The Moral Lives of Animals

Inside the hearts and minds of other creatures.

Fear
Whales on the Edge of Non-existence

Dale Peterson Ph.D. on December 14, 2011

Whales are magnificent creatures who inspire us with their mass and power, whose continued existence lifts our spirits, and who remind us, in ways that few other living animals can, of our own fragile impermanence.

Whales are magnificent creatures who inspire us with their mass and power, whose continued existence lifts our spirits, and who remind us, in ways that few other living animals can, of our own fragile impermanence.

Deception
Those Lying Apes

Dale Peterson Ph.D. on December 13, 2011

Young Dandy was excitedly courting a female by, in the usual way, showing her his inspired erection, when suddenly an older and higher-ranking male appeared on the scene. For Dandy, that meant big trouble.

Young Dandy was excitedly courting a female by, in the usual way, showing her his inspired erection, when suddenly an older and higher-ranking male appeared on the scene. For Dandy, that meant big trouble.

Ethics and Morality
Murder and Morality

Dale Peterson Ph.D. on November 24, 2011

"On a typical day, Jimmy and I would spend an hour a day with Stevie, doing business. I mean, we weren't doing crimes every day. We weren't animals, and except for the business aspect of our lives, we had boring, regular lives."

"On a typical day, Jimmy and I would spend an hour a day with Stevie, doing business. I mean, we weren't doing crimes every day. We weren't animals, and except for the business aspect of our lives, we had boring, regular lives."

Friends
Can an Animal Be a "Slave"?

Dale Peterson Ph.D. on October 29, 2011

Yes, when I see elephants in chains, I do sometimes think they are "slaves"--or at least, "being treated like slaves." But I'm making species distinctions, and I don't know how to avoid that.

Yes, when I see elephants in chains, I do sometimes think they are "slaves"--or at least, "being treated like slaves." But I'm making species distinctions, and I don't know how to avoid that.

Sex
Sex, Lies, and Fireflies

Dale Peterson Ph.D. on September 12, 2011

Serious deceit can cause serious damage. Say, for instance, you've gone out on a dark evening all by yourself looking for sex, just a little normal, ordinary sex, and you're quietly cruising through the flashing-light district. . . .

Serious deceit can cause serious damage. Say, for instance, you've gone out on a dark evening all by yourself looking for sex, just a little normal, ordinary sex, and you're quietly cruising through the flashing-light district. . . .

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