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Abstract
An account of the widely accepted but vague idea that all humans have equal value is sketched. The essay evolves from a concept of inherent value as distinct from final, instrumental, and preconditional value. There is no supervenience base to inherent human value, it is argued. Still, it can be characterized, namely in terms of being worth loving. An account can also be given of its constitution, which would be by the agape-like love of an ideal observer faced with human beings in their wholeness. And its function as a master value of ethics can be analyzed; this is shown to depend on an essential bond with the value of human life.
Published Online: 2010-03-16
Published in Print: 2007-May
© Philosophia Press 2007
