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What role does deontology play in debates around the moral status of animals, and how do different proponents of deontological ethics approach this issue?

Florence Tills

Well, buckle up, friends, because we're about to dive into the wild world of deontology and its role in the ever-controversial debate around the moral status of animals. But first, let's define some terms. Deontology is a moral theory that focuses on the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions, rather than the consequences they produce. The idea is that some actions are intrinsically good or bad, regardless of their outcome. Now, how does this apply to our furry, feathered, and scaly friends?

Proponents of deontological ethics approach the issue of animal morality in various ways, but a common thread is the belief that animals have inherent moral worth, beyond just being useful for human purposes. In other words, animals aren't just objects for us to use and discard as we please. This idea is often linked to the concept of "speciesism," which is the idea that humans unjustly privilege our own species over others, often to the detriment of animals. Deontologists argue that animals, like humans, have their own interests and preferences that should be respected, even if it means we have to give up some of our own interests and preferences.

One way deontology comes up in animal ethics debates is through the concept of "no harm." Many deontologists believe that it's always wrong to cause unnecessary harm to any sentient being, including animals. This means that we shouldn't inflict pain, suffering, or death on animals just for our own benefit or pleasure. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule (such as when it's necessary for medical research or to protect ourselves from imminent harm), but overall, deontologists advocate for minimizing harm to animals as much as possible.

Another deontological argument in favor of animal rights is based on the idea of "contractarianism." This is the idea that moral principles come from agreements we make with each other, rather than from any inherent characteristics of individuals or species. Contractarians argue that if we wouldn't want certain actions done to us, we shouldn't do them to others. So, for example, if we wouldn't want to be killed for food or forced to perform in circuses or other forms of entertainment, we shouldn't subject animals to those things either.

Of course, there are plenty of critics of deontological ethics and its application to animal rights. Some argue that it's impossible or impractical to always avoid harming animals, especially when it comes to widely accepted practices like meat-eating or using animals for scientific research. Others argue that deontological ethics fail to take into account the complex consequences of our actions, and that a consequentialist or utilitarian approach would be more effective at promoting overall well-being, including that of animals.

In any case, the debate around the moral status of animals is far from settled, and deontology is just one of many ethical theories that come into play. But for those of us who feel a deep sense of connection to our animal friends, it's a compelling framework for thinking about how we can do right by them. After all, as the old saying goes, "the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." Let's keep striving for greatness.