Value-theory & the Good Life

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 Nozick’s (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 creature’s 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 person’s 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.