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J. J. C. Smart on the Moral Elite

Animal Ethics

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 eat eggs though they may come from battery hens. I am myself not so heroic.

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From Today's New York Times

Animal Ethics

Free range” does not solve the problem of painful debeaking, enormously oversized flocks or the unnatural isolation of the birds from other sexes and age groups. Though chickens can live for 5 to 11 years, after two years, they are hauled away to slaughter just like battery-caged hens. Jean Bettanny Port Townsend, Wash.,