Discussion 14 Philosophy of Ethics
Different views on the basis of dignity are included below:
- Descartes and Aquinas believe that it is the capacity to reason and make free choices.
- Kant believes that it is simply the ability to make free choices.
- Bentham believes that it is the ability to feel pain.
- Regan believes it is being a conscious experiencer of reality.
- Narveson believes that it is the ability to enter into an agreement.
- Cohen believes that rights come from being part of a moral community.
1. Who do you agree with and why? (In other words, what is the basis of dignity? Where does dignity come from?)
2. What rights do animals have? How are their rights (if any) similar or different from humans? (In other words, do animals have the right to life and the right to not suffer unnecessary pain? Or just unnecessary pain?)
3. Should Sea World and Zoos be shut down? Why or why not? In your response, reference at least one philosopher. (See, for example, the PowerPoint on Singer or Mary Ann Warren.)
