Value-theory

1
Value-theory the Good Life

• Section 2
• Moral Standing, Value Intrinsic Value

2
Moral Standing

• Things have moral standing if (and only if) they
  should be taken into consideration when decisions
  are being made.

3
Moral Standing

• Stances that limit moral standing to rational
  creatures (Immanuel Kant) or to sentient
  creatures (Peter Singer) are too narrow.

4
Kenneth Goodpaster

• All living creatures have moral standing or
  moral considerability.

5
Value

• Things have value are valuable if there is
  reason to value them. So they can have value even
  if no one actually ever values them.
• Reasoning about value
• Progress can be made in discovering what is
  valuable through, for example, thought-experiments
  such as Nozicks (see previous Section).

6
To Consider

• Consider the ways in which it is possible to
  reason about value.

7
Intrinsic Value

• Those states of affairs that are valuable because
  of their own nature, independently of whether
  they are valuable for any reason extending beyond
  themselves, are said to be valuable
  intrinsically. Happiness is one example.
• Can be contrasted with instrumental value,
  inherent value contributive value.

8
Derivative Value

• Those who recognize the existence of derivative
  value (whether instrumental, inherent or
  contributive) must accept the existence of
  non-derivative (or intrinsic) value.

9
Theories of Intrinsic Value

• Particular theories of moral standing of
  intrinsic value, such as sentientism hedonism,
  are found to fit together.
• But this combination of theories appears to omit
  many bearers of moral standing many sorts of
  intrinsic value.

10
Biocentrism

• Biocentrism, according to which all living
  creatures have moral standing, perfectionism,
  according to which the development of a
  creatures essential capacities has intrinsic
  value, fit together can be defended.

11
Degrees of Value

• One thing can be more valuable than another,
  not only from one persons perspective.
• Freedom of speech, for example, is more arguably
  valuable than doughnuts.

12
Degrees of Value

• There are reasons for regarding some things (
  some living things) as more valuable than others.
• There are also reasons for avoiding the view that
  all creatures are equally valuable.
• Practical priorities can be formed for situations
  when decisions have to made.

13
To Consider

• Think about how priorities can be reached when
  different interests values have to be compared.