The Biophilia Hypothesis
The biophilia hypothesis suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life.
The term was introduced by Edward. O Wilson in which he defined biophilia, in his book Biophilia, as “the urge to affiliate with other forms of life.” With American psychoanalyst, Erich Fromm describing biophilia as “the passionate love of life and of all that is alive” in The Anatomy of Human Destructiveness (1973).
Studies have shown evidence of positive benefits of human interaction with nature, such as improved productivity, lower levels of stress, enhanced learning, and even improved recovery rates following illness. Dr Craig Knight from Exeter University studied the effects of soulless drab working environments for over 10 years. The results show that employees were 15% more productive when workplaces are filled with just a few houseplants.
Humans VS Nature
The split between humans and the natural world occurred in parallel with technological developments, with the most significant impacts in the 19th and 20th centuries.
In its most physical sense, the expansion and construction of enclosed spaces, from housing estates, cars, and industrial workplaces, evidently shelter humans from the elements of nature, whether that’s the dangers of a storm to a bird building their nest.
Despite the human race’s attempt to separate the rest of nature from themselves, the appearance of the natural world is universally appreciated for its diversity of shapes, colours, and species of life, which is often understood as biophilia. This is also seen in the use of nature in verbal and spiritual language. For example, idioms such as “blind as a bat” or “eager beaver” are references to the nature of animals and the actions of humans, whereas the spiritual references to animals globally from mother nature to what animal products can be consumed, and how, are also sources of biophilia.
In comparison, some of the clearest evidence for this innate connection comes from studies around biophobia (the fear of nature), in which measurable physiological responses are produced when exposed to the source of fear, for example, many people are afraid of insects, whether that’s a ladybird or a spider. These responses are often thought to be the result of evolution in a world in which humans have consistently been vulnerable to predators and natural phenomena. Therefore our connection with nature was out of necessity and survival meaning humans needed to maintain a close relationship with their environment in order to live.
Technology VS Nature
The connection between nature and the constant expansion of technology can be seen as both supporting and rejecting biophilia.
Technologies related to genetic engineering or molecular biology have given humans the ability to develop new forms of life, which has undoubtedly changed our view of life and its morality.
The human connection with nature is also linked through technology in the advancement of space exploration. Whether that’s through our search for life on other planets or our fascination with the premise of other ‘advanced civilizations’, whatever or whoever that may include.
While technology can enhance our experience and relationship with nature, its global growth can also hinder and destroy many groups of people and life forms. Whether that’s from diminishing the traditions and techniques of native groups, or the ‘need’ to gain more natural resources in order to build said technologies. However, technology also holds a moral argument, in terms of the advancement of technology many find it practically immoral to give children access to the internet or mobile phones because they should instead be able to expand their knowledge and curiosity in the natural world. This argument is used a lot by generations who didn’t grow up with technology as the basis of their educational and home life, and while i’d love to say that I agree with the premise of forest schools and the impact that experience can have in a child’s life, the opportunities that technology provides children with are nearly immeasurable, whether that’s easy access to educational resources or the ability to immerse yourself in other cultures.
Regardless of the extent to which people feel or experience biophilia, research has shown that spending time in nature is beneficial for human health, including improved mental and spiritual health in adults and the encouragement of physical activity for children.