Nature Versus Nurture: Humans Should Morally Become Vegetarians Essay

To many, it is very acceptable and seemingly natural that humans include meat in their common diet. This practice can be found historically and globally across many countries and cultures. It is undeniable that humans are omnivores and have been for the past many millenniums. However, is consuming meat actually natural? What is acceptable may not be natural and may have become acceptable due to our environment and nurture, and it is important to distinguish between the two, as popular acceptance does not equal to moral rightness. In Animal Liberation, Peter Singer argues that, as animals have the ability to feel pain and pleasure, they have sentience and hence, are subject to the equal moral worth as human beings. Therefore he claims that it is only moral that most of us ought to opt for a vegetarian lifestyle. I agree with Singer on this claim based on the Natural Law Theory and with scientific proof that animals indeed have a sentience and also based on our natural physiological design. Singer argues that equality should not be limited only to humans and points out that beings with a sentience should be entitled to equal consideration of their interests (Singer, 1990), with sentience being the ability to perceive through the senses. This is perfectly reasonable as there is ethological evidence that animals do have sentience on several cases, such as sheep being able to recognize faces, prairie dogs speaking their own language. Furthermore, elephants bury their dead, gibbons take care of their elderly, and male bats babysit young bats that are not their offspring while their mothers are out hunting (Basile, 2005). These animals need not do these actions, as these actions are not necessary for their own survival, nor do their own progeny’s survival depend on them. However, these altruistic deeds show that animals do not merely act on instinct. Moreover, emotions are present in animals such as chimpanzees showing excitement and joy when they are allowed out in the sun. Also, sadly, works of Dr. Donna Haraway, a professor at the University of California, Santa Cruz, show that maternal deprivation, abuse and total isolation are shown to cause severe trauma in infant monkeys (as cited in Weisberg, 2009). The Natural Law Theory states that â€Å"good and right a direct function of the way things are naturally† and the good of human comes from realization of what is natural (VanDeVeer & Pierce, 2003). This law also supports anthropocentrism with â€Å"anthropo† being humanlike, with regards to sentience. When this theory was proposed, it was thought that only humans had the capability of being sentient and put human as of most importance. However, since some animals are now proven to have sentience, and arguably, morals as well, should they not be entitled to their own rights and interests as well? One might argue that since some animals, such as clams, cannot be proven to have emotions or morals, and hence it is morally acceptable to harvest them as food. However, this argument contains a fallacy of ignorance and is equivalent to arguing the Moon emits light before it was proven that in fact, it reflected the light from the Sun. Non-existence of an object should not be accepted simply because it has not yet been proven. Another objection to the equality of interests of animals may ensue from the natural state of the ecosystem: humans are at the top of the food chain and it is natural to consume beings positioned below us. And since the Natural Law Theory focuses on humans’ capacities, tendencies and desires, it is morally correct to consume meat as human beings. This is yet another fallacy of ignorance to what is natural. In fact, researchers have shown that humans are physiologically designed to be herbivores, and according to Dr. T. Colin Campbell, professor emeritus at Cornell University and author of The China Study, we have only started consuming meat around 10,000 years ago, which is recent in our years of evolution (as cited in Freston, 2009). Meat consumption is not essential for human survival and our omnivore tendency is out of choice, not of need. The anatomy of a human being is strikingly similar to one of a herbivore’s. Our not-so-sharp canine teeth and molar teeth are designed to optimize not the tearing of meat, but the chewing and grinding of fibrous plants. Also, carnivores have very short intestinal tracts, which is approximately three times its body length. However, a herbivore’s intestinal tract is around 12 times the body length, and human beings are extremely close to herbivores than carnivores. Also, humans lack the essential amino acids to properly digest meat and â€Å"It is clear that humankind’s gastrointestinal tract is designed for a purely plant-food diet. † (Mills, 2009). On a health perspective, meat eaters are found to be at a much higher risk of having intestinal cancer and heart disesse than those who opt for a vegetarian or even vegan diet. Towell, 2009) Since being vegetarian ultimately benefits humans and therefore flourishes humankind, fulfilling the Natural Law Theory, one can come to reason that being a vegetarian is morally correct and most should follow this lifestyle. However, it should also be pointed out that in some cases, if the human is extreme deficiency of a substance such as the vi tamin B12, and in that situation, meat contains enough of such substance that benefits the human in a much shorter time domain than choosing the vegetable alternative would, then the human should be allowed to consume meat for the sake of an utilitarianism view, as Singer supports. Since the interests of all beings count, the instant relieve of the human being leads to the longer pleasure from not being sick, and would maximize the net worth of happiness. Therefore, it is morally accepted, so long that the animal sacrificed in this case is treated as humanely as possible and with the least amount of pain inflicted upon it. Although we cannot deny that humans have more factual superiority, it does not mean we can abuse that power and forcefully consume animals against their will only to fulfill our unnatural tendencies and lust for meat. It is immoral to consume meat simply because years of nurture has made it seemingly acceptable and as a species with higher intelligence, we must take the responsibility to distinguish between nature and nurture, while ensuring the wellbeing of our moral equals and taking their interests into consideration.

