Freethought & Rationalism Archive

jonesg · 08-15-2005, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by john_v_h

I have repeatedly read the opinion that bestiality is wrong because the nonhuman participant cannot consent. So I am curious: where does the concept of consent fit with the other behaviors we exhibit toward nonhumans? Why is it permissible to slaughter a sheep and eat it but wrong to screw it?

God said so,
unlike humans, God isn't confused.

If you don't like God telling you what to do go find a chicken and...

talk about a cheep cheep date.

lpetrich · 08-16-2005, 02:07 AM

I think that there is a way of judging "consent" in animals -- do they go along with what you are doing or do they try to avoid it? Consider your interactions with your pets -- how cooperative are they when you do this or that with them?

I believe that cooperation can be interpreted as a kind of consent.

The AntiChris · 08-16-2005, 02:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lpetrich

I believe that cooperation can be interpreted as a kind of consent.

Not a totally reliable indication of consent.

Certain animals can be trained to "cooperate".

Chris

atheistica · 08-16-2005, 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lpetrich

I think that there is a way of judging "consent" in animals -- do they go along with what you are doing or do they try to avoid it? Consider your interactions with your pets -- how cooperative are they when you do this or that with them?

I believe that cooperation can be interpreted as a kind of consent.

Would you still believe this if the cooperator was a human adult with Down's Syndrome or another form of mental retardation? How about an 8-year-old child of normal development who "lets" you touch him/her? Did the child "consent"? If not, then how can an animal (who surely has less mental capacity than an 8-year-old child) give "consent"?

Jinksy · 08-17-2005, 04:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by atheistica

Would you still believe this if the cooperator was a human adult with Down's Syndrome or another form of mental retardation? How about an 8-year-old child of normal development who "lets" you touch him/her? Did the child "consent"?

Yes.

Unless by the quotes you mean to imply that the child was somehow coerced into trying to stick its extremities where the law don't shine, in which case the comparison with a horny animal is disingenuous.

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08-16-2005, 02:07 AM	#32
lpetrich Contributor Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Lebanon, OR, USA Posts: 16,829	I think that there is a way of judging "consent" in animals -- do they go along with what you are doing or do they try to avoid it? Consider your interactions with your pets -- how cooperative are they when you do this or that with them? I believe that cooperation can be interpreted as a kind of consent.

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