The argument from marginal cases(AMC)is one of the most important arguments in defense of species equality.The argument asserts that if marginal human individuals have equal moral status with typical rational human individuals,then at least some animals have the same moral status.Some scholars have attempted to criticize AMC by appealing to the moral significance of the species itself,but these efforts have not yet been successful.The main dilemma with AMC is that it is grounded in the requirement of consistency of principles,but inconsistency of principles does not necessarily constitute a moral wrong that can be interfered with.By shifting the application of principle consistency from individuals to governments,AMC can be defended more strongly in the political dimension.Based on the political and moral requirement of integrity,governments have an obligation to treat the citizens with consistent moral principles that they sincerely believe,which may imply a political obligation to respect species equality.
关键词
动物伦理/物种平等/边缘事例论证/物种主义/整全性
Key words
animal ethics/species equality/argument from marginal cases/speciesism/integrity
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