Philosophy 250AE - Phil Issues Concerning Animals

Who are non-human animals? In this course, we will think about this question and others -- specifically about the ethical relationship "human animals" have to these beings. We will ask such questions like: What are the philosophical -- especially the ethical -- implications of the scientific research on non-human animals? What determines the quality of life of any animal -- human or nonhuman? What obligations do we have to non-human animals? Our answers to these questions will have implications for human businesses, our diet, our pets, our legal system, and, ultimately, how we think about ourselves as 'human animals.' The course format consists of lecture, discussion, regular writing and the possibility of a class presentation.