Course Reflection

During this semester in English 802, we dealt with texts like The Animal Ethics Reader. We thoroughly discussed many aspects of animal ethics, and also explored various theories of animal ethics. I then developed appreciation for and a understanding of some of the ethical issues regarding human-animal relations. In essays like "Consciousness, Emotion and Animal Welfare: Insights From Cognitive Science" by M. Mendl and E.S. Paul, discuss the topic of nonhuman-animal mental capacities. In The Animal Ethics Reader, Mendl and Paul address animal consciousness, "Consciousness, however, is usually defined in terms of the capacity to be aware of feelings, sensations, thoughts and emotions. This basic ability is often referred to as phenomenal or feelings consciousness, while the capacity to be subjectively aware of oneself as a unique thinking". (72) This quote intrigued me because the ability to realize self is a key component in indicating the presence of a consciousness. Then I realized that animals do have a conscience and they appear to be aware of there surroundings spotting predators from a distance, or have the cognitive skills to extract honey out of hole-drilled logs during experiments.
Another topic that I became interested in was when we had to do field-work at the Philadelphia Zoo, and make connections between the readings and the spaces we observed. I found out that zoos claim they provide opportunity for people to see and learn about animals, and that it also inspires people to contribute to their preservation. But I asked the question, does it justify keeping animals locked up in boxes as merchandise? Ultimately, I felt that animals at the zoo are mistreated because zoos do not fully adhere to the natural habitats of the animals. Over all I felt that my knowledge in animal ethics has been enriched.