Ethics and non-human animals 3800-EZP25-BE-S
Ethical reflection on the relationship between man and non-human animals dates back to the beginnings of philosophy. For centuries, however, these considerations were located on its distant periphery. Today, animal ethics covers a whole spectrum of issues, and the term itself is understood broadly, going beyond the branch of ethics focused on the study of human-animal relations.
The primary goal of the course is to provide students with theoretical knowledge as well as conceptual and methodological tools necessary to understand and critically analyze issues in the field of animal ethics. The second goal is to develop analytical and argumentative skills necessary to solve ethical problems related to the relationship between man and non-human animals.
The course covers following topics:
I THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
1. Historical theories of the moral status of animals
2. Contemporary theories of the moral status of animals – p. 1.: utilitarianism of 20&21st century
3. Contemporary theories of the moral status of animals – p. 2.: rights theories and abolitionism
4. Contemporary theories of the moral status of animals – p. 3.: feminist theories
5. Contemporary theories of the moral status of animals – p. 4.: against the moral significance of animals
6. Awareness, self-awareness and autonomy of animals – p. 1.: biology, cognitive ethology, cognitive science
7. Awareness, self-awareness and autonomy of animals – p. 2.: empiricism and theory
II DEMOCRACY AND THE CASE FOR ANIMALS
8. Animal rights vs animal welfare
9. Animal rights movement and animal activism as a social justice movement
10. Interspecies political theory?
III PRACTICES AGAINST ANIMALS
11. Ethical aspects of animal domestication
12. Ethical aspects of veterinary medicine
13. Ethical aspects of using animals in the food industry
14. Ethical aspects of using animals in the clothing industry
15. Ethical aspects of using animals in the entertainment industry
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
After completing the course, the student has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of:
- the role of bioethics in the practice and development of biomedical sciences and other biosciences (K_W02)
- advanced bioethical terminology in Polish and English, which is the basic language of this discipline (K_W03)
- in-depth knowledge, leading to specialization, of issues, problems and the current state of discussions and research in the field of ethics of relationships with non-human animals (K_W12)
Skills
After completing the course, the student is able to:
- identify ethical problems and conflicts occurring in the practice and development of biomedical and other biosciences and in the practice of everyday and social life (K_U01)
- critically analyze oral and written statements of other authors in the field of ethics and bioethics – reconstruct theses, identify factual and normative assumptions, critically assess the correctness and strength of argumentation (K_U02)
- prepare a written paper, in particular in the field of bioethics or related disciplines and subdisciplines of science, in accordance with the principles of writing techniques of a given type – formulate a written statement in a linguistically and editorially correct manner, develop a bibliography and references (K_U13)
- prepare and deliver an oral presentation, in particular in the field of bioethics or related disciplines and subdisciplines of science (K_U14)
Social Competences
After completing the course, the student is ready to:
- critically evaluate the knowledge they possess, the information they acquire and the content they receive (K_K01)
- recognize the importance of knowledge in the field of ethics and bioethics, as well as in the field of law in solving problems that arise from the practice and development of biomedical sciences and other biosciences, and seek expert opinions in the event of difficulties in solving these problems on their own (K_K02)
- reliably and responsibly develop the achievements of bioethics as a theoretical field and social practice (K_K05)
- recognize ethical, legal and socio-cultural problems and challenges related to their own research and professional work, in particular, observe, develop and promote ethical standards of work of members of ethics committees (K_K06)
Assessment criteria
The final grade will be based on:
(1) ACTIVITY: insightful participation in the seminar discussions and class group works – 50%
(2) ORAL PRESENTATION of a seminar topic – 25%
(3) WRITTEN ASSIGNMENT (a short case study) on a seminar topic – 25%
Attendance will be monitored on weekly basis. Two (2) absences are allowed per semester. Each class absence beyond the two allowed lowers the final grade by one full number grade
A ‘5’ grade will require consistent insightful participation in seminar discussions, drawing upon readings and personal experiences, as well as excellent oral presentation and written work demonstrating students’ mastery of the cases, terminology, precepts and principles discussed.
Prowadząca zastrzega sobie możliwość wystawienia oceny celującej najlepszej osobie w grupie, jeśli ta będzie równocześnie spełniać kryteria konieczne uzyskania oceny bardzo dobrej.
The lecturer reserves the right to issue an excellent grade (‘5!’) to the best person in the group, if this person also meets the criteria necessary to obtain a ‘5’ grade.
Final grades will be assigned on the following percentages::
100-90% - 5,0; 89-85% - 4,5; 84-75% - 4,0; 74-70% - 3,5; 69-60% - 3,0; 59-0% - 2,0
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: