_______________________________________________________________________________

According to the work of E.O. Wilson and Stephen Kellert (1993), there are 10 biophilic values or responses that make up our relationship to the more-than-human realm. Each is an innate, species-wide tendency shaped by our experiences and socio-cultural influences.  In addition, particular values are considered on a spectrum and can intermingle with typologies in interactive arrangements. This constellation of interplay makes up our Biophilic Profile.

For each value, we will use the tree as an example of how someone might orient their connection within the typological lens.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Aesthetic

The Aesthetic value is more than a response to attraction or judgment of beauty. This response is evoked by features, such as moving water, trees with specific dimensions and spacing, colorful flowers, and other “signals” from the environment that suggest abundant amenities that aid survival. This form of seeing richly and acutely invites us to take in the content of the landscape or “scene” we perceive, its various elements such as trees, water, signs of animals, and the shape of the land itself. 

Some look at trees and connect to their inherent beauty, how the light comes through the leaves, and deeply resonate with their unique shapes.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Negativistic/Aversion

The Negativistic or Aversion typology, as it was later called, often manifests as avoidance of dangers such as snakes, lightning, sharks in ocean waters, strong winds, or other perceived threats that may provoke in us a range of unpleasant or strong feelings, from discomfort to terror, from aversion to awe. Ancestors developed a range of reactions that enhanced the survival of our species.

Some may be worried about the potential danger a tree might have if it fell on their house or personal belongings.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Humanistic/ Affection

The Humanistic Response (Value) enhances deep affection and emotional attachment to the more-than-human realm. This capacity for companionship, cooperation, sharing, and bonding helps deepen our sense of place as well as our emotional capacity for companionship with our species and bond with the more than human realm.

Many of us feel an emotional bond with certain trees. In this case, you see the classic tree hugger image.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Symbolic

From dreams to images and stories, the Symbolic Response (Value) is prominent in sense-making and likely the basis of language. These attributes often manifest in creative inventions inspired by, derived from, and necessitated by nature—all of which continue to define our species. Providing the basis for human mental development, these values offered our ancestors an adaptive advantage.

Certain iconic trees seem to represent more than ‘just’ the tree. For instance, the Joshua tree has been seen as a symbol of strength, beauty, and lasting strength.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Utilitarian

In many ways, the Utilitarian Response (Value) highlights our drive to satisfy our needs and desires.  Our ancestors’ survival depended on using elements from their surroundings. As such, we evolved to gain certain emotional benefits from using and manipulating the physical ‘resources’ for nourishment, protection, and other purposes related to survival. 

Many may look at the tree and see its value for the things the wood can be used for, whether firewood or material to build with.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Dominionistic

The Dominionistic Response (Value) represents the functional benefits of shaping and controlling the more-than-human realm for our advantage, whether for the purposes of safety, shelter, profit, or food. This can also manifest in the realm of using natural settings for mastery of strength and skills to compete for resources and overcome challenges.

Tree farming, pruning, or using trees as a ‘living’ hedge may all manifest the notion of controlling nature to meet our needs.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Moralistic

The Moralistic response can illicit subtle to profound feelings of responsibility, nurturing, and respect for the more-than-human realm, as well as care for the earth’s processes. Our ancestors would have benefited from being sensitive to the diversity of nonhuman affiliates and natural habitats that promoted the long-term survival of our species.   This value includes the sense of being part of a collective linked to something greater than ourselves.

    Advocating from a moral or ethical lens to ‘save the trees’ is often a product of the Moralistic response.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Scientific/Reasoning

The Scientific value is oriented around observation and reasoning. For our ancestors, knowing what type of tree or plant is edible was essential to our survival. This type of ‘reading’ of the landscape required paying attention to details in our home habitat over time and physical space. Our survival necessitated the capacity for inventorying and monitoring the more-than-human realm. We benefited from knowing the seasons, when the salmon were running, where the elk liked to gather, and when to harvest the ripe berries.

Many of us are particularly drawn to identifying what tree we see or when its leaves may change color.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Naturalistic

The natural world is the ‘playpen’ in which humans evolved. The Naturalistic Response (Value) captures this essence, involving direct contact with natural elements. These interactions can determine our bodily orientations and our sensory preferences, often manifesting through enjoyment from being outside. These feelings of being outdoors suggest that being in nature is likely crucial to our mental, emotional, and physical development.

Feeling compelled to climb a tree or sit under its umbrella to take a nap reflects the Naturalistic value.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Spiritualistic

The Spiritualistic responses promote feelings of awe, of being something bigger than we are, something that has been here before us, and will go on well beyond us. This value often manifests as feelings of deep connection with nature, engendering spiritual meaning and purpose. In turn, humans have a deep capacity for appreciation and the desire to nurture and protect opportunities for such profound affiliations.

Feelings of a deep connection or reverence when surrounded by majestic trees represent the Spiritualistic response.