Value in nature and the nature of value
Date
1994
Authors
Rolston, Holmes, 1932-, author
Cambridge University Press, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
Value is often thought not to exist in wild nature; it is bestowed on nature by human preferences. This prevailing account is too anthropocentric. In nature, animals value their lives; they too can have their preferences satisfied. Plants have vital needs. Species are historical forms of life defended over generations. Ecosystems are "able to generate value," as occurs with the evolution and ecological support of organisms, animals, and humans. Earth, taken as earth, dirt, seems of little intrinsic value; but Earth, the home planet, is systemically valuable, the ground of all value.
Description
Invited conference address at the Royal Society of Philosophy Annual Conference, University of Wales, Cardiff, July 18-21, 1993.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 31).
Includes bibliographical references (pages 31).
Rights Access
Subject
humans
environmental ethics
species
organisms
ecosystems
environmental values
philosophy of nature