Ecological Ethics, Anissa - Essay Example

Summary Response on Why Species Matter s The question “why species matter” may appear simple to some people, even though a majority of them do not know the clear meaning of the statement. The essay got some varied responses on the questions, but all of the responses indicate that there is a deep-rooted connection in all human beings to the greater nature. Most of the responses were inclined towards evolution. This view is also shared by Taylor who argues that humans, like other animals, are products of the natural evolutionary process.

Therefore, this places the onus value on the biotic community, but not specifically on ecological system. The essay points out that Taylor would have said species and matter are vital due to the fact that we need to have respect for nature.I also agree with the idea that man is part of nature and ethics as extending to the whole biotic community. This is regarded as the only view that actually incorporates the biotic community and the land and atmosphere are indispensable to the continuation processes of natural selection and evolution.

It has been found that a collective approach intuitively unveils the underworking conditions and webs that actually keep us interdependent and connected.Besides it is very beneficial to be able to economically quantify the values of environmental surrounding. However, the opinion provided by Meadows is a little bit redundant. He claims that in the anthropocentric value system, humans are the fundamental focus of value. On the other hand, Russow brings back the discussion of one individual versus whole.

Russow’s standpoint is that we value and protect animals just because of their aesthetic value. I also agree with the author that species matter more than just for the aesthetic value of their individual members. I may add that aesthetics is regarded as a philosophical category, and therefore, every human being across the globe has his own opinion what to consider as aesthetic. Besides, every culture has different perceptions on aesthetic values. What Western civilization regards as beautiful African or Asian cultures would consider as ugly (Carter, 2010).

In my opinion, the intrinsic values of species are actually dependent on biodiversity. There are numerous reasons that justify the existence of species. For instance, reductions in biodiversity result to the ecosystem functioning negatively. We should not treat animals differently just because they are not humans. This is because the fact that whether to consider a being a member or not of a species is not morally right. This view is shared in the work of (ONeil, 2008). Nature has some inherent value that we are morally obliged to protect from interference.

Reference ListCarter, A. 2010. Biodiversity and All That Jazz. Philosophy and Phenomenological Research 80 (1):58-75.ONeil, R. (2008). Intrinsic Value, Moral Standing, and Species. Environmental Ethics , 19 (1), 45-52.