PHILOS 1B03 Lecture : Animal Rights march 6.docx

• School: McMaster University
• Department: Philosophy
• Course: PHILOS 1B03
• Professor: Stefan Rodde

Document Summary

The interests of animals are entitles to equal consideration to the interests of humans. Being entitled to equal consideration of interests is not based on factual equality. Being entitled to equal consideration of interests is based on capacity for suffering. These two points support the idea that the interests of animals should be treated equally to those of humans. It is wrong to be cruel to animals. But if there is an end, which is very good for humans can only be accomplished through pain and suffering of animal, it is justified. Some factual differences between humans and animals are relevant to whether animals should be treated equally to humans. The mere capacity to suffer is not sufficient for equality of treatment. A certain threshold of intelligence that enables us to perform morally significant activities. Both humans and animals are capable of experiencing p&s. But only with humans does p&s hinder moral activity.