Animal Ethics

AUGUST 15, 2012

The rights view is not opposed to efforts to save endangered species. If people are encouraged to believe that the harm done to animals matters morally only when these animals belong to endangered species, then these same people will be encouraged to regard the harm done to other animals as morally acceptable.

Endangered Species 40

Endangered Species Species Los Angeles Morals 40

Animal Ethics

NOVEMBER 24, 2009

In fact, a whole lot of semi-vegans can do much more for animals than the tiny number of people who are willing to give up all animal products and scrupulously read labels. Farm animals also benefit from the humane farming movement, even if the animal welfare changes it effects are not all that we should hope and work for.

New York Times 40

New York Times New York Vegan Vegetarian 40

Animal Ethics

JANUARY 2, 2011

I propose that the moral significance of the suffering, mutilation, and death of non-human animals rests on the following, which may be called the overflow principle: Act towards that which, while not itself a person, is closely associated with personhood in a way coherent with an attitude of respect for persons.

Morals 40

Morals Vegetarian Suffering Animal Suffering 40

Animal Ethics

JUNE 7, 2016

As an intelligent primate, I’d much rather be an ambassador for my species in a secure environment—served the best food and tended to by top-notch veterinarians—than take my chances in a national park where poverty and corruption result in little or no protection for the non-human residents. Many sanctuaries do not permit breeding.

Los Angeles 40

Los Angeles Gorillas Zoos Meat 40

Animal Ethics

DECEMBER 31, 2011

I’m tired of hearing people who enjoy killing justify it with specious moral platitudes. Animals suffer when killed. It is only the prejudice of our species that justifies culling the deer population while protecting our own. He says meat tastes more precious when you’ve watched it die. MARIE BROWN Baldwin, N.Y.,

New York Times 40

New York Times New York Mountain Lions Deer 40

Animal Ethics

FEBRUARY 15, 2009

For an explanation of this feature, click on “Moral Vegetarianism” at the bottom of this post. Most moral vegetarians list fish and fowl as animals one should not eat. The ability to feel pain is not an obviously plausible way of morally distinguishing microorganisms from other organisms. What Meat Should Not Be Eaten?

Morals 40

Morals Vegetarian Meat Killing 40

Animal Ethics

JULY 17, 2008

Note that this distinction does not make Singer a speciesist, since it is not species that makes the difference. While self-consciousness may be correlated with species, it is not identical to it. Self-consciousness is morally significant; species, like race or sex, is not. It is self-consciousness.

Morals 40

Morals Pigs Killing Humane 40

Animal Ethics

DECEMBER 24, 2006

They belong to the canine species Nyctereutes procyonoides. Each semester when I teach Contemporary Moral Issues, on the first day of class I begin with a survey. One of the questions on the survey is: "Is it morally permissible to kill animals for fur coats?" But is it really? Not according to my students.

Fur 40

Fur HSUS Fur Industry Raccoons 40