Annotated Bibliography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 15

Annotated Bibliography - Essay Example Ka-Kui discusses the concept of organized retail crime as the large scale theft of consumer goods and how it can be addressed. The author portrays shoplifting in Hong Kong as a problem occasioned by the existence of organized groups of professional shoplifters. The negative implications of organized crime can be reduced by using technology such as installing surveillance cameras. Most of the responses to these crimes come from the retailers with little input from the government. This gap is of particular importance to the anticipated research study. Ka-Sing addresses the various ways through which losses arising from shoplifting can be reduced. The approach used in the paper focuses on early identification of the shoplifters using such features as the physical appearance and signs of panic. The paper further categorizes the type of people that are most likely to shoplift and the reasons for their doing so. The paper approaches the problem by analyzing the methods that shoplifters use and uses the results to propose ways of curbing it. Overall, the paper is essential in our research objective of reducing shoplifting losses. The authors focus on diverting shoplifters as an effective strategy to respond to the problem of shoplifting. The research incorporated the input of public and private partners in coming up with promising alternatives in responding to low-level retail theft. The idea of the paper is to work with law enforcement agencies in tackling shoplifting. The role of legislation is particularly useful in the anticipated

Discuss the differences between Hamilton's and Jefferson's views on Essay

Discuss the differences between Hamilton's and Jefferson's views on politics, society and economics. Were there any areas of agreement between the two Which view(s) do you find most compelling Explain - Essay Example The purpose of this paper is to underscore the differences between Hamilton and Jefferson’s views on politics, society and economics. Both luminaries contributed immensely towards these subjects. Finseth lays bare the political wrangles that existed between Hamilton and Alexander. The Constitutional Convention of June 18, 1787 expressed Hamilton’s radicalism. Hamilton differed vehemently with the Republicans who did not agree with his ideas of establishing social and political strata. His view is that the noble and rich fellows of society belong to a class of the intelligent. They have both foresight and far-sight and are therefore more qualified to execute the measures put in place to rule the public. The others, Hamilton purports, are petty self-seekers who cannot be entrusted with the running of the state affairs. He proposed to have a president for life, one who could not be subject to the erratic and indecisive electorate. This political philosophy was very distinctive. Hamiltons other success sprung from his plan that the central government clear all the debts that states had sustained during the war. He argued that this war was for the whole union and it was incumbent upon the union to take up responsibility to settle it for its good. This assumption invited a series of criticism threatening to overcome the entire plan. The whole idea was deemed to fail and lead to the disintegration of the union, thanks to an informal dinner arranged by Jefferson. In an alleged and economic conspiracy, Hamilton’s assumption was passed with an agreement to have the Federalists consent to set the national capital on the Potomac. The bill was passed and Hamilton’s plans carried the day. He went in full favor of the plan for he believed that it was the best thing that ever happened to the United States, the best hope for an efficient union. He was not alone in believing that the potential consequences of rejecting the Constitution would breed less

