Nature and Humanity, Essay Example

There are a number of factors when discussing the claims within nature and humanity.  Where environmental ethics raises a number of questions that test some of the more commonly seen ones throughout general ethics, there are a number of replies that are performed in accordance to one’s philosophical, as well as spiritual, holdings.  It seems as if these are prominent factors in the conversation of intrinsic value in nature.

Protecting Nature

It seems clear that nature should be protected to some extent.  As humans we cannot allow nature to be overcome by factors that threaten its existence, including our own endeavors.  Of course there is a distinction between the two upon which debates may be found, in establishing to what extent nature should be protected.

Nature is a valuable part of our life.  Without nature, in many regards, we would not be able to live in the same manner.  To this extent humanity has become devoted to protecting nature from various threats.  Tree diseases are diagnosed, forest fires are contained, and natural points of interest are also protected.

In these examples we see the various capacities upon which nature is protected.  In some cases nature is protected for our own well-being.  In other cases it is protected for its own intrinsic value, at least as much as this argument can be made.  Additionally, we see the mixing of these two reasons quite prominently.

In many ways nature is protected for our own well-being.  Prominent parks and areas of natural interest are for our own enjoyment.  Forest fires are contained so that we do not suffer the effects of such a catastrophe.  Those who dedicate their careers to the environment, to some capacity, do so in many respects to reap the rewards of improved animal or plant life, or those found in nature beyond these areas.

Intrinsic Value in Nature

Intrinsic value in nature is approached when the opposite side is considered.  Do we protect nature for its own sake?  It is even possible for nature to have its own intrinsic value?  These questions raise interesting points as the value of nature is considered.

The Meaning of Intrinsic Value in Nature

Intrinsic value in nature is obtained when there is value beyond human use.  Thus, intrinsic value in nature is not confined to the medicinal attributes of a certain plant.  Nor is its value confined to an aesthetic element.

Some theorists argue that elements in nature have intrinsic value beyond these areas.  That is, a plant, regardless of its absence of consciousness, exhibits a teleological center upon which it acts.  Thus, humans must respect its right to live, regardless of its use to humanity, or lack thereof.

Other theories provide explanations to the intrinsic value of nature.  However, it is clearly outside the scope of the present analysis to approach this topic in full.  What is clear is the analysis of the intrinsic value of nature.  It certainly isn’t regulated to notions of its appeal to humans, of some sort of aesthetic notions or those that may be applied to human life.

Comparing Competing Claims

Evaluating competitive claims can be complicated.  There are a number of schools of thought that approach such evaluations.  For instance, deontological and utilitarian motives can be found.  Certainly such schools would evaluate the value of something in itself, or look at the usefulness to humanity.  It is also interesting to see how claims can easily enter into the picture of human application.

We can take the example of the intrinsic value of a butterfly against the value of land for condo development.  In this argument, however, it seems as if no separation may be made.  The former example already holds notions of human involvement.  It would be impossible to attribute intrinsic value past that of human conception for something that involves money.  At least, it would be impossible in intrinsic conceptions that attempt to separate value from human connections.

Another problem in such a comparison is found in practical matters.  It would be futile to try to make such a comparison, as they are two dramatically different concepts.  In relativism such a comparison would be incomprehensible.  The intrinsic value of a butterfly is markedly different than that of the value of land for condo development.

Personal Beliefs

Personal beliefs play a large role in such matters.  Previously, concepts of relativism were brought up to illustrate the nature of comparisons in these conversations.  Applicable to a question such as this, and concepts found in environmental ethics, personal beliefs come into play in such concepts.

Anthropocentrism is a popular concept that is embedded in many individuals’ concepts of intrinsic value.  Such a person would perhaps not see the great intrinsic value of a butterfly, except for perhaps its role in the food chain and in aesthetic notions.  One may also put too much value on that of land, which may have no true intrinsic value for one who does not adhere to anthropocentrism-based values.  Such an individual could arguably lean too far the other way, overstating the value of a living object in nature.  However, once again, it is relative to one’s beliefs.

Spiritual topics are also very much relevant.  Individuals with spiritualistic values may attribute a great deal of value to nature.  This can be seen in the past with regards to societies, such as the Native Americans, who even worshipped objects in nature.  Value to elements in nature can still be seen throughout societies.

Adding onto spiritual topics, religion can also play a large role.  Individuals who look at the world as God’s creation, in appropriate religions, may attribute intrinsic value to nature and its life forms.  However, it is important to realize that this can perform the opposite dynamic; for instance, a Christian may view the superiority of humans over other life forms, as given in the Bible, as reason to take away the rights of animals that other may attribute.

Response

Personally all of these views create a number of responses to intrinsic value in nature.  There is a measure of validity both to the intrinsic value of nature and the interrelatedness between nature and humans.  Certainly these must be taken into consideration when approaching such a large topic as this.

I find relevance to both sides of the arguments.  To a certain extent I believe that nature has intrinsic value.  From its beauty and the right of other life forms to live in this world, there is validity to the “rights” of elements in nature.

However, the interrelatedness of nature to humanity is always present.  For instance, we cannot ignore the elimination of some animals that pose a danger to the environment, or food chain.  Scenarios exist in which animals or nature must be overtaken for the benefit of humanity.  However, I must again reiterate how complex these notions are to consider, as I believe that there is value to each side of these conversations.

Conclusion

The intrinsic value of nature is a complex topic in a number of ways.  From some angles it seems simple to argue for the rights of nature and animals to some extent.  However, when it clashes with the well-being and/or development of society, or even nature itself, there are scenarios that make discussions difficult and complex.

The protection of nature is a dynamic that must be carried out, for the well-being of both nature and humans.  Other than its usefulness to humans, there is a level of protection that must occur for nature’s well-being.  However, yet again, the clash between nature and humanity becomes relevant in environmental ethics, which can take any direction depending on the school of thought present.

Overall it seems that there is intrinsic value in nature.  It is hard to imagine a world where other life forms do not have at least a basic right to live with humanity.  It is also hard to imagine a world where organizations can tear down elements in nature just to serve ventures that are not absolutely necessary.

However, to what extent may be the question.  It seems difficult to target a certain level of nature’s intrinsic value.  Truly it is very much complicated when spiritual and religious matters are added onto the ethical modes of thought attributed to environmental matters.  There is no limit as to the varying presence of opinions in the scope of the intrinsic value, rights, and competing forces of nature within humanity.