Social Ethics Society Journal of Applied Philosophy
Special Issue, July 2020, pp. 53-72
© Guiraldo C. Fernandez, Jr., PhD, & Marlito Jose M. Bande, Dr.sc.agr.
July 2020
ISSN: 2546-1885
Anthropocentrism, Forest Loss, Corona Virus 2019
and Rainforestation
Guiraldo C. Fernandez, Jr., PhD
Department of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences
Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte
guiraldo.fernandez@vsu.edu.ph
Marlito Jose M. Bande, Dr.sc.agr.
Institute of Tropical Ecology and Environmental Management
Visayas State University, Baybay City, Leyte
marlitojose.bande@vsu.edu.ph
Abstract
This study explores the connection of Anthropocentrism, forest
loss, Corona Virus 2019 and Rainforestation. Using the
qualitative textual interpretative method in light of Hans Georg
Gadamer's ontological hermeneutics, this study aims at the
following objectives: to understand the connection between the
notions of Anthropocentrism to Forest loss; to comprehend the
aspects on how forest loss is very much related to the
emergence of deadly viruses such as the Corona Virus 2019; and
to assess using the existing literature whether or not
Rainforestation could address the problem of severe forest
exploitation thereby minimizing the chance of deadly viruses to
emerge. This study concludes that Anthropocentrism is one of
the main causes of deforestation because it is construed to be of
value in relation to its utility to humans. Also, the massive
deforestation serves as occasions for fatal viruses to emerge
since it pushed wild animals to interact with domesticated
animals and humans thereby facilitating the transfer of the virus
from animals to humans. Lastly, Rainforestation could be a
useful innovation to address the challenge of future pandemics