In a value-oriented world there is an ongoing debate on how ecocentrism, anthropocentrism and their relationship should be conceptualized. Existing scholarship generally regards their relationship...Show moreIn a value-oriented world there is an ongoing debate on how ecocentrism, anthropocentrism and their relationship should be conceptualized. Existing scholarship generally regards their relationship as dichotomous and uses this duality to argue that present laws aimed at holding businesses accountable for environmental harm do not function because they are anthropocentric in nature, necessitating an ecocentric approach. This research, however, disproves the idea of a strict dichotomy, arguing that anthropocentrism and ecocentrism may holistically be reflected within international corporate environmental legal frameworks. It does so by using a critical theory lens to conceptualize both anthropocentrism and ecocentrism, as well as their relationship. The theoretical findings are then put to the test through an analysis of the ecocide proposal. The academic and societal implications of the findings of this research are grounded in the more nuanced and holistic conceptualization of the value structures and their relationship. By questioning the dichotomy this research situates itself in a rich academic debate on how these value structures should be perceived in relation to one another, which ultimately translates to the shaping of public or societal discourse on the topic. Understanding the extent of the dichotomy of the two values is essential to avoid misapplying the theory behind the two when determining effectiveness of legal frameworks.Show less
