Question

I'd like to know whether morally there would be a difference between killing/hunting animals of higher intellect (apart from humans) and animals generally regarded of lower intellect. If there is no difference, why do some people object to killing/hunting animals of higher intellect because they say such animals are smarter? Do animals of higher intellect deserve not to be hunted because of their relatively higher intellect?

Answer 1

Morally, there is no difference in killing or hunting animals of higher intellect compared to animals of lower intellect. The distinction people make between killing animals of higher intellect is based on the belief that these animals have a higher level of consciousness and emotional capacity, which some consider as grounds for treating them differently. However, ethically, all animals deserve to be treated with respect and compassion, regardless of their level of intellect.

Step-by-step explanation:

Morally, there is no difference in killing or hunting animals of higher intellect compared to animals of lower intellect.

The distinction people make between killing animals of higher intellect is based on the belief that these animals have a higher level of consciousness and emotional capacity, which some consider as grounds for treating them differently.

However, ethically, all animals deserve to be treated with respect and compassion, regardless of their level of intellect.

Some people object to the killing or hunting of animals of higher intellect because they believe that these animals are capable of experiencing more suffering and deserve more consideration due to their higher cognitive abilities.

However, it is important to note that animals of lower intellect also have the capacity to feel pain and suffer, and therefore should be treated with the same moral consideration as animals of higher intellect.