What gives human life inherent value?

[Frozenwolf150]

Sometimes I ponder this question and am left lapping at the dried remains of the tautology that life has whatever value we give it, or that the meaning of life is to live. Is there something more that attributes worth to each individual human life? Or is it all floating debris and lies?

If I were religious, I might say that God gives life value. We are each God's creation and therefore that makes life a sacred gift. However, God doesn't exist, or at least doesn't care to show any evidence that he does, and if he exists, he shows a remarkable disdain for human life. If we equate fate and natural occurrences with God, then humans are often the victims of God's jealousy, wrath, and vindictiveness. So God can't be the answer.

Do our attachments to others give life value? Perhaps my friends and loved ones are what make my life important. Maybe my influence on them, especially younger generations of my family, is what matters most. If my life were to end, it would not be without consequence, as those who are attached to me would suffer emotional trauma and ask, "Why?" However, this is assuming I'm a positive influence on others in the first place. I seek no relationships because I have no wish to drag others into my life. The loss of one person can't affect all that many; tragedies and death occur all the time, and yet people move on with their lives. Also, many despicable people throughout history, such as criminals and evil dictators, had friends and loved ones. So attachments can't be the answer.

Does the role humans play in nature give human life value? Humans are a unique species to say the least, with the most complex tools and languages. We have built great civilizations, invented amazing things, created works of art, music, and poetry, and discovered more about the universe than any other species on Earth. We are highly intelligent, widespread, and adaptable. However, we've also wreaked immense damage on the environment, driven species to extinction, and have polluted the Earth to the point where it may take generations to clean up the mess we've made. So it's hard to say that humans are the pinnacle of life on Earth. We might just be another evolutionary blip or failed experiment.

I ask, where does that leave me?

Please understand that I'm searching for an answer for my own sake. I don't wish to imply that other people's lives are somehow worth less just because I'm too stubborn or shortsighted to see things as they do. I'm asking in all sincerity.

 

[Brainache]

What gives human life inherent value?
Me.

 

[A'isha]

Our self-awareness, the fact that we can even ask the kinds of questions you did.

 

[wrs]

Sometimes I ponder this question and am left lapping at the dried remains of the tautology that life has whatever value we give it, or that the meaning of life is to live. Is there something more that attributes worth to each individual human life? Or is it all floating debris and lies?

If I were religious, I might say that God gives life value. We are each God's creation and therefore that makes life a sacred gift. However, God doesn't exist, or at least doesn't care to show any evidence that he does, and if he exists, he shows a remarkable disdain for human life. If we equate fate and natural occurrences with God, then humans are often the victims of God's jealousy, wrath, and vindictiveness. So God can't be the answer.

Do our attachments to others give life value? Perhaps my friends and loved ones are what make my life important. Maybe my influence on them, especially younger generations of my family, is what matters most. If my life were to end, it would not be without consequence, as those who are attached to me would suffer emotional trauma and ask, "Why?" However, this is assuming I'm a positive influence on others in the first place. I seek no relationships because I have no wish to drag others into my life. The loss of one person can't affect all that many; tragedies and death occur all the time, and yet people move on with their lives. Also, many despicable people throughout history, such as criminals and evil dictators, had friends and loved ones. So attachments can't be the answer.

Does the role humans play in nature give human life value? Humans are a unique species to say the least, with the most complex tools and languages. We have built great civilizations, invented amazing things, created works of art, music, and poetry, and discovered more about the universe than any other species on Earth. We are highly intelligent, widespread, and adaptable. However, we've also wreaked immense damage on the environment, driven species to extinction, and have polluted the Earth to the point where it may take generations to clean up the mess we've made. So it's hard to say that humans are the pinnacle of life on Earth. We might just be another evolutionary blip or failed experiment.

I ask, where does that leave me?

Please understand that I'm searching for an answer for my own sake. I don't wish to imply that other people's lives are somehow worth less just because I'm too stubborn or shortsighted to see things as they do. I'm asking in all sincerity.

Does the earth and the rest of life on earth need humanity? Not that I can see on the surface of it so I wouldn't look for our value to be found there.

