Question

Argue that nature (including living things, ecosystems, species, etc) has intrinsic value.? If nature does have intrinsic value, how do we determine the values of individuals versus species, or the value of ecosystems versus individuals or species?

Answer 1

The value of the different levels of organization can be determined by the scope or impact of a general level. It is more important to protect a species than an individual since the species encompasses a greater number of individuals and if the impact becomes extinct it is greater at the ecosystem level because ecological relationships would be affected.

On the other hand, it is more important to protect an ecosystem than a species because the macro is approached so that the levels of organization below it are naturally protected.