Midgley- The End of Anthropocentrism?

In Mary Midgley’s The End of Anthropocentrism?, we are taken through time looking at how anthropocentrism has fluctuated in human history. With the beginnings of humans it was very certain and correct, to place oneself at the center of the universe. With such a limited understanding of the world, and beyond, it made perfect sense to be anthropocentric. This thinking was furthered with coming of religious thoughts that humans were made in the image of a humanoid god. Kant is referenced in saying that humans are dominant over nature because they are “the single being upon earth that possesses understanding.” With such a view it was only a matter of time until nature was commoditized for human use. As humans advanced with science and technology, it seemed certain that humans were destined to be masters of the universe. However, as science progressed and humans became aware of the sheer vastness of the universe anthropocentrism came into question. The idea that Earth was made for solely for humans has come to appear more and more farfetched. Midgley says that humans need to look out for not just their own interests, but the interests of the entire biosphere. Humans are inextricable from the problems earth faces, most of which humans themselves cause. Midgley leaves the conversation open with regard to how humans should proceed, but does state that philosophers must forge ahead and make the human need to dissolve individual and collective ego “clear and understandable.”

I had a few questions:

Mainly: Was the point of this article to just say that humans need to become less self-concerned and more altruistic (with respect to the whole world) in their efforts to promote their well-being? If so, why is that so difficult?

But, Midgley seemed to say that it was important on some level for humans to be self-interested.

So how can humans reconcile their own self-interests against the interests of others within the biosphere? What conditions make this okay? What are the limits to this?

Finally: I’d just like to mention that the original Tron movie came out four years prior to the publication of the Barrow and Tipler book. Coincidence? I think not.