Instrumental value refers to the worth of natural species based on their utility to humans, such as providing resources, ecosystem services, or economic benefits. In contrast, intrinsic value is the inherent worth of species, independent of their utility, recognizing their right to exist and flourish. Aldo Leopold's land ethic emphasizes the intrinsic value of all components of the ecosystem, advocating for a moral responsibility to preserve nature not solely for human benefit but for its own sake. This perspective shifts the focus from a purely instrumental viewpoint to one that acknowledges the interconnectedness and inherent worth of all living entities.
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