- #31
quantumcarl
- 767
- 0
MOO
(Most cows Object to Obliteration)
(Most cows Object to Obliteration)
Last edited:
Should We Eat Meat If the Animal Wants to Be Eaten?
- Thread starter FZ+
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Ethics
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the ethical implications of consuming meat from animals that have been genetically modified to desire being eaten, as presented in Douglas Adams' "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe." Participants explore various philosophical questions regarding the nature of consent, the morality of altering an animal's instincts, and the broader implications of such modifications on human behavior and ethics.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Exploratory
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question whether the willingness of an animal to be eaten changes the ethical considerations of consuming meat, particularly if the animal has been altered to lack self-preservation instincts.
- There is a discussion on whether artificially altering an animal's desires is morally acceptable, with some arguing that it is wrong if the animal would not naturally choose such a fate.
- Participants explore the concept of "natural" choices and whether it is justified to alter desires to reflect necessity, raising questions about the nature of free will and informed decision-making.
- Some argue that there is a distinction between natural choices and those influenced by external factors, such as propaganda or genetic modification.
- One participant suggests that humans may be genetically predisposed to crave meat, regardless of ethical considerations, and questions whether this instinct can be overridden.
- There is speculation on whether any being can truly choose death over life, even if it serves a purpose, and how this relates to the concept of brainwashing.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of views on the ethical implications of consuming meat from genetically modified animals, with no consensus reached. Some agree on the complexity of the issues raised, while others hold firm positions on the morality of altering animal instincts.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights various assumptions about consent, the nature of choice, and the implications of genetic modification, which remain unresolved and open to interpretation.