An analysis of the question of whether nonhuman animals have moral status

Abstract

The aim of this research is to understand why non-human animals are not given moral status and are not considered as being worthy of it. Nowadays there are many different associations and non-profit organisations that advocate for better non-human animal treatment and regard. An increasing number of people have decided to become vegetarians, vegans or are very careful that any non-human animal products consumed (for e.g. Eggs, milk, and cheeses) come from humane farms where the non-human animals are well treated and not exploited. With this shift towards better non-human animal regard, in this work I explore the different reasons why non-human animals are regarded as being lesser than humans. I also explore the meaning of moral status and whether non-human animals have a mind. Are they conscious and self-conscious? Why do humans consider non-human animals as being different than themselves? Does the relationship that certain non-human animals have with humans affect their status? What makes a human a person and is it possible to consider non-human animals as being so? These are some of the questions I intend to answer with this dissertation.