Pomnik przyrody i przekraczanie antropocentryzmu

The aim of the article is to analyze the concept of a natural monument as a category that may be useful in non-anthropocentric humanities. A theory of nature conservation based on this concept is discussed as an approach that undermines the culture – nature dichotomy by claiming that a “culture of nature” should be developed. The idea of a natural monument makes it also possible to offer an interpretation of the natural environment that may withstand standard views of nature as an economic resource, tourist attraction or a sphere which humans should not interfere with. The ideas of certain Polish pioneers of ecology are also shortly discussed.