Humans Have Souls; Animals Don’t Flashcards
About this deck: “Humans Have Souls; Animals Don’t”
This deck parallels the briefing at: https://vbriefings.org/souls/
There are no formal citations here, although sources may be mentioned. Full citations with links are provided in the briefing.
It would be best to read the briefing before studying these cards. Reading the briefing first provides understanding and context.
What is the briefing titled “Humans Have Souls; Animals Don’t” about?
Several points to consider when evaluating the objection to veganism and animal rights based on the presence or absence of a soul.
Summarize the briefing titled Humans Have Souls; Animals Don’t
The ability to suffer is independent of having a soul, and cruelty is unjustifiable regardless of whether souls are present.
While some indigenous spiritual traditions and Christian thinkers believe animals have souls, theologian C.S. Lewis suggests that animals, lacking an afterlife, are entitled to even greater compassion during their earthly lives.
How does religion influence people’s views on the relationship between humans and animals?
Religion shapes perspectives on human-animal relationships, with some beliefs emphasizing human dominion and others promoting compassion and interconnectedness.
What are two contrasting religious perspectives on the treatment of animals as outlined in the briefing “Humans Have Souls; Animals Don’t”?
Some religious views prioritize human dominion over animals, while others emphasize compassion and interconnectedness with all living beings.
What are the key points in the briefing “Humans Have Souls; Animals Don’t”?
- The existence of a soul is not relevant.
- Some believe that animals do have souls.
- The absence of a soul could elicit better treatment, not worse.
Why is having a soul not a logical requirement for moral consideration?
Because morality concerns how living beings are treated, regardless of whether they have a soul or immortality.
How does the act of harming animals challenge the idea that only beings with souls deserve moral consideration?
The cruelty of harming sentient beings, like slitting a cow’s throat or beating a pig, is morally wrong regardless of whether they have a soul.
What does Elijah D. Buckner argue in The Immortality of Animals (1903)?
He concludes that the Bible recognizes animals as having living souls, just like humans.
What did Pope John Paul II state about animals in 1990?
He declared that animals possess souls and that humans must love and show solidarity with them.
How does Job 12:10 support the belief that animals have souls?
The verse states that in God’s hand is “the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind.”
What do many indigenous peoples believe about animal souls?
Many indigenous groups believe that animals have souls and that their spirits continue existing after death, either in this world or another.
How do some Native American tribes view the afterlife of animal souls?
They believe that animal spirits either remain in this world or journey to another after death.
What unique perspective did C. S. Lewis have on animals and moral consideration?
He believed that because animals do not have souls and no afterlife, they deserve greater moral consideration.
How did philosopher Tom Regan interpret C. S. Lewis’s view on animals?
Regan stated that Lewis “turned the topic on its head” by arguing that animals deserve more moral concern due to their lack of an afterlife.
Why did C. S. Lewis think animals deserve higher moral consideration?
Because if they lack souls, they cannot receive compensation in an afterlife for suffering endured in life.
Why does the briefing “Humans Have Souls; Animals Don’t” address the concept of souls despite considering it irrelevant tot he argument for veganism?
It responds to objections to veganism and animal rights from those who believe humans have souls, making the discussion relevant to them.
How does Merriam-Webster define “soul”?
As “the immaterial essence, animating principle, or actuating cause of an individual life.”
How does the Cambridge Dictionary define “soul”?
As “the spiritual part of a person that some people believe continues to exist after death, or the part that is not physical and experiences deep feelings and emotions.”
What other resources are listed for the briefing “Humans Have Souls; Animals Don’t”?
- The article “Have Animals Souls? The Late-Nineteenth Century Spiritual Revival and Animal Welfare”
- The Article by John Miltimore examining C.S. Lewis’ view on animals.
- Wikipedia article on Souls
What does the article Have Animals Souls? The Late-Nineteenth Century Spiritual Revival and Animal Welfare discuss?
It explores how various religious and philosophical influences led to the belief that animals have rational souls and deserve compassionate treatment.
What aspect of C. S. Lewis’ view on animals does Jon Miltimore examine?
He examines Lewis’ belief that higher forms of life, especially domestic animals, might experience an afterlife.
What topics does the Wikipedia article on Souls cover?
It explores how different religions, philosophies, and cultures understand the immaterial essence or animating force of living beings, particularly in relation to consciousness, identity, and immortality.
Why can religious objections to veganism be difficult to overcome?
They stem from deeply held beliefs about existence and humanity’s place in the world.
