Non-anthropocentrism and extrinsic value in African environmental ethics

Abstract

Anthropocentrism is characterised by human-centeredness. In terms of environmental ethics, an anthropocentric ethic is one which prioritises human goods over the good of non-human entities, or which defines what is good through a human lens or standard (Kopnina, H., Washington, H., Taylor, B. et al, 2018). As a result, moral worth is allocated or assigned according to whether or not something brings value to humans. The implication is that nonhuman nature is extrinsically valued. Specifically, it is given instrumental value according to how it can be used for the end goal of humanity. From this, Etieyibo draws out two key points in terms of the type of value which is attributed to elements of the natural kingdom: “[H]umans are (1) the single and most important bearers of intrinsic value or (2) individual nonhuman organisms/ nonhuman nature possess no intrinsic value.” (2018: 165).