inherent value
Built-in significance always
Inherent value is worth that belongs to something by its very nature, independent of usefulness or external judgment.
Philosophers debate whether nature, art, or human life possess inherent value apart from what anyone thinks of them.
The concept contrasts with instrumental value—worth derived from serving some purpose: Does wilderness have inherent value, or only value as a resource?
- moralityRight and wrong principles
- dignityInnate personal worth
- human dignityIntrinsic worth of persons
- beautyAesthetic excellence
- inner beautyAttractiveness of character
essence · true nature · substance · biodiversity · autonomy · inviolability · authenticity · ecosystems · old growth forest · rights · being · ontology · wilderness · natural order · originality · sanctity · sacred ground · virtue
inherent valueextrinsic value
Worth from outside sources
market value · perceived value · sentimental value · symbolic value · nominal value
inherent, inherently, inhere, value, values, valued, valuing, valuable, valuables