I think once we start discussing morality in the context of multiple species, it becomes quite tempting to think of any difference between how we would treat a human versus another species as being unfair. Our minds are conditioned to think of morality as one size fits all, because in general we're used to discussing it in human terms, where there's only one species involved and thus our morals can be universal to that species.
But there's nothing inherently wrong with recognizing that, say, a gorilla is not a person, when it comes to formulating our morals with regard to that creature. We can treat it differently, because it is different. We should still recognize its inherent worth as a thinking creature, but there's no shame in applying a different standard based on different contexts.
If there needs to be an objective basis to start all of this from, I would say that consciousness and intelligence, the soul, the wit, whatever you want to call it, is a good start. We all have it, we can recognize it in others, and its mounting complexity and ability to self reference and think abstractly is really the only thing that allows us to appreciate the situation that we're in. It's something worth cultivating because without it... what else is there?
But there's nothing inherently wrong with recognizing that, say, a gorilla is not a person, when it comes to formulating our morals with regard to that creature. We can treat it differently, because it is different. We should still recognize its inherent worth as a thinking creature, but there's no shame in applying a different standard based on different contexts.
If there needs to be an objective basis to start all of this from, I would say that consciousness and intelligence, the soul, the wit, whatever you want to call it, is a good start. We all have it, we can recognize it in others, and its mounting complexity and ability to self reference and think abstractly is really the only thing that allows us to appreciate the situation that we're in. It's something worth cultivating because without it... what else is there?
"YOU take the hard look in the mirror. You are everything that is wrong with this world. The only thing important to you, is you." - ronedee
Want to see more of my writing? Check out my (safe for work!) site, Unprotected Sects!
Want to see more of my writing? Check out my (safe for work!) site, Unprotected Sects!
