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John Passmore (1914-2004) on the History of Animal Cruelty

Animal Ethics

Once a definite social movement got under way in the West with its objective the restricting of man's treatment of animals, it moved with relative rapidity. Moral philosophers began to regard it as an obvious truth that it is wrong to treat animals cruelly. But not so far as seriously to limit man's domination of the world.

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Henry S. Salt (1851-1939) on "Humane Slaughter"

Animal Ethics

The plea that animals might be killed painlessly is a very common one with flesh-eaters, but it must be pointed out that what-might-be can afford no exemption from moral responsibility for what-is.

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Roger Scruton on the Duty to Eat Meat

Animal Ethics

From the point of view of religion, however, the question presents a challenge. Furthermore, I would suggest not only that it is permissible for those who care about animals to eat meat; they have a duty to do so. To such a question it is always possible to respond with a shrug of the shoulders.

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Moral Vegetarianism, Part 8 of 13

Animal Ethics

For an explanation of this feature, click on “Moral Vegetarianism” at the bottom of this post. In fact, animals used for food do suffer a great deal. One argument is this: The present practice of treating animals used for food is immoral and should be changed. One ought to adopt the best means.

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Prima Facie vs. Ultima Facie Wrongness

Animal Ethics

He thinks that the treatment of animals in factory farms is morally unjustifiable, and yet, he continues to support those practices financially by purchasing and eating meat and animal products. It goes something like this: Yes, I agree that factory farming is morally unjustifiable and ought to be abolished.