NML- issues of non-human life and death

• What did Aquinas believe about animals? Where did his beliefs stem from?


  Aquinas adopted Aristotles hierarchy of the souls of plants, animals and humans. In this hierarchy, humans are at the top and so are able to use animals in anyway we choose. Aquinas believed that humans are the only rational beings so are the only beings to which we should extend concern. Animals have instrumental value only, meaning they exist for the sake of the humans that use them. Animals exist for humans to achieve their final end, union with God, this includes killing animals if we want to.
• What did Aquinas say about humans and 'other animals?'

  Although man is of the same 'genus' as other animals, he is of a different 'species.' From this he concluded that humans are the only rational beings.
• What would NML say about the use of animals as food; intensive farming?

  -NML justifies using animals for food and intensive farming procedures since animals are for humans.

  -in factory farming it is not uncommon for animals to be bludgeoned to death as a cheaper method of killing them, which due to Aquinas' logic would not be an issue.

  -the issue or whether animals have a right to life is irrelevant to Aquinas as the rights of animals are subsumed under the rights of humans.
• What would NML say about the use of animals in scientific procedures; cloning?


  -it is not immoral as the status of animals is no greater than being human property, particularly as experiments may result in cures for human diseases.

  -the use of animals in scientific procedures is acceptable to the Catholic Church.

  -fulfills primary precept, preservation of life, when scientific procedures are used to cure human disease.

  -the pain of the animals during experiments would be accepted by Aquinas, only if it was necessary. If it was unnecessary, Aquinas holds a different view. Aquinas holds that if a person is cruel to an animal this is morally wrong, not for the sake of the animal, but because the person concerned 'might go on to do the same to men.'

  -Aquinas would condemn experiments which would change the nature of the animal e.g those that may produced beings that are half-animal half-human, which cloning has the potential to do, as each species was created by God to fulfil its purpose as that species.

  -genetic experimentation within species would be acceptable.
• What does the Catechism of The Catholic Church state regarding animals being used for scientific procedures; cloning?

  'medical and scientific experimentation on animals is a morally acceptable practice, if it remains within reasonable limits and contributes to caring for or saving human lives
• What would NML say about blood sports?

  -humans can use animals as they see fit, which includes blood sports.

  -the pain and suffering put upon animals is acceptable part of that use, even if an animal dies.

  -although the general tone of the Catechism of the Catholic Church is that of Aquinas, it nevertheless says the following: 'It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly.' This is a more reasonable approach to that of Aquinas.
• What does the Catechism of the Catholic Church say about blood sports?

  'It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly.
• What would NML say about animals as a source of organs for transplants?

  -his account of NML would on the whole approve of it.

  -humans do have the right to use animals in anyway they see fit, so with certain safe guards, using animals as a source of transplant would probably be acceptable to Aquinas' NML.

  -The Catholic Medical Association insists that all such procedures be carried out with due concern for animal pain and suffering, no such concern would be required by Aquinas.