The Idea of Inherent Value and Genetically Modified Organisms

Inherent Value vs. GMO's

The idea of inherent value and genetically modified organisms being discussed in one conversation was once unheard of. With new scientific change success stories it has become more evident that the two terms should be related to each other. On one hand we can understand how inherent value pertains to all living organisms and respect the natural process. On the other we may understand the need for genetically modified organisms as a way to produce a better crop or in-vitro fertilization however, this is where the arguments begin. Most religious factions consider inherent value as things with a worth "in and of itself" and scientists and researchers would consider it to be a way of changing an original into something more than its original intent (Harrub, 2002).

Inherent value is the value of habitats and life forms in their individual right, and are not a result of or for human use. It is also a thing that ensures worth without a need of additional evidence. We can say the same for the value of food. It is relative to those who will eat it. The worth of our world is restricted to us. Some people argue an inherent value for only higher animals, and rejecting the same value towards plants and lower animal life. Aldo Leopold contends in favor of the "land ethic which attributes this value more holistically to species, habitats, ecosystems, and the like" (Leopold, 1968). He argues for the value of non-human but his value is represented on a larger scale. Other such authors and scientists argue from a point of ethical sentimentalities in which inherent value is focused on non-human groups of organisms rather than human that include biospheres. The most radical environmentalist that has moved away from modern Western value theory and ethics is Holmes Rolston III. He argues in favor of all beings humans and non-humans, species, and biomes. Each person has their own view concerning inherent value and how it relates to their life. Being able to look beyond their needs to include the environment and all organisms is what everyone should do to understand life and how it is all intermingled with all other aspects of nature. These same ethics should be utilized when considering genetically modified organisms.

There are many risks and controversies that surround using genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The primary of using GMOs is whether the health risks associated with GMOs over long periods of time are beneficial or not. In America the use of GMOs are everywhere and in almost every crop grown. There is a great concern that GMOs will infiltrate non GMOs and destroy the natural grain thereby removing the option of consuming GMOs. The GMOs were created to feed a hungry world but a report from "the Institute for Food and Development Policy attests that during the last 35 years, per capita, food production has outstripped population growth by 15%;