
It has been found that humanity’s connection to the natural world is tied to its well being both individually and collectively. Research has demonstrated that animals, plants, landscapes, and wilderness lands benefit our well-being. The natural environment has been found to reduce stress and help us recover from illnesses faster. It has been linked to increases in life expectancy and improved health. These benefits exist notwithstanding those provided to the other life forms that rely upon the natural environment to survive and for whom we as stewards of this world have a responsibility to protect.
References
Grinde, Bjørn, and Grete Grindal Patil. “Biophilia: does visual contact with nature impact on health and well-being?” International journal of environmental research and public health 6, no. 9 (2009): 2332-2343.
Kellert, Stephen R., and Edward O. Wilson, eds. The biophilia hypothesis. Island press, 1993.
Santas, Aristotelis. “Aristotelian ethics and biophilia.” Ethics & the Environment 19, no. 1 (2014): 95-121.
Saunders, Judith P. “Biophilia in Thoreau’s Walden.” South Atlantic Review 79, no. 1-2 (2014): 1-24.
Wilson, Edward O. “Biophilia.” In Biophilia. Harvard University Press, 1984.
Wilson, Edward O. “Biophilia and the conservation ethic.” In Evolutionary perspectives on environmental problems (2007): 249-257.