Ethical Theories

Question 1

Definition of consequentialism

Answer 1

Theories based in decisions about the consequences (outcome) of that decision. The right end result justifies the actions

Question 2

Definition of deontology

Answer 2

Also called duty ethics - theories are based on the idea that we have a moral duty to behave in a particular way, focusing on the actions rather than the consequences. The right end result is never justification for actions which are “wrong”

Question 3

Definition of environmental ethics

Answer 3

Concerns the relationship between humans, animals, and other elements of the environment (eg. Trees, mountains, oceans). Considers the question: Do humans have a moral duty to protect the environment and animals?

Question 4

What viewpoints come under consequentialism?

Answer 4

• Respect for nature
• Utilitarianism
• Contractarianism

Question 5

What viewpoints come under Deontology ?

Answer 5

• Animal rights
• Relational importance

Question 6

What viewpoints come under Environmental ethics ?

Answer 6

• sentience-centred
• Human-centred
• Environment-centred

Question 7

What is Respect for Nature?

Answer 7

• Focuses on the importance of species or groups of animals rather than individuals
• Ethical to contribute to the success of a group of animals, eg. Protect a species from extinction
• Unethical to genetically alter animals for their survival (because of the need to respect the natural order)

Question 8

What is utilitarianism?

Answer 8

• considers the sentience of the people and the animals involved. Ethically right decisions result in the most happiness for the most people: actions contribute towards the greater good
• greater good for the greatest number

Question 9

What is Contractarianism?

Answer 9

• Relative cost and benefit is the only thing that matters in the decision-making process. The consequences for the animals do not play a part in the decision-making

Question 10

What are Animal rights ?

Answer 10

• There are strict limits on what we should do to or with animals, no matter how beneficial the outcome may be to humans, because they are just as important as humans

Question 11

What is Relational importance?

Answer 11

• we feel more strongly about animals we have a relationship with (e.g. with pets, or a stock person with cows). Not many people have a relationship with vermin, so don’t mind of they are killed as pests

Question 12

What is environmental-centred?

Answer 12

• all living things are dependent on one another and humans are not ‘worth’ more than other species. Humans must respect all other elements of nature for life to thrive

Question 13

What is Human-centred?

Answer 13

• also called anthropocentrism
• humans are the most important species on the planet and have no duty to care fo other species or to preserve nature

Question 14

What is sentience-centred?

Answer 14

• deciding how to treat animals based on how sentient they are
• note: Deciding how sentient an animal is may be controversial. It considers whether animals can feel pleasure and pain or feel and think

Question 15

what is Anthropomorphism?

Answer 15

• Anthropomorphism means assigning human motivations and characteristics to animals and interpreting their behaviour through that filter
• Examples are projecting their own fears onto animlas rather than seeing the situation from the animals point of view when making desisions about sterilising and euthanising

Question 16

What is Speciesism?

Answer 16

• Speciesism means treating certain species ( especially humans and “higher animals” such as horses and dogs) as more important than others
• For speciesism - humans deserve more rights because they are more intelligent and self-aware
• Against speciesism - intelligence is not a basis for assigning rights; all animals should have rights

Question 17

What is Activism and Extremism?

Answer 17

• Both activists and extremists campaign to bring about social or political change. They may share ideas that differ from those of the majority
• Activists use vigorous campaigning techniques (eg. demonstrating, lobbying, awareness raising). They generally take part in peaceful protests.
• Extremists hold beliefs that many people consider unreasonable and/or go to extremes. Eg. may hold louder, more aggressive protests, may be prepared to break the law.
• Example: An animal rights activist may hold up signs and chant outside an animal testing facility
  An exremist may defy legislation amd break into the facilityto release the animals in it

Question 18

Animal Welfare orginisations

Answer 18

• People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)
• World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)
• Animal Aid