Final answer:
Machan suggests we should treat animals well primarily due to psychological and moral value, supported by E.O. Wilson's views on the benefits of biodiversity to human psychology and a moral obligation to minimize harm. While practical reasons exist, such as legal requirements and ecosystem maintenance, the deeper imperative is our moral responsibility and interconnectedness with other species.
Step-by-step explanation:
In considering why Tibor Machan believes many of us should treat animals well, it is essential to understand that while legal, economic, and ecological arguments exist, Machan and others emphasize the psychological and moral value of animals. E.O. Wilson, for instance, argues that humans benefit psychologically from a biodiverse world, suggesting that our evolutionary history has adapted us to live in natural environments which provide regenerative psychological benefits. Moreover, there is a moral argument that posits we have a responsibility to minimize harm to other species, stemming from a deep-seated respect for nature and its intrinsic value.
The anthropocentric approach to environmental ethics also contributes to the discussion. This approach suggests that even self-interest, like the desire for self-preservation and a habitable planet for future generations, can underpin a duty to treat the natural world with care. Thus, while legal requirements and ecosystem balance are practical considerations, they are complemented and sometimes driven by a deeper moral and psychological imperative that recognizes our interconnectedness with and responsibility towards other living beings.
Understanding how animals fit into human belief systems, including their roles in ecosystems, medical fields, and cultural practices, providse valuable context. The story is intricate, involving animals not only as resources but also as beings that command moral consideration. Treating animals well, therefore, is not merely a legal obligation or a means to an end but also an expression of our moral and psychological relationship with the natural world.