Ethical Theories Flashcards
What are ethical theories
theoretical constructs that help us understand and compare values
What is contractarian theory
- argues that morality is a contract that we join ultimately for our self interest
- adhere to rules
- many forms only applies to individuals that understand and can follow rules and gain from this
- animals cant understand rules/join contract so we dont have moral responsibility to them
- suggests animals not directly any ethical relevance and their value only lies in their importance to people
- e.g. deciding not to euthanise terminally ill/suffering dog because it would cause owner (you) too much upset
- inadequate = suggests causing suffering animals unproblematic as long no human harmed
What is Duty-based theory
- idea that all have certain duties we should/should not perform irrespective of consequences
- (also deontological theory)
- deontology asserts certain rules must be followed no matter the consequences
- gives rise to idea of rights which form basis of rules that are to be followed
What is an anthropocentric perspective
the point of view that humans are the only, or primary, holders of moral standing
(human-centred)
What is Non-anthropocentric ethics
grants moral standing to such natural objects as animals
What is a baby more important than a dog
- anthropocentric = yes
BUT - adult dog has more autonomy and equal interest not suffering - Peter singer - “A week-old baby is not a rational and self-aware being, and there are many nonhuman animals whose rationality, self-awareness, capacity to feel and so on, exceed that of a human baby a week or a month old.”
Who is Tom Regan and what does he believe
- contempory philosopher and advocator of human rights
- “both humans and animals owed direct duties”
- beings are “subjects of a life”. they can experience pleasure/pain, have inherent value and rights, believe and feel, want things, experience satisfaction/frustration
- not for anyone else’s benefit but have inherent value
What is Consequentialist theories
judge an action as right/wrong based on consequences of action
intention of person carrying out act not considered
What is Utilitarianism
- suggests what we do to animals matters ethically to the extent that we affect their welfare
- most well-known type of consequentialist ethical theory
- assumption = most animals wish to have good welfare and be happy (actions that create most happiness = good)
- allows animals to be considered within moral calculus
- we assume animals are sentient, use principles to calculate the greatest good for animals concerned
Who was Jeremy Bentham
- advocated utilitarianism on basis that it is the outcome/consequence of an action that makes it write or wrong
- book = introduction to principles of moral and legislation (1789)
- ## “the question is not can they reason nor can they talk, but can they suffer?
Who is peter singer
- supports utilitarian principles and application to animal ethics
- believes equal weight to the interests of humans and animals
- “animal liberation” (1975)
What is Virtue Theory
and who started it
- concentrate on character
- Aristotle “Nicomachean Ethics” - ten books based on notes made from his lectures dedicated to idea of virtue and moral character
- cant separate idea of “making ethical decisions” from your personality
- should act as virtuous person should (if you make good decisions, result of good character)
- importance of moral emotions (sympathy/compassion) & concerned with our underlying emotionally influenced attitudes to animals
- moral emotions are virtues and should develop characteristics that express these virtues BUT need to know when
Who applied virtue ethics to the treatment of animals and her view on expressing virtues at the wrong time
Rosalind Hursthouse (2006)
being so compassionate that one could not quickly kill a suffering bird mauled by a cat would not express compassion at the right time, to the right degree and in the right way
What does Gary Francione reject
pet keeping
states all sentient beings have rights (deontology)
keeping pets is exploitative and depends on the idea that animals can be property which denies them rights
