Moral Status of a Pig

According to human properties theory, any organism that possesses human characters or genes is entitled to moral status. The fact that the pig is modified with human DNA and shows empathy, just like human beings, is proof it has human properties. Therefore, its moral status should match that of a human being.

Cognitive theory ascribes moral status to anyone who can think purposefully, communicate, and make rational decisions. If the pig can show a high level of intelligence and empathy, it means it can think. Also, how it shows these properties is through communication. Therefore, it requires a good level of moral status.

Moral agency theory looks at whether an organism can make moral decisions for which it is morally responsible. The pig may not make such decisions. Although it has been modified with human DNA, it is not able to make decisions like those of a human being. Thus, according to this theory, the pig does not deserve moral status because it is not expected to making moral decisions.

The Sentience of the capacity to experience suffering is a consideration in granting an individual moral status. Philosophers argue that behaving morally is to minimize suffering (Phillips 1). Any organism that can suffer deserves consideration. By showing empathy, the pig shows a sign of emotional distress or suffering, and thus, it deserves moral status.

Relationships theory grants moral status to any organism that relates to human beings. Usually, a pig relates to human beings in terms of organs transplant. Therefore, it deserves some moral status.

The theories suggest that it would not be moral to slaughter the pig as both the pig and humans have the same degree of moral status.

Work Cited

Phillips, Steve. “Moral Status vs. Moral Agency.” Bioethics at TIU, 1 Aug. 2012, blogs.tiu.edu/bioethics/2012/08/01/moral-status-vs-moral-agency/.