On The Intrinsic Value Of Nature

The intrinsic value of Nature has been considerably oppugned in ethnics. According to the values of anthropocentrism, the value of Nature is just the reflection of subjective sensation of Human, relying on the tastes and requirements of Human. The value of Nature refers to the instrumental value of Human requirements, since Nature has no intrinsic value. On the basis of eco-ethnics, the increasingly-worsen ecological and environmental crises root in the persistent cultural value of Human. The researches, discussions and arguments on the intrinsic value of nature from different angles have turned out abundant ethnical views and achievements, which have certain kinds of deflections. The anthropocentrism overstates the interests and value of Human while the present eco-ethnics overemphasized those of Nature, ignoring the special function and sociality of Human although they have discussed and affirmed the intrinsic value of Nature and Human as the products of Nature, which are independent from Human. In this paper we think that Human is the subject but not the only one, as Nature is subject too. On the other hand, Human has its objective, but not the only one, since other units have also their own objectives, and the ecological system of Nature is the ultimate objective of Nature. Nature (broadly speaking, including human being) is the unification of intrinsic value and instrumental value, synchronously possessing these two values. In the frame of this value Human, other units or Nature belong to the unification of intrinsic value and instrumental value, jointly making up of the system of Nature, echo-developing in the process of interacting, prospering the whole system and putting value to the tiptop. It does not mean that we shall deny the possibility of meeting requirements for Human if we want to affirm the intrinsic value of Nature and System. Conversely, the confirming of intrinsic value of Nature and System not only reflects the improvement of human cognition in order to prepare for the proper track of human requirements, but also lays the foundation for Human to rationally treat Nature, to manage the relationship between Human and Nature, and to maintain the stabilization and development of ecological system. In this system of objective and value, Human, unlike other natural matter, has more than the ability of dealing with the world with his own measurement. Human is one part of Nature, but as rational existence Human has the competence and responsibility to recognize and practisefrom different angles. Human should act in view of both Human and reality. With the particular competence and wisdom, Human should not only maintain his own survivorship and persistent development, but also respect and advance the existence and persistent development of the nonhuman and eco-system in order to achieve the harmonious symbiosis of Human and Nature. This shows that the establishment of intrinsic value of Nature is all-important theoretically and practically. It also enriches and develops the cultural notion of value in theory, and improves the morality of Human to perform to Nature in practice, which is favourable for the equality and equity of society, and the harmonious and persistent development of Human and Nature.