The Principle Of Utilitarianism: Do Animals Deserve Moral Consideration?
Animals and humans have similar internal organs and systems, such as, the nervous system which evolved from similar circumstance and later both developed derived characteristics of their own. (Singer 706). Biologically proven, humans are animals connected through a distant ancestor, and other members of the mammalian family display the same traits as us. A common objection states that animals are just animals that have no intrinsic value such as rationality and autonomy. This objection infers that humans are able to think logically and act freely, thus allowing humans to act morally. Implying that animals do not act morally, instead they act instinctually. Humans possess a developed cerebral cortex that separates us from nonhuman animals. This characteristic has to do with the functions of ones thoughts allowing us to function against instinctual