PHI 1102 MIDTERM 2 EXAM QUESTIONS
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
What is speciesism? - Answer- A prejudice or bias toward the interests of members of
one's own species and against members of other species
What is Singer's main argument on animal experimentation? - Answer- Our present
attitudes toward animals are based on a long history of prejudice and arbitrary
discrimination (speciesism).
Instead, the basic principle of equality requires equal consideration of interests for both
human animals and non-human animals
We must end animal experimentation
What are Singer's points on ending animal experimentation? - Answer- All animals have
interests just in case they are capable of suffering
Human beings and many non-human animals are capable of suffering
Therefore, human beings and many non-human animals have interests.
The interests of every being are to be taken into account and given the same weight as
the interests of any other being
Human beings and many non-human animals have an interest in avoiding suffering
What is Singer's equal consideration of interests? - Answer- To treat animals as equal
to humans
What are the three major forms of speciesism? (Hint: CAaF, AE, SiMP) - Answer-
Consuming Animals as Food: We tend to regard the lives of non-human animals as a
means to an end, we eat them, but we don't need to eat animals, certainly not on the
grounds of satisfying nutritional needs
Animal Experimentation: The same form of discrimination is apparent in the widespread
practice of experimentation on other species
, Speciesism in Modern Philosophy: Modern moral and political philosophy characterizes
equality in terms of human equality
What is a main objection to Singer's claims? - Answer- Animals eat each other, so why
shouldn't we eat them?
Counter argument: Animals cannot survive without killing and eating each other.
Humans are more reflective and can think of the ethics of their diets.
What is a relevant theory used to differentiate animals and humans? - Answer- Darwin's
theory of evolution
What are the 2 arguments Cohen rebuts on animal experimentation - Answer- 1.
Animals have rights: Only members of species with the capacity to make moral claims
have rights (moral agents).
But having the capacity to make moral claims
requires having autonomy (moral agency)
2. The speciesist argument: Speciesist allows the interest of his own race to override
the interests of other species. Cohen defends speciesism and thus rejects the notion
that all sentient animals have equal moral status
What is Cohen's benefit argument? - Answer- Rejects the contention that causing
animals suffering is wrong because it fails to promote the general happiness. It is
empirically misguided to argue that animal experimentation increases aggregate
suffering
Thus, on utilitarian grounds, to refrain from using animals in biomedical research is
morally wrong
What is vivisection? - Answer- Use of animals in harmful, non-therapeutic medical
research
What is Regan's main argument against animal experimentation? - Answer- A
deontological approach to animal rights, specifically vivisection, is superior to a
consequential approach
He claims that vivisection is wrong in itself, regardless of any benefits it may inspire;
animals must have rights
What is consequentialism? - Answer- States that the results of an action will define its
morality (i.e., the greatest good for the greatest number)
What do the supporters of the benefit argument use to substantiate their claims? -
Answer- Consequentialism
WITH CORRECT ANSWERS
What is speciesism? - Answer- A prejudice or bias toward the interests of members of
one's own species and against members of other species
What is Singer's main argument on animal experimentation? - Answer- Our present
attitudes toward animals are based on a long history of prejudice and arbitrary
discrimination (speciesism).
Instead, the basic principle of equality requires equal consideration of interests for both
human animals and non-human animals
We must end animal experimentation
What are Singer's points on ending animal experimentation? - Answer- All animals have
interests just in case they are capable of suffering
Human beings and many non-human animals are capable of suffering
Therefore, human beings and many non-human animals have interests.
The interests of every being are to be taken into account and given the same weight as
the interests of any other being
Human beings and many non-human animals have an interest in avoiding suffering
What is Singer's equal consideration of interests? - Answer- To treat animals as equal
to humans
What are the three major forms of speciesism? (Hint: CAaF, AE, SiMP) - Answer-
Consuming Animals as Food: We tend to regard the lives of non-human animals as a
means to an end, we eat them, but we don't need to eat animals, certainly not on the
grounds of satisfying nutritional needs
Animal Experimentation: The same form of discrimination is apparent in the widespread
practice of experimentation on other species
, Speciesism in Modern Philosophy: Modern moral and political philosophy characterizes
equality in terms of human equality
What is a main objection to Singer's claims? - Answer- Animals eat each other, so why
shouldn't we eat them?
Counter argument: Animals cannot survive without killing and eating each other.
Humans are more reflective and can think of the ethics of their diets.
What is a relevant theory used to differentiate animals and humans? - Answer- Darwin's
theory of evolution
What are the 2 arguments Cohen rebuts on animal experimentation - Answer- 1.
Animals have rights: Only members of species with the capacity to make moral claims
have rights (moral agents).
But having the capacity to make moral claims
requires having autonomy (moral agency)
2. The speciesist argument: Speciesist allows the interest of his own race to override
the interests of other species. Cohen defends speciesism and thus rejects the notion
that all sentient animals have equal moral status
What is Cohen's benefit argument? - Answer- Rejects the contention that causing
animals suffering is wrong because it fails to promote the general happiness. It is
empirically misguided to argue that animal experimentation increases aggregate
suffering
Thus, on utilitarian grounds, to refrain from using animals in biomedical research is
morally wrong
What is vivisection? - Answer- Use of animals in harmful, non-therapeutic medical
research
What is Regan's main argument against animal experimentation? - Answer- A
deontological approach to animal rights, specifically vivisection, is superior to a
consequential approach
He claims that vivisection is wrong in itself, regardless of any benefits it may inspire;
animals must have rights
What is consequentialism? - Answer- States that the results of an action will define its
morality (i.e., the greatest good for the greatest number)
What do the supporters of the benefit argument use to substantiate their claims? -
Answer- Consequentialism
