Bioethical approach to animals

Abstract

In this paper the author tries to identify the reception of animals in contemporary practical philosophy. The analysis is focused on the viewpoints advocated by classical anthropocentrists, as well as the viewpoints of the representatives of diff erent, non-anthropocentric, learning. Anthropocentrism, namely, is based on a strong belief that only humans can have "moral status", primarily because of specifi c human properties and their distinguishing place in the world. On the other hand, at the center of non-anthropocentric discussions, lies a belief that there is no strict hierarchy between living beings in nature, i.e. the diff erentiation between, for example, people and animals should not be established at ontological, but biological level. Consequently, from non-anthropocentric point of view, it is necessary to relativize the common discreditation of animals in comparison with humans, thus making possible, within the framework of applied ethics, i.e. bioethics, to establish the so called "animal ethics". The author also explores the limits of non-anthropocentric theories, as well as the question whether a "middle way" between these, often quite polarized viewpoints, is possible or not.