Anthropocentrism Vs Speciesism

Both definitions anthropocentrism and "speciesism" refer to the idea supporting the superiority of the human beings in the universe. The core belief of the anthropocentrism revolves around preponderance of human mind and cognition, which allegedly gives Homo sapiens higher intrinsic worth or value as compared to the surrounding environment or other inhabitants of the planet Earth. Based on this perspective, plants, animals, and the rest of the environment have no fundamental value in itself. Rather, it is their relationship or utility to the human needs and desires that determine their worth (p. 402). Such approach, which places people on the pedestal of supremacy to the rest of the living world, evokes disdain in those, who seek justice, balance, and equality among all living creatures and their environment.
Singer builds his case for promoting equality among all living creatures by offering an analogy between the "oppression" of animal rights and the historical accounts of the fight for justice and equal rights for women and people of color. He refers to the utilitarian principles expressed by Sidgwick, who holds the belief that the welfare and benefits of each individual deserve equal consideration (p. 457). Moreover, Singer asserts that carrying higher mental capacity does not give humans exclusive rights to exploit non-human animals for their benefits. Ultimately, Singer condemns a prejudice or attitude of bias for the interests of members of one's species and against those of members of other species, what he calls "speciesism," comparing such practice to racism or sexism (p.