Das Seufzende Schwein. Zur Theorie und Praxis in deutschen Modellen zur Tierethik

Abstract

In this study five German models of animal ethics are analysed. Three theological and two philosophical models representing anthropocentric, sentientistic, biocentric and ecocentric perspectives are presented. The analysis is based on six key terms: the view of the human being, the view of the animal, normative ethical theory, value/worth, dignity, and ethology. One focus is the relation between theoretical statements and the practical treatment of animals. Special interest lies in farming conditions for pigs, a highly exploited animal. Another focus is how the theological and philosophical perspectives influence methods of argumentation and practice. The models are elaborated further in three comparisons of the key terms and the two focuses. In addition, the models are discussed within a critical framework and finally, a theocentric model is suggested. When animals are regarded as moral objects, knowledge about situations causing suffering or frustration becomes important. In relation to this, it is shown, that when a model suggests a practice that does not cohere with the consequences of acting that can be drawn from its theoretical statements, an important reason for the incoherence lies in deficient consideration of ethological research. It is claimed that ethology can contribute significantly to animal ethics, to improving the conditions of animal husbandry, and a coherent relation between theory and practice. It is also shown, that when describing the models, it is more relevant to distinguish between theistic and atheistic views than between theological or philosophical ways of argumentation. Further, it is shown how a radical change in animal husbandry can follow from a theistic and theocentric animal ethics.

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