Assessing the Theories on Animal Ethics

Overview

Recall questions on the strengths of each theory and on the charge that natural moral law is anthropocentric.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   State one strength of natural moral law when applied to animal issues.

   Model answer

   It provides clear, consistent principles based on the natural order that do not change with circumstances.

2. 2

   What is a key criticism of natural moral law when applied to animal ethics?

   Model answer

   Its hierarchical view may be seen as anthropocentric, failing to give sufficient moral weight to animal suffering.

3. 3

   Why might natural moral law's approach to animals be described as anthropocentric?

   Model answer

   Because it places humans at the top of a hierarchy, which critics argue does not adequately consider or value the suffering of animals.

4. 4

   State one strength of situation ethics when applied to animal issues.

   Model answer

   Its flexibility allows consideration of the specific circumstances and consequences of each case of animal use.

5. 5

   Identify a weakness of situation ethics when addressing animal welfare issues.

   Model answer

   Its focus on human love (agape) may not adequately protect animal welfare and provides no consistent guidance for how animals should be treated.

6. 6

   Why does situation ethics struggle to provide reliable protection for animals?

   Model answer

   Because it centres on human-focused agapeic love and lacks consistent principles, meaning animal welfare depends entirely on individual situational judgements.

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