Essay Ethical Treatment of Animals - 2101 Words

If animals dont have rights, does it follow that it is right to treat them however we like? Discuss in relation to at least two approaches to normative ethics. Humans are superior, non-human animals are inferior. Animals were put here as the playthings of humans, for us to do with what we want. We are able to farm them and control them, we can change their genetics and what they look like, animals have no minds of their own. We eat them, race them and catch them for sport. We even refer to undesirable human behavior as animal. In this world you either harm or you are harmed. God gave humans the ability to harm, so we do. Animals are here for us to exploit. Maiming and injuring an animal is no different to eating it. This is a very†¦show more content†¦Also, despite conceding that humans are animals too, when I refer to animals in future they will be the non-human variety unless expressly stated. The first important question to answer is: how do we conclude that animals dont have rights? In a sense, once the human has control of an animal, which is relatively easy, given that the human is a more sophisticated being (if only intellectually), the animal has no rights and is at the mercy of the human, the only thing to stop the human treating the animal cruelly is a sense of duty to the animal not to harm it. From a consequentialist point of the view the animal is entitled to moral consideration because of its ability to feel pleasure and pain. I agree with this. Negative utilitarianism (WHO) highlights that the action must promote pain prevention. Because the animal feels pain the human must therefore act in a way as not to harm the animal. Despite this, I do agree with the idea that the animal has no rights. According to Hobesian contractarianism, this is because it is not able to enter a moral community. If it has no moral duties to others, then others have no moral duty to it. I believe that an animal cannot have rights in the same way as a human does but I think that most animals do adhere to a sort of instinctive compassion similar to Rousseaus noble savage. It is not very often that we see animals trying to beShow MoreRelatedThe Ethical Treatment Of Animals1230 Words   |  5 PagesHowever, at many universities the use of live animal mascots is taking place. While some view this as exploitation of the animals, others see the royal treatment these animals get and carry a different opinion. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) give their input with an article titled, â€Å"Live-Animal Mascots Get an ‘F’.† This organization takes a strong stance for animals everywhere. They believe that there is no real reason to put a live animal on the field rather than a costumed humanRead MoreAnimal Rights And The Ethical Treatment Of Animals1237 Words   |  5 PagesErasistratus of Alexandria to Galen, who is known as the creator of experimental physiology, animals have been test subjects in experiments for more than two thousand years (Day 35). Every year in the world as many as twenty-two million animals are used for scientific or medical purposes (Day 10). A variety of animals are experimented on, including rats, mice, rabbits, dogs, cats, and primates (Day 10). Those against animal research believe the tests are pointless (Day 10). They presume if the experimentsRead MoreAnimal Rights And The Ethical Treatment Of Animals1267 Words   |  6 Pageswhether or not animals should be allowed to be used as subjects in research, entertainment, or clothing is one of the most controversial issues known in today’s society (Parks 21). Through time, animal rights have acquired several different definitions and opinions from people. Regarding their belief about the true meaning of animal rights, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), a largely recognized animal rights activist organization, states: Animal rights means that animals deserve certainRead MoreAnimal Rights And The Ethical Treatment Of Animals991 Words   |  4 Pagesespecially when it comes to the treatment of animals. The group PETA which stands for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is know as the largest animal rights group in the world. With an estimated three million members and supporters the organization believes that â€Å" Animals are not ours to eat. Wear, experiment on, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way† and fights to protects those rights of animals (PETA). PETA was founded in March 1980 by animal rights activist Alex Pacheco andRead MoreThe Ethical Treatment Of Animal Testing1199 Words   |  5 Pagesnot animals such as mice and rats should be experimented on. The organization Psychologist for the Ethical Treatment of Animals believes in observing animals instead of experimenting on them (Meyer). Another known organization is People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). An organization that is in favor of animal experimentation is called Pro-Test and is located in the United Kingdom (UK). This organization thinks that experimenting on animals may help humans. About 95% of animals are notRead MoreAnimal Rights And The Ethical Treatment Of Animals1801 Words   |  8 Pageseven order the cheese because a cow had to produce milk to make the cheese. The subject of animal rights incites heated debates. On one end of the spectrum would be animal rights organizations like People for the Ethical treatment of Animals or PETA for short. PETA takes a stance against any use of any animal, even using silk from silk worms. According to this organization, the only tolerable use of an animal is a neutered companion pet in the backyard. On the other end of the spectrum would be theRead MorePeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals1191 Words   |  5 PagesIntroduction PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is an American organization for animal rights. It gives voice against four major issues regarding treatment of animals such as fur farming, using animals for entertainment, factory farming, and animal testing. PETA also fights against eating animals, killing of animals, keeping chained dogs, bullfighting, and cock fighting. Even though the organization intention is good to save the life of the animal, PETA is often considered as unrealisticRead MorePeople For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals ( Peta ) Is A Non Profit Animal Activist Group1579 Words   |  7 PagesPeople For The Ethical Treatment Of Animals (PETA) is a non-profit animal activist group that focuses explicitly on exposing animal brutality and ensuring the safety of all animals. PETA promises to protect animals from misconduct, abuse, brutality, and inhumane slaughtering. The activist group’s official motto is, ‘’ Animals are not ours to eat, wear, experiment on, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way’’(PETA). This motto officially means that animals are not ours to use or causeRead MoreEthical Treatment of Animals2645 Words   |  11 PagesETHICAL TREATMENT OF ANIMALS If you systematically question the significance and use of existence you are a philosopher, either amateur or expert. Ethics is the division of philosophy that asks how nation supposed to live their lives and how they ought to act good and right to each one. Animal ethics is equal but contains animals. Robert Garner in his book Animal Ethics says Animal ethics look to examine values that are apprehended concerning the moral standing of non-human animals. (Audi, 2010)Read MoreThe Ethical Treatment of Animals Essay539 Words   |  3 Pagesbelieve in the ethical treatment for all animals is an ethical obligation by all humans. We have come to an era that we believe that all humans should be treated equally and fairly. Well, what about our other living, breathing counterparts? They deserve to live their life as they choose in quality and in the pursuit of happiness. Just as Europeans came and took over Northern Americas land and resources on the Indians. We have also taken over the land and resources from all of the animals. The