FLASHCARD: JAMES RACHELS ON ANIMALS AND MORAL STANDING

Front

What does Rachels mean by “moral standing”?

Back

The status of a being whose interests must be considered for its own sake

Front

How does Darwin’s theory challenge human exceptionalism, according to Rachels?

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It erases the metaphysical gap between humans and other animals, emphasizing biological continuity.

Front

What is the “argument from marginal cases”?

Back

If rationality is the sole criterion for moral standing, then infants or severely disabled humans would not qualify, which is unacceptable.

Front

What trait does Rachels propose as the basis for moral standing? Options: Rationality, Language, Sentience—the capacity to feel pleasure and pain, Species membership

Back

Sentience—the capacity to feel pleasure and pain

Front

Which of the following best reflects Rachel’s conclusion about human practices toward animals? Options: Many current practices, like factory farming and hunting for sport, are unjustifiable. Animal use is acceptable whenever it benefits humans. Animals have no direct moral standing, only indirect duties. Species membership alone is enough to ground moral standing.

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Many current practices, like factory farming and hunting for sport, are unjustifiable.