description: For much of history, philosophers and religious thinkers have believed there are absolute differences between humans and all other living things. Usually, only humans have been thought capable and deserving of moral standing (either as moral agents, who are capable of acting morally, or as moral patients, who are owed moral duties). But this view is now forcefully challenged, with many disputes or debates about the tenets that underlie in, including:   The Bible says so.    Humans have immortal souls, and animals or plants do not.  Humans alone are rational.  Only humans can speak a language.  Only humans have desires and interests.  Humans alone are fully sentient (i.e. can experience pleasure or pain.  Only humans are self-aware or self-conscious; some say only humans are conscious at all.  Humans alone are moral agents (i.e. can act morally).  Humans can enter into social contracts or agreements, white animals or plants cannot.  Animal advocates argue that many animals do have some of these traits, or that the traits they don't have are irrelevant for determining moral standing. Recent discoveries also indicate that humans have much in common with at least some of the animals. This has led to much rethinking, and to a powerful critique of our relationships with other living creatures.
language: English
title: Morality In Our Age: Animals & Ethics
titlecomplete: Morality In Our Age: Animals & Ethics
genres: Animals, Philosophy, Psychology
ratings_count: 16
publisher: Blackstone Audiobooks