Although I include insects in my philosophy of animal rights, I recognise that there are important differences between insects and animals such as birds and mammals. One example is that many insects live only a short time.
Consider this example. Imagine that you are in a burning building and can save only one of two people. One is a seriously ill patient who would live only a few more days even if rescued. The other is young and healthy. I think the choice in that case is fairly simple.
Since the entire life cycle of some insects lasts only a few days, I would apply the same principle if I had to choose between saving a mammal and saving an insect.
Continue with these questions:
- What would you do if a colony of insects invaded your home?
- Do insects behave only by instinct?
- Could all insect behaviour be predicted by a predetermined algorithm, like a computer programme?
More answers: Vegan Ethics FAQ.