Factory Farming Debate Summary

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In this paper, I will discuss Norcross’ argument that the purchase and consumption of factory-raised meat should be condemned to abolish factory farming. I will analyze four morally relevant differences between the Fred and the puppies case and the factory farming case. I argue Norcross’ response to the four differences are strong enough to enhance his overall argument of condemning the purchase and consumption of factory-raised meat which will end factory farming.
The argument for the condemnation of factory-raised meat is if our society considers the torture of puppies for human gustatory pleasure as cruel and disgusting, then we should consider the torture of cows, chickens, pigs, and other animals raised in factories for the same purpose …show more content…
Anyone can see this case is cruel and condemns Fred for torturing puppies, even if it was to satisfy his gustatory needs. Furthermore, this is not any different to the case of factory farming, where animals are raised in factories and undergo stress and suffering to enhance the human gustatory experiences. If one can condemn Fred for his crimes against puppies, society should also condemn those who commit crimes against factory-raised animals.
There are four morally relevant differences between Fred and the puppies case and the factory farming case which all deal with Fred’s behavior versus society’s behavior. The first difference that might seem relevant is Fred tortures the puppies himself, whereas most Americans purchase and consume meat which have been tortured by others. In addition, if Fred had employed someone else to torture the puppies instead, we would not think of him any better for it. The second difference between Fred and many consumers of factory-raised meat is that many are unaware of the treatment of the animals. This difference can be settled by altering the initial challenge; if we condemn Fred for his crimes against the puppies for the improvement of his gustatory experiences, we should similarly condemn

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