Conceptualizing irreconcilable disagreements in the nature futures framework over intrinsic and instrumental values

Abstract

1. The nature futures framework (NFF) is a tool, adopted by IPBES, used to design scenarios which explicitly trade-off three ways of valuing nature: instrumental, intrinsic, and relational. In its current format, the NFF is depicted as a triangle, with each value perspective occupying the extreme corner node, and a smooth continuum of potential perspectives along each edge.

2. In this paper I question whether a continuum/gradient is the proper way to understand the relationship between these value-perspectives. Looking specifically at the axis between the Intrinsic and Instrumental value nodes, this paper looks in depth at debates and insights from the environmental philosophy and ethics literature and gives three reasons for thinking that a continuum does not adequately capture how these irreconcilable values are thought to relate.

3. Additionally, I argue that graduated depiction in the NFF has been made plausible through a contestable translation of the discussion from “values” to “policy/scenario preferences” that relies heavily on a presumed immutable connection between value and preference. This can run the risk of scenario designers making problematic revealed preference assumptions.

4. Recognizing the incommensurability of these values has implications for how we employ the NFF. I consider two methods for revising the NFF in light of these critiques, including a three-step framework using the NFF for eliciting value-preference connections that can be used in scenario design.