An introduction to ethical theories as they apply to non-human animals and applied ethical questions arising from animal use.
We all interact with non-human animals, and our actions can affect their lives in good and bad ways. In this paper you will learn and think about the nature and value of animal life. You will then consider what these mean for how we should treat animals in a range of ways we make use of or interact with animals. These include farming and eating animals, use of animals in research, treatment of wild animals and keeping animals as companions, and in zoos.This paper will be of particular value for students who are intending to work with animals, work to improve their lives or simply wish to think about what ethical treatment of animals might involve.
| Paper title | Animal Ethics |
|---|---|
| Paper code | BITC202 |
| Subject | Bioethics |
| EFTS | 0.15 |
| Points | 18 points |
| Teaching period | Semester 1 (On campus) |
| Domestic Tuition Fees (NZD) | $955.05 |
| International Tuition Fees | Tuition Fees for international students are elsewhere on this website. |
- Prerequisite
- 126 points
- Schedule C
- Arts and Music, Commerce, Science
- Eligibility
- Suitable for all students who have completed a year of full-time tertiary study. No previous scientific or philosophical knowledge is assumed.
- Contact
- bioethics@otago.ac.nz
- More information link
- View further information on the Bioethics Centre website: www.otago.ac.nz/bioethics
- Teaching staff
- Lecturer and co-ordinator: Dr Mike King
(Bioethics Centre, Division of Health Sciences)
Lecturer: Associate Professor Andrew Moore (Department of Philosophy, Division of Humanities) - Teaching Arrangements
- This paper is co-taught by the Bioethics Centre and the Department of Philosophy.
- Textbooks
- Garner, Robert. 2005. Animal Ethics. Cambridge: Polity.
- Graduate Attributes Emphasised
- Communication, Critical thinking, Cultural understanding, Ethics, Information literacy,
Research, Interdisciplinarity.
View more information about Otago's graduate attributes. - Learning Outcomes
Students who successfully complete this paper will
- Be adept at thinking critically about ethical issues affecting animals and be able to develop, critically assess, and present ethical arguments relating to animals
- Be able to communicate information, arguments and analyses relating to animal ethics effectively
- Be adept at effectively locating, retrieving, evaluating and using research and information from a range of disciplines relating to animal ethics
- Be aware of the cultural context of animal care and use and be able to identify and understand relevant ethical values within Te Ao Māori
- Understand major theories in animal ethics and their normative implications
- Understand the relationship between animal ethics and animal treatment in a range of contexts
