Bioethical Sensibility Towards the Status of Animals and Their Rights

Review article

Authors

  • Matea Hiršinger Faculty of Education, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek
  • Ivana Vitković Faculty of Education, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek
  • Ivica Kelam Faculty of Education, J. J. Strossmayer University of Osijek

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32903/p.7.1.5

Keywords:

bioethics, man, morality, animals

Abstract

Man is a moral and conscious being. His role in the natural context is the care and preservation of nature with the aim of achieving natural balance. On a global level, bioethics, as a scientific discipline, assumes this role in developing and preserving nature, plants, and animals. The ethicality of man is reflected in his care, sensitivity, and sensibility towards nature, life, birth, and death. For ethics to be realized, every individual must become aware of their morality. The moral consciousness of man is manifested in various life contexts. Likewise, man’s morality is also reflected in his treatment of animals. Animals, as beings or as non-human animals, deserve the care and compassion of man. How animals are perceived as essential participants in the natural hierarchy depends on each individual. Do animals represent equal members of the natural community, or are animals merely means to satisfy various human interests? Do people think about preserving the Earth when mass breeding of domestic animals is encouraged and developed? The importance of animal welfare and respect for laws protecting them can be discerned from human actions. Greenhouse gases caused by mass animal breeding raise questions about the moral justification of such practices in the social and academic community. Is meat consumption considered a necessary need to feed and sustain the human population, or is it a matter of human interest and choice? The choice and selection of lifestyle in this busy and modern world are solely up to us. With knowledge, motivation, perseverance, love, care, respect, and sensitivity towards nature, the environment, plants, and animals, we can make this world healthier and more beautiful for all of us.

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Published

2023-12-15

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Section

Articles