Ursinus Intro Ethics Blog - Section A

Our class discussion revolved around a human life being the only type of life that mattered or "counted". I can not accept this to be true for a number of reasons. By setting a cat on fire it is referred to as animal cruelly. In many states there are laws protecting the rights of animals that we consider pets. Therefore by setting a cat on fire or any other animal for that matter, it is against the law. Other animals are also noted for their ability to follow commands and solve problems. Dolphins are an example of an animal that is considered to be the most intelligent species aside from humans. Another interesting aspect to consider is what separates animals from humans. In CIE we all have discussed what it means to be human, but in class discussion my class only pointed out that the key difference between an animal and a human was a more complex mental state or the ability to express our thoughts and feelings. Upon putting much thought into this question, I have realized that there is not much that distinguishes an animal from a human being aside from some higher aspect of conscious thought. There is no question that our life is valued more because we have a higher mental capacity, but that is no reason for an animal life to mean nothing. The line does in fact have to be drawn somewhere, but in my opinion it should be left up to the person facing the situation to decide and make the better judgment.