Philosophy and Animal Ethics in Ancient Greece

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Questions and Answers

What was introduced to the world alongside the slaughter of animals according to Porphyry?

Reincarnation and compassion

Wisdom and knowledge

War and injustice (correct)

Peace and harmony

What philosophical issue arises from the Orphic belief in reincarnation?

The implications for human dietary choices. (correct)

The separation of humans from plant life.

The ethical treatment of domestic animals.

The concept of justice among species.

How does the belief in reincarnation influence the treatment of animals according to early Greek religions?

Animals share in the cycle of regeneration (correct)

Animals should be exploited for labor

Animals are seen as inferior beings

Only certain animals are worthy of ethical consideration

How does Hesiod differentiate humans from other animals?

By claiming justice is a gift from Zeus to humans only. Signup and view all the answers

What historical figure is associated with early vegetarianism linked to religious roots?

Pythagoras Signup and view all the answers

According to Empedocles, abstaining from killing animals is important because it parallels what action?

Taking the life of one's own family member Signup and view all the answers

What shared characteristic between humans and non-human animals is emphasized in ethical considerations?

Presence of a soul Signup and view all the answers

What barrier do religious beliefs create in relation to ethical action towards non-human animals?

They promote the idea of human superiority. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of human treatment of non-human animals is influenced by philosophical inquiry?

Dietary ethics. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following views is NOT associated with early Greek religious thought on animal ethics?

Animals are primarily for human consumption Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential consequence of the differentiation that Hesiod discusses?

A justification for unequal treatment of animals. Signup and view all the answers

What do the Orphic and Pythagorean traditions imply about all animals?

They deserve to be treated like one's own species Signup and view all the answers

What ethical dilemma does the act of eating flesh create according to the discussed beliefs?

It is equated to acts of cannibalism Signup and view all the answers

How did Pythagoras influence the conception of reincarnation?

By adopting ideas from neighboring cultures. Signup and view all the answers

What conceptual concern does early philosophical dialogue about dietary ethics address?

The moral implications of animal consumption. Signup and view all the answers

What position does the philosophy surrounding reincarnation take on the nature of life?

Life is a cycle shared among all living beings Signup and view all the answers

What does Plutarch argue about human reliance on tools for hunting?

Only humans require tools for all hunting. Signup and view all the answers

What significant drawback of consuming meat does Plutarch mention?

Meat has negative effects on human digestion. Signup and view all the answers

How does Plutarch address the Stoic claim that one cannot live on plants alone?

By citing examples of vegetarian philosophers. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosophers does Plutarch reference to support vegetarianism?

Pythagoras, Empedocles, and Theophrastus. Signup and view all the answers

What is a central theme found in Plutarch's writings on non-human animals?

The ethical consideration of non-human animals. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Plutarch argue against the Stoics' belief regarding diet?

Vegetarianism has historical philosophical advocates. Signup and view all the answers

What primarily motivated Plotinus to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle according to Dombrowski?

Desire for spiritual perfection Signup and view all the answers

What does Plutarch suggest about philosophical arguments in his writings?

Many arguments are profound and varied. Signup and view all the answers

What literary devices does Plutarch employ in his discussions?

Mythical creatures and allegories. Signup and view all the answers

According to Gilhus, what seems to be Porphyry’s main incentive for vegetarianism?

Avoidance of human impurity Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of animals does Aristotle highlight in his discussion on speech?

Speech is unique to humans in its complexity Signup and view all the answers

How do the Stoics differentiate between human and animal communication?

Human communication is based on reason while animal voice is not Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical position do most Stoics hold regarding the concept of rights between humans and lower animals?

No rights can be established due to inherent differences Signup and view all the answers

Which element does Aristotle attribute only to human beings in his discussion?

Ability to reason about justice Signup and view all the answers

What does the voice of an animal signify according to Aristotle?

Pleasure or pain only Signup and view all the answers

In light of the discussions surrounding animal ethics, what is proposed about the link between religious and ethical convictions?

They can be intertwined to an extent Signup and view all the answers

What was Plotinus's view on eating the flesh of animals?

He did not approve of eating the flesh of animals reared for the table. Signup and view all the answers

What argument does Porphyry challenge regarding intelligence among animals?

Higher intelligence justifies the consumption of animals. Signup and view all the answers

What reasoning does Porphyry provide regarding animals and internal reason?

