Animal ethics

rights of non-human animals

Anthropocentrism ( ) is the belief that human beings are the central or most important entity on the planet. The term can be used interchangeably with humanocentrism, and some refer to the concept as human supremacy or human exceptionalism. From an anthropocentric perspective, humankind is seen as separate from nature and superior to it, and other entities (animals, plants, minerals, etc.) are viewed as resources for humans to use.

Speciesism () is a term used in philosophy regarding the treatment of individuals of different species. The term has several different definitions. Some specifically define speciesism as discrimination or unjustified treatment based on an individual's species membership, while others define it as differential treatment without regard to whether the treatment is justified or not. Richard D. Ryder, who coined the term, defined it as "a prejudice or attitude of bias in favour of the interests of members of one's own species and against those of members of other species". Speciesism results in the

human infliction of suffering or harm upon non-human animals, for purposes other than self-defense or survival

thumb|upright=1.2|Determining which animals can experience sensations is challenging, but scientists generally agree that vertebrates, as well as many [[invertebrate species, are likely sentient.]] Sentience is the ability to experience feelings and sensations. It may not necessarily imply higher cognitive functions such as awareness, reasoning, or complex thought processes. Some theorists define sentience exclusively as the capacity for valenced (positive or negative) mental experiences, such as pain and pleasure.

Carnism is a concept used in discussions of humanity's relation to other animals, defined as a prevailing ideology in which people support the use and consumption of animal products, especially meat. Carnism is presented as a dominant belief system supported by a variety of defense mechanisms and mostly unchallenged assumptions. As a dominant ideological system of which meat consumption and animal exploitation are a part, it prescribes norms and beliefs about animal treatment. The term carnism was coined by social psychologist and author Melanie Joy in 2001 and popularized by her book Why We

moral status and treatment of nonhuman animals

Sentientism (or sentiocentrism) is an ethical philosophy that places sentience at the center of moral concern. It holds that moral consideration extends to all sentient beings. Gradualist sentientism assigns moral consideration based on the degree of sentience.

article covering both the theme of a human marrying an animal in fiction and purported cases in reality

Broadening of moral considerations

Principle in utilitarian ethics

position within animal rights theory