Our Bunnies, Our selves An Exploration of the Ethical Status of Animals
Date of Award
2003
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Humanities
First Advisor
Langston, Douglas
Keywords
Animals, Ethics, Buddhism, Jainism, Empathy, Sympathy, Compassion, Animal Rights
Area of Concentration
Philosophy
Abstract
This thesis examines the problem of grounding the ethical status of nonhuman animals. To deal with this problem, the thoughts of two of the most influential contemporary philosophers, Peter Singer and Tom Regan, were explored; alternative religious approaches to the problem were discussed by examining Buddhism and Jainism; new directions in philosophy and ethics were outlined and then drawn out; and a survey of the current practical problems with the ethical status of non-human animals was given. As a result of these explorations, I argue that the most promising way to establish the ethical status of non-human animals is through a philosophy that emphasizes embodiment as well as a method of ethical decisionmaking that includes empathy, sympathy and love.
Recommended Citation
Jacobs, Robin, "Our Bunnies, Our selves An Exploration of the Ethical Status of Animals" (2003). Theses & ETDs. 3251.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/3251