Peter Singer and animal rights
I can explain Peter Singer’s argument against speciesism and think about how it can be used to argue for animal rights.
Peter Singer and animal rights
I can explain Peter Singer’s argument against speciesism and think about how it can be used to argue for animal rights.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Philosophical tools like thought experiments can help us reflect on our own views about animals.
- Peter Singer argued against speciesism; the idea it is unfair to treat beings worse just because they are not human.
- What matters morally is sentience; the ability to feel pain and pleasure.
- Key examples where speciesism often happens are using animals for food and for experiments.
Keywords
Speciesism - the belief that one species is more important than another
Sentience - the ability to experience pain and pleasure
Common misconception
Philosophers only think about moral issues related to humans.
Some philosophers also consider animals and what level of conciousness or sentience they may have.
To help you plan your year 9 religious education lesson on: Peter Singer and animal rights, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 9 religious education lesson on: Peter Singer and animal rights, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
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Explore more key stage 3 religious education lessons from the Changing world: How should the Earth's resources be used? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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