Is there an inherent value to human (or sentient) life?
There is no such thing as inherent value. All value is subjective. Humans are the ones making these subjective value judgement. As such A) without humans nothing has value, and B) humans tend to value themselves a lot, so yes, they have value.
Feel free to replace "humans" with "sentient life" as appropriate.
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?