Bulling in school Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Bulling in school - Research Paper Example Some people, parents and teachers alike, believe bullying is a customary element of social development and in fact helps children in coping with dominating, overbearing types during their lives. However, bullying is a considerable problem and should not be tolerated. The results of bullying can be extremely serious; from depression to suicide in spite of which role was played. Fortunately, because bullying behavior normally occurs on a persistent basis, it can also usually be identified and prevented earlier and easier than more deviant behaviors years later, perhaps with the positive outcome of a reduction in criminality numbers among adults. Research investigating the naturalistic playground behavior of children indicates that those children who have low levels of acceptance among their peers are more inclined to become bullies. Consequently, it becomes imperative that teachers recognize the social construction developing in the classroom to be better able to divert any dangerous a ctivity before it gets out of control. Then, intervention strategies can be employed to help at risk children to learn how to best deal with difficult social situations. Studies conducted within the classroom have identified numerous groups with elevated risk of bullying behavior as either the victim or aggressor, which can aid teachers in determining when and what type of intervention is suitable. Research has indicated certain populations display increased instances of bullying behavior when put in a poverty situation. It indicates the significance of teachers not being too fast to correlate a student as a likely victim or bully based only on their economic status. Most experienced teachers can dependably differentiate between proactive aggression (bullying) and reactive aggression (an intention to protect). Many teachers, especially those in middle and high school tend to assume students will solve

Can poverty be stoped in Africa Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Can poverty be stoped in Africa - Essay Example But such basic causes are quite intractable and not easily eradicated. In most cases, the causes and effects of poverty interact, so that what makes people poor also creates conditions that keep them poor. Primary factors that may lead to poverty include (1) overpopulation, (2) the unequal distribution of resources in the world economy, (3) inability to meet high standards of living and costs of living, (4) inadequate education and employment opportunities, (5) environmental degradation, (6) certain economic and demographic trends, and (7) welfare incentives" ( Microsoft Encarta 2006 ). Just like many third world countries, Africa is not exempted from incurring debts. Many western governments have made promises to either reduce or remove the massive burden of debt in Africa. Yet, in most African countries, the people still devote most of their land planting and producing cash crops to pay off these debts. However, the debt is so enormous that the possibility to pay the debt off is next to impossible. This creates a vicious cycle in Africa's economy, with the government and its people burrowed deeper into this situation. The phenomenon of jobless economic growth that increases income inequalities and generates too few jobs for low income groups poses a serious threat to the well-being of many nations, both North and South. Government policies should consider not only aggregate economic impact but also the distribution of employment. Socially responsible venture capital and microcredit initiatives can foster employment-generating businesses that complement the local culture and environment. .b. Rout out corruption, which harms society as a whole. Corruption, both in government and business, places heavy cost on society. Businesses should enact, publicize and follow codes of conduct banning corruption on the part of their staff and directors. Citizens must demand greater transparency on the part of both government and the corporate sector and create reform movements where needed. b. Broaden access to education and technology among marginalized groups, and especially among girls and women. The educational attainment of women has strong bearing on the well-being of their families, and efforts to improve education for women and girls must be strengthened. At the same time, steps should be taken to ensure that the current revolution in information technology benefits marginalized groups. This must begin in school. c. Improve government capacity to provide universal access to essential goods and services, including potable water, affordable food, primary health care, education, housing and other social services. Governments around the world have made commitments to this through the 20/20 Initiative, which calls for 20% of national budgets and 20% of foreign aid to be spent on human services. But raising adequate

