Transcript Peter Singer “All Animals Are Equal”

All Species Are Equal
By: Adrienne Moreno
Paul Taylor’s Thesis
• From the four core beliefs of the biocentric outlook,
Taylor concludes that “rejecting the notion of human
superiority entails its positive counterpart: the
doctrine of species impartiality. One who accepts that
doctrine regards all living things as possessing
inherent worth- the same inherent worth, since no one
species has been shown to be either higher or lower
than any other”
Are All Species Equal?
• According to Paul Taylor, anthropocentrism “gives
either exclusive or primary consideration to human
interests above the good of other species
What Is the Opposite?
• Biocentrism- the view or belief that the rights
and needs of humans are not more important
than those of other living things.
Species Egalitarianism
• Species egalitarianism is the view that all species have
equal moral standing.
• Moral standing at a minimum is to have respect for all
things. To be something more than a mere thing
Species Egalitarianism
•
A- The belief that humans are members of the Earth’s Community of life in the
same sense and on the same terms in which other living things are members of
that community
•
B- The belief that the human species, along with all other species, are integral
elements in a system of interdependence
•
C- The belief that all organisms are teleological centres of life in the sense that
each is a unique individual pursuing its own good in its own way
•
D- The belief that humans are not inherently superior to other living beings
Two Responses
First
• The first response is to accept the belief of humans are not inherent to
living things but reject Taylor’s conclusion.
•
Instead of humans being superior they view them as being inferior.
• More realistically they view human life as noncomparable.
Second
• The second response rejects the fourth core belief and says that human
are superior but us being superior is irrelevant because the fact remains
that within the web of ecological interdependence, it would be a mistake
to ignore the needs of other species.
Taylor’s Critics
• William C. French perceives a contradiction between the
egalitarian principles of Taylor. Taylor is one of the most tenacious
egalitarians yet he allows the human needs to override the needs
of non humans.
• William questions what right Taylor has to say that we are all equal.
• He questions what right does he have to say, that in cases of
conflict, nonhuman needs can legitimately be sacrificed to vital
human interests?