Animal Ethics

Catalog description

In the last five decades, society’s concern for the treatment of animals has grown significantly. This course surveys the history and ongoing philosophical discussions surrounding animals. We will investigate how the widespread use of animals in research and mass food production following World War II has made the treatment of animals a much more pressing issue. We will cover the major theories in animal ethics and engage in discussions about topics such as animals as food, animal experimentation, animals as companions, and animals and biotechnology. By the end of the course students will have a better understanding of the evolving conversation about animals and the ethical considerations surrounding their treatment in different contexts.