Why do some atheists choose not to kill creatures?

[JoeDawg]

Yes. I am trying to figure out this ethical code.

I don't think there is one, in the absolute or objective sense. First one must decide, rather irrationally, what it is that one values, then proceed logically from there. The unfortunate part is, that since the original premise is irrational, any use of logic, thereafter, is likely to lead to unsatisfying contradictions.

Its at this point that an ethical person makes exceptions. The world is chaos, trying to enforce an ethical framework on it, any ethical framework, is like trying to saddle a moving horse.

The ancient greeks dealt with this by talking about virtue, its not the details that count, but rather that one deals bravely and honestly with the world. They also believed in fate though, which means no matter what you do, the result is the same. Lots of absurdities in life.

 

[DaveC426913]

Well, I definitely have no trouble squishing ants. They are invasive.

And centipedes. Even though they're beneficial in that they eat other critters, they are just too totally yiggy.

 

[Vectus]

I'm not sure if it'll help any, but this is a brief insight into my philosophy:

I find projecting human feelings and emotions onto creatures a bit silly, but at the same time I cannot bear to see any organism suffer that is capable of suffering. I will go out of my way to avoid causing said suffering or to put a swift end to any I see.

I know that most creatures in some way can experience--probably in a very different way than I do, but the ability is there nonetheless. I feel that if I am entitled to enjoy what experiences I can while I am here, then so should they. Even if they lack the capability to enjoy or even have those experiences in some way, most certainly can feel pain and fear, and that alone is cause enough for me to do my best not to inflict either upon them. The universe is harsh and unforgiving enough. I see no reason to make it more so.

I guess my reasons can be boiled down on some level to hardwired empathy and aversion to inequality.