Animal Ethics

SEPTEMBER 6, 2012

All that the rights view prohibits is science that violates individual rights. The rights view merely requires moral consistency in this regard. ( Tom Regan , The Case for Animal Rights , updated with a new preface [Berkeley and Los Angeles: University of California Press, 2004], 388 [first edition published in 1983])

Science 40

Science Los Angeles 2004 Morals 40

Animal Ethics

DECEMBER 28, 2010

Let us think of the more moral members of society as a moral elite, much as the generality of scientists form a scientific elite. I hope I do not need to stress that such a moral elite must not be confused with a social or intellectual elite. I am myself not so heroic. I eat eggs though they may come from battery hens.

Morals 40

Morals Whales Whaling Chickens 40

Animal Ethics

FEBRUARY 5, 2010

The predicament in such a non-moral case will concern only the individual and a few associates. When the ultimate values concerned are moral ones, on the other hand, and more particularly altruistic ones, the case is different; for the individual in such a dilemma has all society on his conscience. It need not.

2000 40

2000 Morals Vivisection Science 40

Animal Ethics

DECEMBER 18, 2006

I had a strong interest in science because of its reliance on reason and skepticism, which struck me as very good tools for truth seeking (which is ultimately what I am interested in). When I came across Philosophy, I immediately saw that it was the tree from which the branch of science had grown.

Factory Farm 40

Factory Farm Factory Farming Morals Factory 40

Animal Ethics

JANUARY 16, 2010

In other words, there are moral limits to science, as to law. What if it's customary to allow guests to torture or kill one of the tribe? Can you possibly understand them if you refuse? Some things, I think you will agree, are more important than understanding.

Vegetarian 40

Vegetarian Lamb Animal Welfare Meat 40

Animal Ethics

JANUARY 20, 2007

Here are three paragraphs from a recent essay by Roger Scruton : As I suggested, science provides authority for this weird morality only when clothed in moral doctrine. And that explains, in part, the appeal of the animal-rights movement. To live with a human being is hard; to live with a mere animal is easy.

Animal 40

Animal Morals Apes Emotional 40

Animal Ethics

FEBRUARY 27, 2012

Mr. Hurst flippantly questions the ability to measure a pig’s happiness, but sound science—not to mention common sense—clearly establishes that mother pigs locked in gestation crates with so little space that they cannot turn around for most of their lives do indeed suffer. But let’s not play psychiatrist with other animals’ minds.

New York Times 40

New York Times New York Gestation Crates Gestation 40