The moral status of nonhumans

Since humans are moral agents, they must not cause any intentional or unintentional pain to any moral patient. A moral agent is something that is capable of exhibiting behaviors which can be classified as “right” or “wrong.” Actions that are deemed “wrong” cause pain to a moral patient. Additionally, a moral patient is an organism that is affected by a moral agent’s behavior. If a human kicks a dog it is considered “wrong” because the human, the moral agent, is inflicting pain on the dog, the moral patient.

Consequently, humans must recognize that nonhumans, as well as humans, have moral status. Nonhumans, which are usually moral patients of humans, are capable of sensing pain and fearing whatever may have caused it such pain. Nonhumans have moral status due to their ability to experience pleasure and pain. Humans need to, not only, recognize the moral status of nonhumans, but also cease inflicting pain on nonhumans.

By discussing these moral questions, are we promoting awareness of the moral status of nonhumans? Or are we changing the behavior of humans, in regards to their treatment of nonhumans?

Might some individuals assign more moral status to their pets than to wild animals?