What privileges or rights do we derive from discoveries
of intrinsic value in nature or by ascribing such values anthropocentrically by
extension? E.g., humans
(some) possess a faculty for reason and because of this we designate ourselves
as the higher species. (But what rights
or benefits are attached to this claim?)
(What interests?) Is our comfort (placement) the result of arbitrary
selection? No human makes a conscious
choice to be human (at least in a biological sense). Does
this fact alone warrant empathy for all life, and respect for all things? What do we gain by working from models of
moral extension or when we say that humans alone have intrinsic value? Do
humans own the earth? Is it right to
say that the earth is now the property of humans? Is this distinction of earth as property
helpful here? (Assuming that we do not
adopt religious ideas of property, e.g., Locke’s position that the earth
belongs to God, but He gave it to us for our use.)
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ReplyDelete"What is the value of the concept, value?"
ReplyDeleteThis has to be the most valuable question of all! That, and the most meta-ethical. DKJ was talking about teaching a meta-ethics semester in the fall, which is exciting. Hopefully that will inform our responses to this question later. For now, my guesses are simple. If there were no concept for what we hold as desirable, or good, things would go on being desirable and good, we would just be very confused. Exploring the concept of value is valuable for its philosophical exercise and any insight into practical affairs derived from it. Do you suspect more?
"No human makes a conscious choice to be human (at least in a biological sense). Does this fact alone warrant empathy for all life, and respect for all things?"
This is an interesting way to frame it. We see a similar sense of duty in other areas of our life; it's the same sort of obligation that drives charity ("we did not have a choice to be born in the most affluent country, so we ought to help those less fortunate"). I think the privileged and empowered have duties to the disadvantaged and unempowered, namely clearing the way for equality. I would think cross-species equality translates to empathy and respect, as you say. Probably not voting rights, though.