I.V.+Weak-Strong+Perspectives

=Weak-Strong Perspective =

Strengths:

 * As Naess points out in his essay on deep ecology, one of the strengths of an intrinsic value theory is found in the thrust of popular, practical application (pg 270). Unlike Instrumental theories that focus on anthropocentric interests, theories based on intrinsic value compel human beings to think of nature differently, taking components of nature itself (for its own sake) into political, economic, and social discussions on policy. When at one point human beings thought of nature as something to be conserved for their sake, intrinsic value drives humans to instead think as part of a larger network of value. This change of framework in human thought is thus more likely to lead to change in areas of practical application, of individual human beings making change in their everyday lives. However, before any of this is likely to happen, intrinsic value theories need to cement some of the more contentious aspects of their ethical perspective.**

Weaknesses:

 * Disagreement on the nature of intrinsic value represents one of the weaknesses of the intrinsic value perspective.. The concept and definition of value itself is a point of contention, as we can see in the Rolston, Lee, Norton and Hargrove readings. Although in itself this lack of agreement is not problematic, when one tries to build an ethic on an idea that is not itself very clear, further problems can arise.**

OK, this is good stuff Joseph but... "weak/strong" really refers to "weakly-held" and "strongly-held" and perhaps a nice analogy is to think of genealogies or cladogram, ie, the way in which any given "type" branches into successively finer subversions. That's what's going on with "weak" vs "strong." What you are doing here is offering a nice summary/overview of the problems facing IVers - this would better fit with "evaluation" role. btw, I like though how you are reworking what you are getting from the readings into your own words and way of speaking. Nice. (Bill)

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