3.3 The non-anthropocentric view

In this section we look at rational arguments for giving intrinsic value to the natural environment and its non-human contents. First, some of the meanings of ‘intrinsic value’ and some functions of the use of that concept will be explained. Second, we look at some main theories and their proponents within the non-anthropocentric view. Each of them gives an argument to widen the ‘moral community’ with non-human beings. In the footnote you find some remarks you can read before we go to some of the main theories and their representatives.

Before looking at the four main theories it is important to know something about the meaning and the use of intrinsic value.