Full Idea
The debate which dominates environmental ethics is whether the environment has value in itself.
Gist of Idea
Does the environment have value in itself?
Source
Roger Crisp (Interview with Baggini and Stangroom [2001], p.37)
Book Reference
Baggini,J/Stangroom,J: 'New British Philosophy' [Routledge 2002], p.37
A Reaction
I say the answer has to be 'yes'. If it only has value in relation to conscious or human life, it will be difficult to demonstrate that they have value. Pleasure and pain, or wisdom, can't imply value on their own; a bigger picture is needed.