Quiz #3 Study Guide: Animal Ethics & Religious Influences

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering ethical theories, major philosophers, value definitions, and religious perspectives on animal welfare from Modules 6 and 7.

Ethics

The systematic study and evaluation of right and wrong behavior, examining how we ought to act, what responsibilities we have toward others, and involving the reasoned evaluation of moral claims.

Scientific Questions

Questions that can be answered through observations, measurements, and experiments, such as determining if hens lay eggs in nesting boxes.

Ethical Questions

Questions concerning what ought to be done, such as whether hens should be provided with nesting boxes, which cannot be settled by science alone.

Moral Objectivism

The view that some moral truths are true regardless of personal opinion or cultural beliefs, and that certain actions may be objectively right or wrong.

Moral Relativism

The view that moral judgments depend on culture, society, or individual beliefs, and that there may be no universal moral standards.

Intrinsic Value

Value that something possesses in and of itself, independent of its usefulness to others, such as an animal mattering because it is a living, feeling individual.

Instrumental Value

Value derived from usefulness in achieving another goal, such as valuing a cow solely for her milk production.

Contractarianism

An ethical theory holding that moral duties arise from social agreements between rational members of society, in which animals are generally not direct participants.

Carl Cohen

The thinker associated with contractarianism in the study of animal ethics.

Utilitarianism

An ethical theory asserting that actions should maximize overall good and minimize suffering, where the consequences of actions determine their moral acceptability.

Peter Singer

The thinker associated with the utilitarian approach to animal ethics.

Animal Rights

An ethical view holding that certain individuals possess rights that should not be violated, meaning some actions are wrong even if they increase overall benefits.

Tom Regan

The thinker associated with the animal rights perspective.

Relationism (Relational View)

An ethical perspective proposing that moral responsibilities depend partly on relationships, meaning humans may owe different duties to animals depending on their connections to them.

Respect for Nature

An ethical framework holding that nature, species, and ecosystems deserve moral consideration, extending the focus beyond individual animals to ecological communities.

Ahimsa

The central principle of nonviolence in Jainism, placing a major emphasis on avoiding harm to animals and other living beings.

Stewardship

A key theme in Christian teachings regarding animal welfare that emphasizes responsible care for creation and human responsibilities toward the natural world.

Shechita

Kosher slaughter in Judaism intended to provide a swift death while following religious requirements.

Halal Slaughter

Islamic slaughter practice governed by religious requirements to ensure the animal is healthy, handled carefully, and slaughtered in a manner that reflects mercy and minimizes suffering.