Modern management of Honda Company Research Paper

Modern management of Honda Company - Research Paper Example Honda is the leading global developer of motorcycles and internal combustion engines. It is located in Singapore, Japan. This company became dominant over Nissan in 2001 and gained the position of one of the most successful and largest manufacturers in Japan. In 2008 Honda over passed Chrysler and became the greatest manufacturer in the USA. In the world the Company gains the position of the sixth largest manufacturer of automobile. As far as we can see, the company is a powerful and estimable competitor in the arena of the global automobile industry. In order to advance its positions in the modern world, Honda should increase its sales. Unlike its main competitors, the Detroit Big Three and Toyota, Honda gained a 1% increase of sales in America (The Official Website of Honda). Still, there is a need to focus more on the demands of global markets and take into account advanced needs if the customers all over the world. Two basic pillars of the modern demand of the automobile industry is environmental safety and energy efficiency. Moreover, in accordance with recent statistical data: â€Å"Honda is the largest engine maker in the world, producing nearly 11 million engines annually for its three product lines, including sales of engines to other manufacturers. Honda also builds products in more than 100 manufacturing plants in 33 countries, employing more than 125,000 associates globally† (The Official Website of Honda). The most beneficial strategy chosen by Honda in terms of economical crisis in the world can be illustrated by the Civic and the Accord automobiles. These models of automobiles are of mid-size and there is a high fuel-efficiency of the vehicles. There is also an essential flexibility of the automobiles. Moreover, within the last decade Honda managed to create their factories more flexible and these are able to reshape any Honda model of the automobile at any moment. Global locations of the Company’s plants in such countries as Canada , England, Brazil, Belgium and many others indicate their leading positions of Japanese market and the important role it plays globally (Honda Raffles Trip to Japan to Celebrate 20 Years).   Another benefit of Honda is its acknowledgement by the customers around the globe, because it produces economically friendly automobiles. Moreover, constant innovative developments indicate Honda’s ability to be successful in the global arena. High quality products at a low price- this is one of the main advantages of the company as well, especially in the post-crisis economical period. Environmental factors affecting business Modern automobile industry exists in a challenging global environment. Such factors, as social, political, economic and technological ones should be taken into account by the car producers. On the example of Honda it should be noted that this large car manufacturer is surrounded by preventive environmental factors. Political factors, such as degree of intervention in the economy, are rather influential external factor for automobile industry. There are set customers protection laws, which are focused on the safety of customers’ interests. Moreover, the qualities of the infrastructure of the economy as well as the knowledge of the workforce are determinant factors in the political context of the country. Practices of employment or labor laws are also important for the automobile industry. Workforce protection laws are followed by Honda. Moreover, a tendency for a constant innovations and technological advancement is also reflected by the policies of the Company. Economic Environment of Honda influences development of economically safe and reliable automobiles and engines, which are customer-friendly. Business decisions of Honda are developed with respect to the main concerns of economic factors (Khanfan & Loudon, 2008). There is a strong

Why the Market Leaders of Western Origin have to be Afraid of Essay

Why the Market Leaders of Western Origin have to be Afraid of Newcomers from Emerging Economies - Essay Example America and European countries are still struggling to overcome the challenges caused by recent recession. Many of the prominent companies in America such as Lehman Brothers and Bank of America collapsed many other companies are on the verge of destruction. The case is not much different in Europe also. Many of the European companies were acquired by the business organizations from the emerging world. Earlier global wealth was concentrated in the less populated western world. However, as a result of globalization, global wealth is now shifting towards the densely populated Asian region. In other words, Asian region and some other parts of the world are progressing rapidly whereas Western countries are exhausting. According to the views of many scholars, India and China would be the superpowers which control global matters in near future itself. In American medias, the discussion has already started about who is going to dominate the world - India or China- in the coming years. Market leaders of the western world are worried about the new situations developing. It should be noted that Chinese products are dominating global market at present because of the cheaper prices. On the other hand products from the developed world are struggling to compete with the products from the emerging world, especially from China. ... Ford and Tata have agreed on long term cooperation plans in regards to the supply of engines, stampings and other components to Jaguar Land Rover (Official handing over ceremony held). It should be noted that India was once the colony of Britain. A couple of decades before, it was unimaginable for the British people to think about a scenario in which an Indian company acquiring a British company. TATA group did exactly that. Instead of one, they acquired two British companies in a deal. TATA is the prestigious automaker in India whereas Land Rover and jaguar are iconic symbols for the British. Many of the British firms started to think that if an Indian firm is able to buy Jaguar and Land Rover like British firms, their survival could be in jeopardy. India in the past and India at present are entirely different. India struggled to develop properly in the past because of the growing population. China also faced similar situations in the past. However, these countries succeeded in conv erting their big curse (growing population) in to big blessing in the recent past. Currently these countries are the supplier of manpower to the Western countries like America, Britain, Germany, Australia etc which are struggling to find enough manpower for executing essential works in their countries. America companies are currently outsourcing jobs worth billions of dollars to India like merging countries. President Obama is trying hard to stop the capital outflow from American soil to emerging world. America has already realized the dangers associated with the outsourcing of American jobs. It should be noted that American companies are saving billions of dollars yearly as a