PHL 333 Lecture 10: IRH Lecture 10 - Evolution of Species
Document Summary
How does evolution work: what"s driving force, advantageous genetic traits are likely to be passed down the generations. Why are we bi- pedal? (two legs: less likely to get weary from heat exhaustion, better viewpoint to see predators/enemies. Cui bono (who benefits?) is a major principle. It may not always be humans: we loose battles to bacteria, not all for us. Determined by luck and skill in species adaptation: different variables. It"s a fluke that humans even exist: billions of species used to exist. In summary : evolution is blind, non- teleological, not an eschatological state. Animal liberation: oppressed groups into moral circle, speciesism, treats some creatures differently than others based on species, consistent cannibal is moral. If they suffer (have a nervous system), then they count: we need to distinguish between moral and factual equality. Is it hard to imagine singer"s argument, having any intuitive plausibility without the great impact if darwin"s theory.