This is a hard question for one who is strictly materialist. You cannot see any value for humanity because humanity doesn't fit where it exists. It serves no purpose of it's own. The plants and animal life don't need us, they were here first. The life in the sea doesn't need us, it was here first. Same goes for the inert elements of the earth. Then extend it to the solar system and then the universe, the answer is the same.

The only way to posit a value for human life outside of humanity is to assume some necessity for it and that could only be through some metaphysical connection to any of the elements previously mentioned, not heretofore identified by science. This of course begs the question of why humanity even exists.........................

Sorry, I can't be of help because I don't see how to answer the question for myself. This is why I look at signs yapping about the "gift of life" and wonder what they are talking about.

Now on the other hand, I can still entertain a metaphysical viewpoint that science really isn't capable of discerning all of the connections that humanity has with the earth, plants, sea life, the elements of the earth, sun, sky, the solar system and the universe. With this viewpoint intact, I am able to feel less sure that humanity has no value. However, I still don't know what it's value might be and to whom that value accrues. I also don't know what those connections might be and how the arrows are drawn.

 

[I Ratant]

What gives human life inherent value?
Me.

.
Me too.
I value me.

 

[I Ratant]

Does the earth and the rest of life on earth need humanity? Not that I can see on the surface of it so I wouldn't look for our value to be found there...

.
Need in what manner? The animals in the field neither sow nor... yet they have an innate "need" to be here. Watch ants scurry around when you try to smoosh them. Their level of awareness isn't as broad as ours, but they do avoid dying when they can.
.

This is a hard question for one who is strictly materialist. You cannot see any value for humanity because humanity doesn't fit where it exists. It serves no purpose of it's own.

.
Humans supply the next generation of humans, just as everything else alive does. Howsomever, we don't wait for the rain to nourish our roots, nor the deer to come to the water hole to be killed and eaten.
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The plants and animal life don't need us, they were here first. The life in the sea doesn't need us, it was here first. Same goes for the inert elements of the earth. Then extend it to the solar system and then the universe, the answer is the same.

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Dim view, that is. Priority of existence doesn't establish value. After all, we developed during the identical periods of time all the plants and animals and fish did. That we're aware of that and how that awareness can and does affect everything else, including the inert elements, is a fact of our existence.
.

The only way to posit a value for human life outside of humanity is to assume some necessity for it and that could only be through some metaphysical connection to any of the elements previously mentioned, not heretofore identified by science. This of course begs the question of why humanity even exists.........................

....

.
Humanity is a natural result of natural processes, just as a cabbage or a killer whale is. It is not necessary for humans to live, but, that existence is here and we should nurture it, not dismiss it as only an accident, even though it is basically the result of a long series of fortuitous accidents.

 

[sowhat]

It seems to me that you have the answer, but just don't care for it very much.
My own experiences and observations have led me to believe that we are nothing special. Its all a matter of random chance. Everything we feel and perceive is a product of that ugly, squiggley thing between our ears and the impressions life has made on it.

I don't think we have much to do with who we are, whether for good or ill.
Just sort of captive audiences to our own personal performances in this silly play.
Does this make it all pointless? Not a bit. I chuckle at life's absurdities every day.
I've had a great time here with my wife and family for nearly 81 years.
Luckier than most and know it. Paying the check now that comes with old age, but
it's been a good show.

What's the purpose of life? Life. What's the meaning of life? Make up your own answer.
For me, its just to make things as pleasant as possible for the people around us as we pass through.

Don't over think it. Enjoy it for what it is.

 

[kirstenholme]

I think the question needs to be split in two: What makes humans value their lives and in what way do humans add value to the world?

 

[Myriad]

What gives human life inherent value?

Life insurance companies.

 

[Gord_in_Toronto]

It seems to me that you have the answer, but just don't care for it very much.
My own experiences and observations have led me to believe that we are nothing special. Its all a matter of random chance. Everything we feel and perceive is a product of that ugly, squiggley thing between our ears and the impressions life has made on it.

I don't think we have much to do with who we are, whether for good or ill.
Just sort of captive audiences to our own personal performances in this silly play.
Does this make it all pointless? Not a bit. I chuckle at life's absurdities every day.
I've had a great time here with my wife and family for nearly 81 years.
Luckier than most and know it. Paying the check now that comes with old age, but
it's been a good show.

