Is there an inherent value to human (or sentient) life?
If by "inherent" we mean "contained within itself", then it depends on whether this human (or sentient life) attributes value to its own existence.
This may seem like wordplay to you, but it's as meaningful an answer as can be given -- sentient life has inherent value if it values itself, because it's then that it has value contained within itself.
By contrast things like rainbows have only value in the minds of others, no inherent value in themselves, because rainbows don't have value systems, only creatures with minds do.
I've read through some of the Sequences, but I'm still unclear on a few basic concepts around LW rationality. This is in part to my learning still which benefits from social engagement (ie discussions) rather than just reading. One of those concepts I'm unclear on: Is there an inherent value to human (or sentient) life?
It appears to me that one common theme on this site is that human life (current and future) is very important. Why is that so? Why is the goal people over paper clips?