The ABCs of Relational Values: Environmental Values that Include Aspects of Both Intrinsic and Instrumental Valuing

Abstract

In this paper we suggest an interpretation of the concept of ‘relational value’ that could be useful in both environmental ethics and empirical analyses. We argue that relational valuing includes aspects of intrinsic and instrumental valuing. If relational values are attributed, objects are appreciated because the relationship with them contributes to the human flourishing component of well-being (instrumental aspect). At the same time, attributing relational value involves genuine esteem for the valued item (intrinsic aspect). We also introduce the notions of mediating and indirect relational environmental values, attributed in relationships involving people as well as environmental objects. We close by proposing how our analysis can be used in empirical research.

‘I owe it to the animals’: The bidirectionality of Swiss alpine farmers' relational values

“…This study focuses on the syntax (the ‘how’) rather than the semantics (the ‘what’) of relational values. In our Syntax of Environmental Values Framework, we proposed that relational valuing can be characterized by bidirectionality, meaning that it entails a contribution to human wellbeing (as in instrumental valuing) as well as an orientation and genuine appreciation for the valued object (as in intrinsic valuing) (Deplazes‐Zemp & Chapman, 2021). In this article we present our empirical research on whether and how this bidirectionality manifests itself in practice.…”

“…We follow this approach in an interdisciplinary collaboration between the two authors. In a previous study (Deplazes‐Zemp & Chapman, 2021), we presented our theoretical framework of relational values and relational valuing—the Syntax of Environmental Values Framework—that we developed with reference to existing empirical data (Chapman et al, 2019; Chapman, Satterfield, Wittman, et al, 2020). In this study, we test and adapt the framework by applying it in the acquisition and interpretation of new data via interviews with Swiss mountain farmers.…”

“…As the name suggests our theoretical framework of relational value focuses on the syntax—that is, the features and structure—of relational values, rather than semantics and content (Deplazes‐Zemp & Chapman, 2021). We started from features usually associated with relational values, namely their connection to eudaimonia (Chan et al, 2016; Knippenberg et al, 2018; Muraca, 2011; Neuteleers, 2020; van den Born et al, 2018), separation from intrinsic and instrumental values (Chan et al, 2016; Neuteleers, 2020; Pascual et al, 2017), connection to actual human‐nature relationships (Himes & Muraca, 2018), and non‐substitutability (Neuteleers, 2020; O'Neill, 2020).…”

The value of listening and listening for values in conservation

“…Relational values can be seen as 'bi-directional' in that they recognise reciprocity and care in human-nature interactions, and emphasise that humans are not mere receivers of benefits from nature, but also care for and steward nature (Deplazes-Zemp & Chapman, 2020). In this paper, we elaborate the premise that relating involves forms of listening, and listening is a form of relating.…”

“…Whereas instrumental values of nature focus on benefits to people and intrinsic values on nature for its own sake, relational values are those values ‘associated with relationships’ both ‘between people and nature’, as well as ‘relationships that are between people but involve nature’ (Chan et al., 2016, p. 1462). Relational values can be seen as ‘bi‐directional’ in that they recognise reciprocity and care in human–nature interactions, and emphasise that humans are not mere receivers of benefits from nature, but also care for and steward nature (Deplazes‐Zemp & Chapman, 2020). In this paper, we elaborate the premise that relating involves forms of listening, and listening is a form of relating.…”