Why do biocentric environmentalists argue that nature has value beyond its usefulness to people?

Biocentric environmentalists argue that nature possesses intrinsic value—meaning it is valuable in its own right, independent of its utility to humans—because they believe that life itself is the only nonarbitrary criterion for moral standing.12

This perspective challenges traditional anthropocentric views, which treat the natural world merely as a resource to be exploited for human benefit. The core arguments for this position include:2

• Life as a Goal-Directed Process: Philosophers like Paul Taylor have argued that all living beings possess a "good of their own" because they are teleological, or goal-directed, entities. By pursuing their own natural ends and purposes, living things demonstrate that they are subjects of a life, which entitles them to moral consideration.1
• Reverence for Life: Thinkers such as Albert Schweitzer emphasized that life in all its complexity and mystery commands a sense of "reverence," which should guide human attitudes and actions toward other living beings.1
• Nonarbitrary Moral Standing: Biocentrists contend that characteristics like geographical location or species membership are arbitrary grounds for denying moral status. By extending moral consideration to all living things, they seek a more consistent and inclusive ethical framework.1

Ultimately, this viewpoint encourages humans to view themselves as one species among many, fostering an attitude of humility and respect rather than superiority.32