UGEC 2858 Animals and Society : A philosophical approach
Time
Lecture: Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Instructor
Dr. KWOK Pak Nin
Course Description
This course examines the social issues of animal from the philosophical perspectives. What are the key differences humans and other animals? Is it ethical to raise and slaughter animals for food, conduct tests on, and buying or keeping animals as pets? How ought one to respond to unethical laws on animals? What are the social impacts of these actions? Students will develop an interdisciplinary perspective in the fields of animal studies, ethical theory, sociology and environmental philosophy by understanding how ancient and contemporary philosophers, sociologist, environmental scientists, ecologists, activists, and journalists have responded to key ethical questions concerning animal rights and its social implication. Topics to be discussed include: animal-machines, ethical meat eating, radical vegetarianism, and the evolution of pets.
This course bears on several of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By transforming our attitude towards and relationship with animal, we enjoy the mental health benefits of a deepened appreciation of and connection with them (SDG#3 Good Health and Well-Being). By exploring the key difference between human and animals, we deepen our understand toward ourself and different species on earth (SDG#14 Life below water & SDG#15 Life on land). Finally, by reimagining our relationship with animal, we can envision for a just society in which all species could co-exist peacefully (SDG#16 Peace, Justice and Strong institutions).
Learning Outcome
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- cite the major arguments in the current philosophical debates over the social and moral status of nonhuman animals, and understand the strengths and weakness of each;
- recount the historical, scientific and cultural contexts of the debate;
- discuss the broad range of animal exploitation and the moral issues that each form of it raises;
- form a conclusion about the ethics of using animals and defend it with a strong, logical argument.
- appreciate and enrich our emotional connection with animal (SDG#3 Good Health and Well-Being).
- deepen our understand towards ourselves and different species on earth (SDG#14 Life below water &
SDG#15 Life on land). - envision for a just society in which all species could co-exist peacefully (SDG#16 Peace, Justice and
Strong institutions).
Sustainable Development Goals
