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The Moral Status of Non-Human Animals

Andersson, Christoffer LU (2012) FPRK01 20112
Practical Philosophy
Abstract
In this essay I have explored the subject of non-human animals moral value. I have argued for the idea that they indeed do have a moral value in and of them selves, that we are to respect and account for in our everyday decisionmaking and behavior.
I have then tried to argue for a multi-factor moral theory, presented by Lori Gruen (2010), that classifies interests so that the interests that are more fundamental for our survival or basic conditions for welfare are to not be frustrated by interests that are less fundamental. In order to do this I have examined and criticized established theories layed forth by both Peter Singer (1999) and Tom Regan (1985 &1997), in meaning that Gruens model based on a scalar of interests will have answers... (More)
In this essay I have explored the subject of non-human animals moral value. I have argued for the idea that they indeed do have a moral value in and of them selves, that we are to respect and account for in our everyday decisionmaking and behavior.
I have then tried to argue for a multi-factor moral theory, presented by Lori Gruen (2010), that classifies interests so that the interests that are more fundamental for our survival or basic conditions for welfare are to not be frustrated by interests that are less fundamental. In order to do this I have examined and criticized established theories layed forth by both Peter Singer (1999) and Tom Regan (1985 &1997), in meaning that Gruens model based on a scalar of interests will have answers where Singer and Regan does not.
The final conclusions of this essay is that we are to stop using non-human animals as food, research subject or other products, unless we can show that we do this because we have an equivalent fundamental need that requires us to do so. Here, I also argue that we in the vast majority of cases are not able to do so. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Andersson, Christoffer LU
supervisor
organization
course
FPRK01 20112
year
type
M2 - Bachelor Degree
subject
keywords
Animal ethics, djuretik, moral
language
Swedish
id
2543386
date added to LUP
2012-07-27 14:32:03
date last changed
2012-07-27 14:32:03
@misc{2543386,
  abstract     = {{In this essay I have explored the subject of non-human animals moral value. I have argued for the idea that they indeed do have a moral value in and of them selves, that we are to respect and account for in our everyday decisionmaking and behavior.
I have then tried to argue for a multi-factor moral theory, presented by Lori Gruen (2010), that classifies interests so that the interests that are more fundamental for our survival or basic conditions for welfare are to not be frustrated by interests that are less fundamental. In order to do this I have examined and criticized established theories layed forth by both Peter Singer (1999) and Tom Regan (1985 &1997), in meaning that Gruens model based on a scalar of interests will have answers where Singer and Regan does not.
The final conclusions of this essay is that we are to stop using non-human animals as food, research subject or other products, unless we can show that we do this because we have an equivalent fundamental need that requires us to do so. Here, I also argue that we in the vast majority of cases are not able to do so.}},
  author       = {{Andersson, Christoffer}},
  language     = {{swe}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{The Moral Status of Non-Human Animals}},
  year         = {{2012}},
}