Questions for the Readings on Animal Rights
Paper Assignment
Write on ONE of the following topics. Paper format is the same as the first assignment. Length is between 2 and 3 pages (double spaced, 12 point Times New Roman, 1” margins).
1. Singer proposes that there should be a new category of prejudice – speciesism. Is his argument plausible? Why or why not?
2. At the end of his article, Singer suggests that we have an inconsistent (and hence immoral) stance towards using animals for research. He asks you to imagine your reaction if orphaned, severely disabled children were used in research tests the way that dogs and monkeys currently are. Under his view, the child has no more moral right than the animal to be spared the experiment. Respond. (Remember the Principle of Charity! Be sure that you clearly state Singer’s reason for morally equating the disabled child with the dog before you critique his position.)
The questions below will help you sort out your views but it is not necessary to answer all of them in your paper.
Why We Have No Obligations to Animals – Immanuel Kant
1. What is it that animals lack that removes them from moral consideration?
2. Kant argues that even though animals have no rights, we should treat them well. What is his reasoning here?
All Animals Are Equal – Peter Singer
1. Note that in the beginning of the article, Singer explicitly asks us to use the Principle of Charity when dealing with controversial issues. He hopes that if you enter with an open mind, you might be willing to accept his argument.
2. Some object to allowing animals rights because it is assumed this will result in silly claims (e.g. that pigs will get the vote). They argue that it is absurd to give animals rights when they are so clearly different. What is Singer’s response?
3. Some have pointed out that the claim that ‘all humans are equal’ is simply false; there are no categories we could name (intelligence, maturity, physical ability, etc.) where it turns out that everyone is equal. Something has gone wrong and Singer thinks it is because we shouldn’t be looking at the issue of equality from a descriptive standpoint. How should we look at equality then?
4. A common way of looking at morality is based on equal consideration of interests. Singer agrees and makes the claim that in order to have interests, one must possess a certain capacity. What is this capacity? Why does it suggest that animals should (along with humans) have their interests equally considered?
5. What is Singer’s argument for animal rights?
6. What is speciesism? How is it akin to racism?
7. Why is eating meat speciesist?
8. Why are many laboratory tests immoral?