This paper discusses the ethical dilemma of eating animals, not from a health and environmental perspective, but only around the wrong done to the animals involved. The issue will be analyzed according to different philosophical arguments, in order to present an exhaustive overview of the problem. More specifically, I will first discuss violations of rights and moral status, and then consequentialist arguments, in order to provide theoretical support to the analysis.
The choice of this dilemma is due to a personal interest in analyzing an issue that concerns every human being. The growing public interest in this topic is in favor of a meat- free alimentation. Hence, I feel it is crucial to approach a deep discussion in order to provide us with a code of conduct that reflects our morality.
The conclusion of this paper will eventually propose an answer based on my own moral principles and on what I feel to be right; however, it doesn’t want to imply or impose any final code of conduct to the reader.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Background Information
- Analysis
- RIGHTS AND MORAL STATUS
- Indirect theories
- Direct but unequal theories
- Moral equality theories
- CONSEQUENTIALIST ARGUMENT
- Convincing argument
- RIGHTS AND MORAL STATUS
- Conclusion
- References
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the ethical implications of consuming animal meat, focusing on the ethical treatment of animals rather than environmental or health concerns. It explores various philosophical arguments to provide a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
- Violations of animal rights and moral status
- Consequentialist arguments for or against eating meat
- Different philosophical perspectives on animal rights
- The moral implications of assigning different levels of moral status to humans and animals
- The concept of sentience and its role in determining moral status
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction sets the stage for the paper by outlining the ethical dilemma of eating animals and its relevance to human morality. The "Background Information" section provides context by identifying the key stakeholders involved: humanity and the animal kingdom.
The "Analysis" section delves into the philosophical arguments surrounding animal rights. It begins with an exploration of three main categories of philosophical thinking: indirect theories, direct but unequal theories, and moral equality theories. Each category is discussed in detail, examining the arguments for and against assigning moral status to animals.
The "Consequentialist Argument" section focuses on the ethical implications of eating meat from a utilitarian perspective, considering the consequences of this action.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Animal rights, moral status, sentience, indirect theories, direct but unequal theories, moral equality theories, consequentialist argument, utilitarianism, ethical dilemma, meat consumption.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ethical dilemma of eating animals?
The dilemma centers on whether it is morally justifiable for humans to kill and consume animals, focusing on animal rights and their moral status rather than health or environment.
What are "indirect theories" regarding animal rights?
Indirect theories suggest that animals do not have moral status themselves, and our duties toward them are actually duties toward other humans (e.g., not upsetting animal owners).
What is the "moral equality theory"?
This theory argues that animals and humans should be granted equal moral consideration, often based on the capacity for sentience (the ability to feel pain or pleasure).
How does utilitarianism view meat consumption?
From a consequentialist or utilitarian perspective, the ethics of eating meat depends on whether the practice produces more suffering than benefit globally.
Does this paper propose a final code of conduct?
No, the author provides an overview of philosophical arguments and a personal conclusion but does not impose a final moral code on the reader.
- Quote paper
- Mario Terrigno (Author), 2016, A discussion of some ethical aspects of eating animals, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/351993
