PHIL 296 Study Guide - Final Guide: The Family Law, Biocoenosis, Preference Utilitarianism
23 Apr 2016
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Question 1: continued existence: human comparison. Keep in mind that humans are also animals. To survive we need: clean air, food, water, shelter. Humans and sentient animals need more than this for well-being. Humans and animals are subject to the same evolutionary process, environmen- tal challenges, laws of genetics, natural selection and adaptation. Uniqueness does not provide superiority: social construction, we use rabbits for pets, food and are wild animals. Good animals vs bad animals: having moral status means: Having ones needs, interests, or well-being considered equally to that of others in moral deliberation, enjoying certain protections. A commitment on the part of others to recognize and respect our moral status. Moral status is hierarchical according to buchannan. Moral status can be compatible with unequal treatment. More capabilities or potential doesn"t mean more moral status. Sentience becomes the basis for moral consideration: singer: only beings who have a conscious preference for continued existence have an interest in continuing to live.
