Are Animals Moral?

[26.05.09]

Campaigners from Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) have claimed that animals which live in communities often exhibit signs of morality resembling human behaviour. The UK group, arguing for the humane treatment of farm animals, have argued that Zoologists have observed that most animals living in a community are bound by moral codes similar to those governing human society.

The concept that animals are sentient was recognised in the European Union in 1997, but this new research seems to imply that certain animals are far more rational and mentally complex than previously assumed. This could have serious implications for animal rights and animal welfare, particularly on farms.

However, some groups (the pro-hunting Countryside Alliance, for example) have criticised this work as basic anthropomorphism – the projection of human traits onto animals. Others might argue that that, while such research reveals complexity in animal communities, the word ‘morality’ implies ‘choice’. Behaviour in animals that humans judge as moral may simply be a biological imperative, driven by the need for harmonious survival. Therefore, to suggest animals are making ‘moral’ choices is, perhaps, a little premature.

What do you think? Email me your thoughts and comments on the debate: james.robson@culham.ac.uk

For more information see: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/3014747.stm

James Robson 26/05/09