I include insects in my philosophy of animal rights. I try to avoid accidentally crushing them. When I find an insect in my home, I carefully try to take it outside without hurting it.
For animal rights, the key distinction between plants and animals is that animals are conscious, whereas plants are not. Although I cannot prove this with absolute certainty, I believe at least some insects are conscious too. I do not mean that insects discuss philosophy, but simply that they have sensations such as pain and hunger. For that reason, I believe we should include insects within our circle of compassion.
It is true that, no matter how hard we try, we will inevitably crush some insects in everyday life. It is also true that some people will die in road accidents. But the possibility that we might run someone over accidentally does not mean it is acceptable to run over pedestrians intentionally.
Continue with these questions:
- What would you do if a colony of insects invaded your home?
- Do you consider killing an insect morally equivalent to killing a bird or mammal?
- Do insects behave only by instinct?
- Could all insect behaviour be predicted by a predetermined algorithm, like a computer programme?
- How do you know that plants cannot feel pain?
More answers: Vegan Ethics FAQ.