What implications does utilitarianism have for our treatment of non-human animals?

How the notion of the moral good in utilitarianism leads to a unique approach to ethical problems
August 1, 2019
Bentham/Mill’s “Principle of Utility”
August 1, 2019

What implications does utilitarianism have for our treatment of non-human animals?

Question Description

Require:

Book: The Fundamentals of Ethics by Russ Shafer Landau Third Edition

For the assignments- Three detailed paragraphs. One quote with quotation marks and cited APA from the book in each of three paragraphs is mandatory. So each paragraph has a quote with quotation marks and cited in APA from the book(three quotes minimum from the book for the assignment). Then discuss the quote by quoting or paraphrasing from at least one of your other sources in each of three paragraphs. Each paragraph has a quote from the book and at least one cited paraphrase or quote from another source. Four total sources for the assignment!

Question:

  • What implications does utilitarianism have for our treatment of non-human animals? How do utilitarian’s argue for their conclusions about non-human animals? Do you find the utilitarian’s conclusions about animals plausible? If so, why? If not, how would you respond to their arguments?
  • Most utilitarians think that sometimes people arenot to blame for performing actions that are very wrong, and that sometimes people should not be praised for doing the right thing. Why do they think this? Do you agree?
  • Critics claim that utilitarianism demands that we be saintly in our motivations. Explain this criticism and then discuss why you find it (im)plausible.
  • Utilitarians think that some humans are morally equal to some animals. What exactly do they mean by this, and how do they argue for it? Do you agree with them? Why or why not?
  • Write on developing what you take to be the most powerful objection to utilitarianism. Explain the objection in detail, and then describe how you think a utilitarian would reply. Is the utilitarian reply satisfactory? Defend your answer
  • If Utilitarianism is correct, then we may be morally required to undertake substantial sacrifice for others. What limits on such sacrifice does the utilitarian favor? Are these limits acceptable?