Ethics drive you to make decisions
Societal ethics-
Rules that have emerged so we can get along with each other
They can change when new information becomes available. They are collective ie- meat across
Canada should be raised well
Professional ethics-
e.g. Vets, lawyers, doctors
Guidelines that evolve with societal ethics, can vary from country to country.
Can be a response to societal ethics or can cause them.
Personal ethics-
Develop from personal experiences that give you associated feelings and can result in a change
in your behaviour or preference.
Key Words
Animal- Refers to members of the animal kingdom who are not human, with the understanding that
humans are also animals. We can also use the phrase “non-human animal”
Hierarchy- A system where items’ categories are ranked one above the other, with the understanding
that those on a higher level of the hierarchy are more important or superior to those below.
Speciesism- Discrimination on the basis of species; oppression and judgement of an animal on the basis
that animal’s species or that animal’s non-membership in a species.
“Anthro”- Greek, prefix meaning human or humanoid
Anthropocentric- A view that places human beings at the centre of all things and view non-human
animals as less important
Anthropomorphic- Assignment of human behaviours, emotions, motivations or characteristics to non-
human animals or objects.
Animal Advocacy- Promotion of the interests of animals, generally. Includes work for animal rights and
animal welfare.
Commodification- The conversion of a living being, principle or natural environment into an “object”
that is used, exchanged or consumed for profit or other desired gain.
Exploitation- The use, often harmful or unfair, of another being for one’s own advantage or pleasure
(e.g. for food, clothing, research and entertainment in the case of animals).
Societal ethics-
Rules that have emerged so we can get along with each other
They can change when new information becomes available. They are collective ie- meat across
Canada should be raised well
Professional ethics-
e.g. Vets, lawyers, doctors
Guidelines that evolve with societal ethics, can vary from country to country.
Can be a response to societal ethics or can cause them.
Personal ethics-
Develop from personal experiences that give you associated feelings and can result in a change
in your behaviour or preference.
Key Words
Animal- Refers to members of the animal kingdom who are not human, with the understanding that
humans are also animals. We can also use the phrase “non-human animal”
Hierarchy- A system where items’ categories are ranked one above the other, with the understanding
that those on a higher level of the hierarchy are more important or superior to those below.
Speciesism- Discrimination on the basis of species; oppression and judgement of an animal on the basis
that animal’s species or that animal’s non-membership in a species.
“Anthro”- Greek, prefix meaning human or humanoid
Anthropocentric- A view that places human beings at the centre of all things and view non-human
animals as less important
Anthropomorphic- Assignment of human behaviours, emotions, motivations or characteristics to non-
human animals or objects.
Animal Advocacy- Promotion of the interests of animals, generally. Includes work for animal rights and
animal welfare.
Commodification- The conversion of a living being, principle or natural environment into an “object”
that is used, exchanged or consumed for profit or other desired gain.
Exploitation- The use, often harmful or unfair, of another being for one’s own advantage or pleasure
(e.g. for food, clothing, research and entertainment in the case of animals).
