"As humans we have the power to affect the lives of entire species of animals. What moral responsibilities do we have towards them?"
As humans we have the power to affect the lives of entire species of animals. What moral responsibilities do we have towards them?
Animals cannot be held morally responsible for their actions. However, that does not mean that they don’t have moral worth. In fact, it is reasonable to infer that we, as rational beings, have a moral responsibility towards animals. But what does that entail?
According to John Stuart Mill, “the ultimate end” of morality is “an existence exempt as far as possible from pain, and as rich as possible in enjoyments…secured to all mankind; and not to them only, but, so far as the nature of things admits, to the whole sentient creation.” The inclusion of animals in our moral circle does not imply, however, that humans and animals are of equal moral value. Yet the fact remains that we share many morally relevant traits, such as a capacity for suffering. When it comes to the treatment of animals, argues Jeremy Bentham, “the question is not, Can they reason? nor, Can they talk? but, Can they suffer?”
The animal industry—in particular, the meat and dairy industry—inflicts suffering on billions of creatures whose neurological anatomy and observable behavior leave no doubt that they experience pain and fear just as we do. In today’s civilized world, virtually all of this suffering could easily be avoided, which makes it all the more imperative that we do so. The animals we consume may not be our equals, but this does not mean that human pleasure and convenience morally justify their suffering. Not to mention the enormous environmental costs of animal agriculture, one of the top contributors to greenhouse-gas emissions and a leading cause of deforestation, water and air pollution, and biodiversity loss. uncommongroundmedia.com/...
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However we define our moral responsibility towards animals, it should be based not on convenience, habit, or taste but on evidence, reason, and compassion
RedWoodman
This brings us to the issue of habitat destruction and conservation. If we have a moral obligation to treat animals not just as means to an end but as ends in themselves, we also have a responsibility to protect—or, at least, not to destroy—their basis of life. Indeed, there is a case to be made for the creation of additional habitats through rewilding. At the very least, we should consider other species’ interests as we advance our own.
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We're on a collision course with the planet. But with public support, that can change
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Smart, activist states could prove as effective at handling the biodiversity crisis as they have at tackling the pandemic
The Guardian view on valuing nature: priceless things sold cheap
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Governments could be at the start of a slow but huge transformation in how they treat natural life
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Exclusive: indigenous Americans dying from Covid at twice the rate of white Americans
One in every 475 Native Americans has died since the pandemic began: ‘Families have been decimated theguardian.com
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Friday, Feb 12, 2021 · 1:21:08 AM +00:00 · Angmar
Breaking political news :
"Gugino, pushed backward, started bleeding after hitting his head on the pavement. He spent about a month in the hospital with a fractured skull and brain injury."
Charges dropped against Buffalo police who shoved 75-year-old protester to the ground
Grand jury declines to indict Robert McCabe and Aaron Torgalski on felony assault charges
A grand jury declined to indict the Buffalo officers Robert McCabe and Aaron Torgalski on felony assault charges, ending the matter, said John Flynn, the Erie County district attorney.
Messages seeking comment were left with lawyers representing the officers. One of them, Thomas Burton, has previously said that it was a “real stretch in our view to suggest that they intended to hurt this man”.
Flynn said prosecutors made a thorough presentation to the grand jury but, citing secrecy rules, said he couldn’t discuss what evidence was presented. The grand jury heard the case on a delayed basis because of coronavirus-related court closures, he said.
www.theguardian.com/...
