An ethical criticism of industrial animal farms

Abstract

This thesis argues that it is impossible to defend the practices of industrial animal farms ethically depending on the principle of “do no harm”. “Do no harm” principle is accepted by many ethical theories and introduces the claim that unnecessary suffering is immoral. In first chapter of my thesis, it is discussed that animals have the capacity to suffer and it is propounded that preventing this suffering is in the scope of moral arena. In second chapter, the harm caused by the practices of industrial animal farms are examined and it is argued that these practices harm three different groups; the animals, the workers and the consumers. In third chapter, the claim that the industrial animals are necessary for health and economic reasons is disproved and it is discussed that the suffering caused by these farms are unnecessary. Additionally, the negative consequences caused by these farms are presented. In the last chapter, the advantages and disadvantages of industrial animal farms are compared and it is concluded that these practices should be abandoned. Finally, two solutions offered for abandoning these practices. The radical solution argues that our treatments of animals should be determined by considering animals’ interests and in this respect our perception of animals should change. Depending on this idea, it defenses that we should abandon raising animals for food. The practical solution offers abandoning industrial methods and adopting organic and environment friendly solutions.