One should not assume other animals lack internal reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

According to the content, what does Porphyry see as a flaw in Stoic arguments?

They present an oversimplified 'all or nothing' perspective. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements reflects Porphyry's stance on animal sacrifices?

Animal sacrifices are impious and should be condemned. Signup and view all the answers

What do Walters and Portmess argue about the philosophical implications of carnivorism?

Carnivorism is intemperate and unsuitable for a philosophical life. Signup and view all the answers

What did Porphyry imply about the reasoning used by animals?

Animals may have their own valid reasoning despite being unobservable. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key focus of the four books of De abstinentia discussed by Walters and Portmess?

Arguments supporting the intemperate nature of carnivorism. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of Augustine's argument regarding the commandment 'Thou shall not kill'?

It specifically refers to the killing of humans. Signup and view all the answers

How does Augustine's view differ from Aristotle's perspective on the soul?

Augustine incorporates divine elements that Aristotle excludes. Signup and view all the answers

What is Thomas Aquinas' relationship with Aristotle's philosophy?

He integrates Aristotle's philosophy with Christian theology. Signup and view all the answers

According to Aquinas, why is there 'no sin in using a thing for the purpose for which it is'?

It aligns with the divine order established by God. Signup and view all the answers

What does Aquinas imply about the relationship between plants, non-human animals, and humans?

Plants are for the use of non-human animals, and non-human animals are for the use of man. Signup and view all the answers

How does Aquinas' interpretation of divine commandment relate to vegetarian theology?

Aquinas’ interpretation indicates that eating flesh is not divinely mandated. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of Plato's conception of divinity does Augustine’s differ from?

Augustine asserts a direct involvement of God in ethical matters. Signup and view all the answers

What underlying theme connects Augustine and Aquinas' views on ethics?

The priority of human life over all other forms of existence. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ancient Cultures and Animals (GE 313)

Indigenous groups have a different view of their relationship with animals compared to modern societies.
Modern societies generally view non-human animals as automata without self-awareness.
There are exceptions for pets and animals in zoos, but agricultural, fishing, and pharmaceutical industries often disregard animals as sentient creatures.
Even pets and zoo animals are considered property without independent legal status.
In hunter-gatherer societies, non-human animals are seen as equal to humans.
As human control of the environment increased through agriculture, a distinction between humans and nature emerged.
Wild animals became viewed as predators, quarry, or competitors for resources, vermin, or spectacles.
Indigenous cultures respect and revere animals, often seeing them as powerful, special creatures with unique meanings and symbols.
In indigenous views, animals are like friends and family, and an important food source.
Indigenous hunter-gatherer societies treat animals as fully sentient beings with equal status to humans, even when they're hunted.
Their spiritual beliefs and myths often involve a connection between humans and non-humans, even evolution.
Respecting animals to allow them to freely give themselves to the hunter is a concept shared among indigenous groups.
The natural world is viewed as interconnected, requiring responsibility to care for and live in harmony with it.
"Animal people" are spirits who enter the human world
Traditional aboriginal concepts of respect and sharing are found in the seven natural laws.
Each law is represented by an animal, emphasizing the link between man and the animal world.
Indigenous peoples were careful and respectful of the animals' life cycles.
They only harvested what they needed to sustain themselves, their celebrations and rituals of appreciation involving every part of the animal.
There was no need for artificial wildlife management.
The Yup'ik Eskimo of Alaska view animals as non-human persons, with a reciprocal relationship centered on respect.
Similarities between humans and animals, such as immortal souls, self-awareness, and control over destinies, are emphasized.
The Gwich'in people of Northern Canada and Alaska have a high reverence for animals, considering them as persons who can switch places with humans.
The Gwich'in legends have Caribou taking human form, and rules for treating killed or wounded animals.
The Rock Cree believe animals judge human conduct, consider animals to have souls, and experience rebirth.
Animals like indigenous peoples have been targets for colonial violence, involving both physical harm and the denigration of relationships.
"Animal colonialism" is a useful analytic for understanding the interconnected genocides of indigenous people and animals.
The systematic slaughter of buffalo was a devastating example of animal colonialism in North America.
Buffalo were a vital resource for Indigenous peoples in many ways, and were considered more-than-human beings before colonization.
Decimation of the buffalo had disastrous effects on indigenous peoples.
Colonial practices utilized animals to aid colonization, introducing both diseases and interference with traditional subsistence practices.

