Abstract:
Most philosophical discussions of moral consideration for animals focus on
animals as a single category, neglecting to differentiate them by type or role (such as
wild, domestic, laboratory, or companion). Moreover, the importance of the individual
animal in terms of relationship to humans is de-emphasised.
Animals should not be discussed as a monolithic group. In this thesis the dog is
utilized as the paradigmatic animal to demonstrate that philosophical discourse on the
ethics of consideration for animals must reflect the diversity present within the group
labeled "animals". The major philosophical theories advocating moral consideration of
animals are summarized, noting that all animals are discussed as one category.
Anthropological evidence is provided to demonstrate the historical nature of the human-dog
bond. The ethics of care provides the foundation for the claim that dogs have
relational value and thus persons have the moral obligation to care for them.
