My philosophical values on animals is based on the idea that animals are an important part of nature, and nature is an essential participant in the process of creation and co-creation of the universe. Animals should be protected if the ecosystem is to be sustained (Gruen, 2011). Thus, humans have the moral obligation to protect animals and avoid causing harm to them. One of the moral values that guides this philosophy is responsibility. In this regard, humans have the moral responsibility to protect animals as the custodian of the environment, not only for the sake of the animals, but also for the benefit of man (Gruen, 2011). Accordingly, the respect for animals also has a utilitarian value.
This position is both an intrinsic and instrumental value. According to Gruen (2011), intrinsic value refers to the value that something possesses in itself, and is inseparable from the self; whereas an instrumental value is the value of something that makes people to attain something else. As an instrumental value, the value of animals is viewed as, “Only a relative value as means to an end, rather than an end in itself” (Kant, 1998). In this regard, animals should be protected because they help human beings to gain something, that is, sustainable environment and means of livelihood. As an intrinsic value, animals should be protected as ends – beings with equal rights as humans, and essential members of the universe.
People who abuse animals should be punished just the same way people who cut trees are punished. The punishment should be less severe than the penalty given to those who take human life because humans should be superior as sociable and rational beings. However, animals should also be sanctified and protected by law not only as an environmental concern, but also as an issue of animal rights.
References
Gruen, L. (2011). Ethics and Animals: An Introduction, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press
Kant, I. (1998). Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals. Mary J. Gregor (trans.), Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