Colonial Practices

Animals were targeted for colonial violence, including physical harm and killing.
Indigenous-animal relationalities were removed from descriptions and narrative.
The introduction of domesticated animals had profound consequences for Indigenous ecologies and political economies.
Domesticated animals aided in the "taming of land" and establishing colonies.
These animals introduced diseases like anthrax, tick fever, brucellosis, and bovine tuberculosis.
These animals interfered with traditional subsistence practices.

Indigenous Perspectives 1

Indigenous hunter-gatherer societies treat animals as fully sentient beings with equal status to humans, deserving respect even when hunted.
Spiritual beliefs and myths often involve the evolution of humans from non-human forms, paralleling the theory of evolution.
The need to respect animals so they will give themselves to the hunter is a widespread concept among indigenous groups.

Indigenous Perspectives 2

The natural world is interconnected (not separate from other aspects of the whole), requiring moral responsibility for the natural world.
"Animal People" have spirits and enter the human world, giving their bodies in exchange for goods.
The flesh of animals becomes part of the human world, then is returned to the animal world at the animals will.

Indigenous Perspectives 3

Traditional Aboriginal way of life is built around the seven natural laws.
Each law embodies a specific virtue and is associated with an animal.
The animal world taught people how to live close to the earth.
Respect for all life instilled by the connection between the animal and human world.

Indigenous Perspectives 4

Indigenous peoples were careful and respectful of the natural cycles of animals.
They only harvested what was necessary for their families and communities.
There were cultural celebrations and rituals associated with harvesting animals.
There was no over-harvesting or depletion of species resulting from the way indigenous people treated the environment.
Artificial wildlife management is generally an alien concept to many indigenous cultures.

The Discussion of Animal Ethics

The philosophical concern for animal ethics is a relatively recent phenomenon in the West.
Early Greek philosophers did, in fact, concern themselves with the welfare of nonhuman animals, however.
Animal ethics is a topic covered in ancient Greek philosophy.
There are connections between the views of early philosophers on animal ethics and the views of modern proponents of animal ethics.
Vegetarianism and animal rights were related to philosophical and religious beliefs in ancient Greece.
The notion of the “Golden Age” depicted in Hesiod played a significant role in the development of early vegetarianism.
The concept of reincarnation was influential in shaping ethical arguments about nonhuman animals.
Pythagoras is often considered a key figure in the first arguments for vegetarianism.
Pythagoras's focus on sentience and his ideas on the interconnectedness of humans and other animals foreshadowed modern theories.
Plato discussed the role of the “soul” and debated aspects of dominion but didn't address animal ethics in the way modern scholars expect.
Aristotle's views on animal ethics were anthropocentric (human centered).
Aristotle believed that humans are superior to animals because humans have a rational soul, and animals do not.
Aristotle's thoughts were influential on subsequent thinkers and theories, including Stoicism.
Plutarch's views were a response to criticisms of the Pythagorean approach.
Plutarch thought that animals possess virtues, such as courage, temperance, and moderation, and deserved a level of ethical consideration.
Porphyry also engaged in a debate with Stoics regarding the moral status of animals in relation to rationality and reasoned behaviour.
Porphyry argued that animals are not simply devoid of reason.
Porphyry's views challenged anthropocentrism.
Porphyry thought that the capacity for sentience was important, similar to arguments later articulated by Peter Singer.
Medieval theologians like Augustine and Aquinas integrated Christian doctrine with Aristotelian philosophy on animal ethics.
Medieval perspectives often tied the moral status of animals to their perceived role in God's plan.
There was no major philosophical work advocating for animal rights in the medieval period.
Modern thinkers, such as Peter Singer, sought to bridge the gap between ancient and contemporary ideas about animals and ethics.
Singer's framework of the "moral circle" and the moral standing of animals is an influential part of contemporary animal ethics.

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Description

Explore the philosophical dilemmas and beliefs concerning reincarnation and animal ethics in early Greek thought. This quiz delves into the writings of figures like Porphyry and Hesiod, examining how these ideas shaped attitudes towards non-human animals. Test your knowledge of key concepts and historical perspectives in this intriguing area of philosophy.