Frequently asked questions – ethics
-
Isn’t It Insulting to Compare Human Beings with Animals?
Humans are animals; the original FAQ points to genetic similarities with chimpanzees.
-
If We Didn’t Raise Animals for Food, Would They Miss Out on Life?
Does bringing an animal into existence justify using it for food?
-
What Would You Do If We Discovered That Plants Can Feel Pain?
The original answer argues that eating plants directly would still cause less plant death than eating animal products.
-
How Do You Know That Plants Cannot Feel Pain?
The original answer links consciousness with a nervous system and pain responses.
-
What About Killing Plants?
The original FAQ distinguishes plants and bacteria from animals by their claimed lack of consciousness.
-
Could All Insect Behaviour Be Predicted by a Predetermined Algorithm?
Would the possibility of simulating behaviour mean that insects lack consciousness?
-
Do Insects Behave Only by Instinct?
An example of honeybees learning, sharing information and choosing a new nest site.
-
Is Killing an Insect Morally Equivalent to Killing a Bird or Mammal?
How does the original FAQ compare the short lives of some insects with those of mammals and birds?
-
What About Insects?
Why include insects in our circle of compassion?
-
What Would You Do If a Colony of Insects Invaded Your Home?
The original answer suggests non-lethal ways to remove insects from a home.