Module 5 Newman Intrinsic Value

Overview of Environmental Ethics

  • The International Society for Environmental Ethics (ISEE) offers resources for teaching environmental ethics.

    • Syllabus Project: A collection of syllabi from various members and information on textbooks.

    • Additional Resources: Information on graduate programs, funding opportunities, and scholarly associations.

    • Listserv: A forum for discussions among students, researchers, and those interested in environmental ethics.

ISEE's Role in Promoting Environmental Awareness

  • Acts as an official observer in various United Nations conferences on environmental issues.

  • Provides a platform for greater discussion on environmental topics through its resources.

Intrinsic Value in Ethics

  • Definition: Intrinsic value refers to something valued for its own sake, independent of any external benefits.

    • Example: Human life is often regarded as having intrinsic value; it does not need justification through economic assessment.

    • Nature may also hold intrinsic value beyond its usefulness to humans.

Contrast with Extrinsic Value

  • Extrinsic Value: The evaluation of something based on its utility or contribution to an end goal.

  • Importance in ethical discussion as it shapes how moral judgments are made regarding nature and life.

Implications for Environmental Philosophy

  • Philosophical stances like biocentrism and ecocentrism hinge on the concept of intrinsic value.

    • Biocentrism: Asserts all forms of life have intrinsic value.

    • Ecocentrism: Argues that ecosystems themselves hold intrinsic value.

  • This challenges traditional Western views of nature, emphasizing an intrinsic appreciation over a utilitarian one.

Key Readings and Resources

  • Important Texts:

    • "Environmental Ethics: An Anthology" by Light and Rolston

    • "In Nature's Interests?" by Varner

    • Various works by Holmes Rolston discussing the meaning of intrinsic value in environmental ethics.

Further Readings for Exploration

  • Moore, G. E. "Philosophical Studies" (1951) - London: Routledge.

  • O'Hear, A. "Philosophy: The Good, the True and the Beautiful" (2000) - New York: Cambridge University Press.

  • Rolston, H. various publications on environmental ethics and intrinsic value.