Biophilia in pieces: Critical approach of a general concept

Abstract

The biophilia hypothesis is critically approached in the context of evolutionary psychology, adaptation of the sensory systems and application to sustainable and urban planning, namely in the field of urban green spaces. From an evolutionary perspective, our biophilic tendencies are generally accepted and interpreted as an adaptation to natural environments, where the ability to connect with, and understand habitats and other living beings, was crucial to our survival. This statement is critically addressed by the paper, through a narrative review, namely by discussing biophilia and biphobia as general and specific adaptations, with different learning properties. Nevertheless, research on the health effects of the perceptive systems points to special selected mechanisms internal to the general biophilic adaptation. Criticism of the biophilia hypothesis is explored. The paper concludes by pointing to the importance of urban green spaces, both for the development of the biophilic predispositions and for sustainability and regenerative approaches in the cities.