Ethics Module 7 Discussion 1 Notes

Philosophers Christine Korsgaard and Bonnie Steinbock believe that animals do not share the same
moral status as humans, though they are deserving of certain rights and considerations. Philosophers
Peter Singer and Tom Regan believe that animals share the same moral status as human beings.
Ecological feminists believe that no one is truly free, unless all beings are free, including non-human
animals. This activity aligns with module outcomes 2 and 4.
• Which of the positions described above best represents your own and why? What constitutes
freedom for non-human animals, specifically? Be detailed about the rights and considerations
you believe animals deserve. Specifically, do zoos and circuses hold the same moral weight?
Are they unnecessary forms of entertainment? Are hunting and meat-eating morally equivalent?
• Is it true, as is highlighted in certain pop culture references (please see the Module Notes), that
we only love cute animals and eat ugly ones? To what extent is the reference to our hypocrisy
accurate or not?