How do I come to the conclusion that a human life is more valuable than a non-human life without a belief in a god?
On the cosmic level I believe no such thing. If I were a wolf and capable of such thoughts I would consider the life of a wolf to me more important than the life of any other species.
If I were of some alien species viewing this planet I would likely consider all of the species on this planet of equal value.
So why do I think that a human life is more valuable? Most simply, because I think my life is more valuable than any other. The only way that I can create a reasonable expectation of that life continuing with minimal chance of disruption is through the social contract. We have 6 billion individuals on this planet who, for the most part, pretend that they place some value in the lives of everybody else. It is only by placing value in, and respecting, the life of other that I can expect others to place value and respect in my life.
For me, agreeing to not kill you, Lizard. Is not a selfless act, it is a selfish act. For in return, you have agreed to not kill me. This fiction of caring is further extended to the point that enough of us have decided to act, as a society, and punish those who ignore this social contract.
Anyway, I am trying to be brief and it is way past my bed time. If that wasn’t clear (I’m tired and probably not using my semi-colons correctly) or you want to debate it feel free to send me email.
[QUOTE] Originally posted by Cyndar “You know you are a vet nurse when: your medicine cabinet holds nothing but pet medications”
Thank God its not just me, Michi. I have more meds for my dogs than I do for myself. And even worse, when I run low on money, I buy their food first and if there’s any left over I pick up something for myself.
It is not so much the puppy. It is more outrage that this guy decided to take his frustrations out on something helpless. For me, it is no different than bludgeoning an old lady to death, or beating up on a child. I, as I’m sure you do, respect all forms of life. It is disgusting that this happens, especially, as you noted, when we are the animals that know this is wrong. I’m not an idealist. This is the world we live in. I’m facing losing a loved one tomorrow who happens to be a cat. He is still my family regardless of his species.
FTR, I don’t think he should die, either (not that you accused me of that, obfus). That would be hypocritical as the dickens. But something is desperately wrong with our enlightened society when this sort of behavior is accepted. Everyone is wired differently. Some find violence appeasing, enjoyable, or even necessary. It is the stories like these that bring it home for me on a personal level. We grow accustomed to violence against ourselves. When I see violence against an innocent creature, that is when anger boils up inside of me. I’m sorry I took it out on you, obfus.