Editing Misanthropy (section)

=== Human exceptionalism and deep ecology ===
[[Human exceptionalism]] is the claim that human beings have unique importance and are exceptional compared to all other species. It is often based on the claim that they stand out because of their special capacities, like [[intelligence]], rationality, and [[autonomy]].{{sfn|Srinivasan|Kasturirangan|2016|pp=126–227}} In religious contexts, it is frequently explained in relation to a unique role that God foresaw for them or that they were created in God's image.{{sfn|Durst|2022|p=[https://books.google.com/books?id=books&pg=PA1 1]}} Human exceptionalism is usually combined with the claim that human [[well-being]] matters more than the well-being of other species. This line of thought can be used to draw various ethical conclusions. One is the claim that humans have the right to rule the planet and impose their will on other species. Another is that inflicting harm on other species may be morally acceptable if it is done with the purpose of promoting human well-being and excellence.{{sfn|Srinivasan|Kasturirangan|2016|pp=126–227}}{{sfn|Svoboda|2022|p=9}}

Generally speaking, the position of human exceptionalism is at odds with misanthropy in relation to the value of humanity.{{sfn|Svoboda|2022|p=9}} But this is not necessarily the case and it may be possible to hold both positions at the same time. One way to do this is to claim that humanity is exceptional because of a few rare individuals but that the average person is bad.{{sfn|Gibson|2017|pp=64–65}} Another approach is to hold that human beings are exceptional in a negative sense: given their destructive and harmful history, they are much worse than any other species.{{sfn|Svoboda|2022|p=9}}

Theorists in the field of [[deep ecology]] are also often critical of human exceptionalism and tend to favor a misanthropic perspective.{{sfn|Malone|Truong|Gray|2017}}{{sfn|Sale|1988}} Deep ecology is a philosophical and social movement that stresses the [[Axiology#Intrinsic value|inherent value]] of nature and advocates a radical change in human behavior toward nature.{{sfn|Ball|2011}} Various theorists have criticized deep ecology based on the claim that it is misanthropic by privileging other species over humans.{{sfn|Sale|1988}} For example, the deep ecology movement [[Earth First!]] faced severe criticism when they praised the [[HIV/AIDS in Africa|AIDS epidemic in Africa]] as a solution to the problem of [[human overpopulation]] in their newsletter.{{sfn|Hay|2002|p=66}}{{sfn|Taylor|2005}}