Self-Quiz 4.8: Peter Carruthers, Against the Moral Standing of Animals

According to Carruthers, because non-human animals lack standing, they have no

feelings.

relationships.

rights.

thoughts.

According to Carruthers, who among the following possess moral standing?

Koko the gorilla

Human infants

House cats

All of the above

Which of the following is a capability only had by rational agents in Carruther's sense?

Governing one's behavior in accordance with universal rules.

Thinking about the costs and benefits of the general adoption of a rule.

Both of the above

None of the above.

Which of the following are we ignorant about from behind the veil of ignorance?

Our own position in society

Economics

Sociology

Both the second and third answer choices are correct.

In contractualist moral theory, morality is to be _______ through the agreement of rational agents.

constructed

discovered

destroyed

None of the above

According Carruthers, contracting rational agents should agree that all _______ be accorded moral standing.

sentient creatures

human beings

non-human animals

living beings

The veil of ignorance is a

public policy.

soft cloth.

theoretical device.

None of the above

According to Carruthers, why is it wrong for Astrid to mistreat her cat?

It shows her to be cruel.

Others will copy her actions.

The cat has moral standing.

Astrid has an indirect duty to her cat.

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