Blood Sports

Question 1

Nml

Answer 1

Humans can use animals as they see fit which includes blood sports.

The pain and suffering inflicted upon animals is acceptable as oart of that use.

If the animal dies as a result of the blood sport thencthat too is acceptable since its the result of a legitimate use.

However its contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly.
- given that theres nothing kind about blood sports and that blood sports cause animals to suffer and die needlessly.
These comments amount to a more reasonable approach than that of aquinas.

Question 2

S.e

Answer 2

Likely to put interests of humans before those of animal species in cases where human pleasures are gained at expense of animal pain and suffering.

There is arguably nothing agapeic about blood sports

Question 3

V.e

Answer 3

• it would be difficult to find convincing arguments against blood sports in aristotles writings. Since hunting was a common greek pastime and was a source of food.
• in terms of mordern debate, hunting animals in public would upset and offence some people as is the case with fox hunting.

•some people judge a person by his or her treatment of animals, for example, in terms of the consideration shown to animals that cannot defend themselves.
Participation in blood sports suggests to some a lack of consideration for animals.

• some might appeal to the virtue of temperance, arguing that experiencing pleasure at the expense of other being is not conductive to developing a good character.

^ in this respect, Rosalind Hursthouse argues that blood sports show the vice of callousness. (Insensitive and cruel disregard for others).
— they are indifferent to the feelings of both the animals concerned and those who sympathise w. The animals.

against that the philosopher roger scruton argues that some blood sports are courageous for example, the matador who faces an enraged bull in the bullring takes his life in his hands.

However this is a weaker arg as the context is in the bullring and its callous to fight an animal for entertainment.
The matador facing the bull shows courage but his courage is based on calculation and reason; since he is skilled in bull fighting, he will reason that its unlikely to kill him.

Showing reasoned courage by killing or maiming animals in blood sports would seem to be more callous than courageous.