Humans, Animals, And Nature - 2341 Words

PY 4647: Humans, Animals, and Nature (Ben Sachs) Thom Almeida (110003776) Word count: 2,216 Introduction Modern technological advances in animal farming coupled with a greater desire for food production have led to increased suffering of animals to suit our own interests. Bernard Rollin has argued that unless this trend is discontinued, which he deems unlikely to happen, genetic engineering of animals is a morally preferable option compared to not intervening at all in order to ameliorate the frustration of animal interests and to increase their happiness. He provides an alternative interpretation of the Aristotelian notion of telos (i.e. the nature or purpose of something) to provide a philosophical foundation for his position. Rollin holds that genetic modification of an animal merely alters its telos rather than contradicts it, entailing that this is morally acceptable as long as the animal is not any worse off than it was before. Opponents of genetic engineering have criticised Rollin on deontological grounds by positing that we must look beyond animal welfare and take an animalâ₠¬â„¢s intrinsic value into consideration. In this paper I will examine both deontological critiques of animal genetic engineering and Rollin’s consequentialist approach. In doing so, I will discuss whether the neo-Aristotelian notion of telos needs to be adjusted or expanded upon to provide an improved moral framework for judging when genetic engineering is morally permissible. In addition, I shallShow MoreRelatedHuman Nature : Animal Nature2452 Words   |  10 PagesThe Oxford Dictionary defines human nature as, â€Å"The general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits of humankind, regarded as shared by all humans† (Human Nature). Throughout various great literary works, human nature is portrayed in many positive and negative ways. As humans, we have evolved to rely on one another; no man is an island, and one’s actions affect society around him/her in one way or another. Human nature is seen today as either altruistic or egotistical, d ependingRead MoreAnimal Farm : Human Nature in Animals823 Words   |  4 PagesHuman nature in animals. Was this really shown in George Orwell’s ‘Animal Farm’? In fact, there were several messages about human nature reflected in ’Animal Farm’. The messages that were expressed through many different characters and their behaviours, gave an insight into human nature, and showed many characteristics of it. The idea of equality â€Å"all animals are equal† and socialism would make an ideal society. It would be effective on Animal Farm if it were not for the pigs’ hunger for powerRead MoreAnimal Farm And Human Nature1051 Words   |  5 PagesCorrupted by Human Nature The paradigms and principles you have created shape your view of the world. The knowledge you have accumulated throughout your life contributes to your attitude towards life. Do you believe human kind is inherently selfish? In the novel Animal Farm, George Orwell speculates the evil of human nature. Allow me to unfold for you the influence of human nature before the revolution on Manor Farm and the short term and long-term results of the revolution. Animals were treatedRead MoreHumans Are Social Animals By Nature1680 Words   |  7 PagesHumans are social animals by nature. There is an ever-present urge to assimilate into society for personal gain or comfort regardless of a person’s place of birth. Through personal observations, in both the Western and Eastern cultures, the region an individual is raised in does not definitively matter when it concerns physical insecurities or how someone goes about remodeling themselves. Some go about change through adapting their dietary habits and fitness regimes to achieve their ideal body, butRead MoreThe Human Nature Of Animal Border1508 Words   |  7 PagesThe human-animal border is something people have been fascinated with for years. Humans are taught at a younger at that there is supposed to be a separation between humans and animals, but as the years have gone on this border has started to dissipate. Humans now relate to animals more than ever before. Kids idolize them becau se of the movies and television shows, and adults turn to animals in times of great need. Animals have become more like humans which poses the question: does this border evenRead MoreComparing Animal Farm And Lord Of The Flies Present Human Nature3587 Words   |  15 PagesCompare how Animal Farm and Lord of the Flies present human nature. George Orwell and William Golding were both writers who were concerned with human nature. They both thought that human nature had been twisted but they had slightly different interpretations of what it entails. George Orwell, who published Animal Farm in 1945, was influenced quite heavily on the Russian Revolution and was portraying human nature to be something that is weak and is easily corrupted through power and money, whereasRead MoreHow Has George Orwell Used Animal Farm to Present His View of Human Nature?789 Words   |  4 PagesOrwell’s Animal Farm is a satirical allegory through which he presents his cynical view of human nature. He uses the animal fable effectively to expose the issues of injustice, exploitation and inequality in human society. Orwell uses the allegory, Animal Farm, to present the story of The Russian Revolution and essentially express his opinions on the matter. By plainly exposing the unjust and corrupt system that is communism, Orwell is ultimately presenting his pessimistic view of human nature. Read MoreKant s View On Animal And The Treatment Of Them1306 Words   |  6 PagesKant’s approach to animals and the treatment of them is examined. His approach has a basis of egocentric ideals which can be found, and should be left in, an earlier era. First, I explain his second categorical imperative and how it is applicable to humans but excludes animals. I argue Kant’s second categorical imperative in regards to it only being applicable to humans through his definition of â€Å"humanity†. Second, I investigate how Kant believes we should treat animals and his justification forRead MoreAnalysis of a Bird Came Down the Walk by Emily Dickinson Essay867 Words   |  4 PagesAnalysis of A Bird came down the Walk In A Bird came down the Walk-, nature is presented in various ways. Dickinson experiences the benevolence within nature. This contrasts with the cruel and unmerciful aspects of nature that are also evident in the poem. The narrator feels a sense of belonging with nature as she observes in awe. However, at times, she feels alienated due to the differences between animals and humans. Nature is initially presented as a brutal force. Dickinson creates vivid imageryRead MoreThe Damned Human Race By Mark Twain849 Words   |  4 PagesIn Mark Twain’s essay â€Å"The Damned Human Race†, he assumes the role as a scientist, analyzing the differences between various species of animals and the human race. It is an essay, loaded with vicious irony that attempts to shine the light upon what Twain identifies as numerous faults within our species. Twain rejects the Theory of Evolution and human supremacy posed by Darwin, and argues that man is actually devolved from the animals as proven by man’s numerous vices. Despite the essay s dark satire