Compare instrumental value and intrinsic value as they relate to determining the worth of natural species. Where does Leopold's idea of the land ethic fit into these two categories?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

There are two kinds of value: instrumental and intrinsic. Instrumental value is anthropocentric and can be categorized into three areas: sources for agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, and animal husbandry; sources for medicines; and sources of recreational, aesthetic, and scientific value. Instrumental value means that a species has a specific function for humans. "Something has intrinsic value when it has value for its own sake; that is, it does not have to be useful to use to possess value." Some will argue that only humans have intrinsic value but others argue that every species has intrinsic value. The difference in the assignment of intrinsic value to species is the source of many conflicts. A species with instrumental value has a very clear worth to humans, while the worth of a species with intrinsic value is less easily defined or quantified. According to Leopold and "The Land Ethic," "A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability, and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise." Leopold tends to focus on intrinsic values above instrumental.