What's the purpose of life? Life. What's the meaning of life? Make up your own answer.
For me, its just to make things as pleasant as possible for the people around us as we pass through.

Don't over think it. Enjoy it for what it is.

Thanks sowhat (and I did not even know that female pigs wore hats!). This is exactly the post I was going to make. Except in my case it's only 72 years.

 

[kirstenholme]

What gives human life inherent value?

Life insurance companies.

It'd be funny if it wasn't true.

 

[Orphia Nay]

Somewhat related... How to succeed at self-sabotage:

http://www.alternet.org/personal-health/14-habits-highly-miserable-people

 

[Loss Leader]

Is there something more that attributes worth to each individual human life?

The purpose of life - of all life - is to continue to exist. The purpose of the human race is to keep being the human race. This has two implications for me: one good and the other bad.

The bad news is that the marginal value of any given human life appears to be vanishingly small. We could lose any given person at any given time and the species is going to be fine. Heck, we could lose any given hundred million people and the species would be fine.

The good news is that it seems pretty easy to add value to the race - to make people stronger, healthier, more productive, or what-have-you. If your labor results in a net improvement for humanity, you're winning.

Of course, it's also important to follow Glee on FOX for obvious reasons.

 

[383LQ4SS]

Or is it all floating debris and lies?

I think that was as good a description as any.

I certainly carry my individual survival instincts as well as an intellectual curiosity just to "see whats next". But these don't necessarily give value in the context of the universe at large. And I think any attempt at assigning value will have to address value in terms or the largest scales...and the smallest for that matter. Anything less is just "floating debris and lies".

Doesn't mean I don't enjoy my hobbies, learn everything I can, wish for a long life and love my family (including my dogs )

 

[sowhat]

Thanks sowhat (and I did not even know that female pigs wore hats!). This is exactly the post I was going to make. Except in my case it's only 72 years.

You are quite welcome. 72 will do it. Always happy when someone, ( anyone ), gets me these days.
Believe it or not someone else made that same pig remark on the old, ( now defunct ), History Channel forum once. I count myself as clever, but I never caught that when creating my alias. I don't posess quite enough female hormones to make it work, but as far as the "pig" part goes, I will refer you to my sweetie

 

[383LQ4SS]

Our self-awareness, the fact that we can even ask the kinds of questions you did.

Well..seeing as how the term "value" is solely a human construct it seems to me this answer is circular. Fits right in the middle of the floating debris and lies.
No self aware conscious creatures...no value. And if it takes a self aware conscious creature to assign value.....well...seems quite arbitrary.

I have this vision of a vast universe...then after billions of years in a remote corner some self aware conscious creature pops into existence. He then shouts "we are valuable! we are valuable!" and then poof..gone forever......

I cant square that circle.

 

[sowhat]

I have this vision of a vast universe...then after billions of years in a remote corner some self aware conscious creature pops into existence. He then shouts "we are valuable! we are valuable!" and then poof..gone forever......

 

[theprestige]

What gives human life inherent value?

Nothing. All value is exherent. All value is given by you. You are the measure of all things.

 

[Brainache]

What gives human life inherent value?

Nothing. All value is exherent. All value is given by you. You are the measure of all things.

That's what I said.

 

[Aridas]

Sometimes I ponder this question and am left lapping at the dried remains of the tautology that life has whatever value we give it, or that the meaning of life is to live.

It's worth asking "What is value?" then, before we go any further than this. If value in the sense that you seem to be using it is inherently something that's attributed to something and cannot be intrinsic, as I would maintain, one really does not need to go any further than that to show that it's not really a tautology to say that life has whatever value to us that we give it.

Is there something more that attributes worth to each individual human life? Or is it all floating debris and lies?

That's a false dichotomy, regardless, and begs the question of what more is there that even could actually matter with regards to the question that you've asked?

Please understand that I'm searching for an answer for my own sake. I don't wish to imply that other people's lives are somehow worth less just because I'm too stubborn or shortsighted to see things as they do. I'm asking in all sincerity.

I'd dare to say that many people have similar questions, regardless, which is one of the parts to why it's no surprise that a number of them turn to religion or authority to try to find an answer.