morality of humans and nonhumans

There are various levels of competence that exist between all humans and nonhumans. There are three distinct different levels that help us distinguish between moral agents and moral patients. The lowest level of moral ability is cognition, which is a being knows but they do not understand how. This is where most people place animals and other nonhumans. The other divisions are meta cognition and moral reflection, which is where humans fit in. It is clear that nonhumans do not have the same thought capacity as humans, and thus they do not have the ability to make moral or ethical decisions. It could be argued that animals have some of the same thought qualities as humans but they do not understand the difference between right and wrong. Thus, some higher intelligent animals can be labeled as ‘quasi morality’.

Even though every living being on earth does not have the same capabilities, we all deserve respect. Miller suggests in the end of his essay that all humans and nonhumans are entitled to degrees of consideration, respect, and justice. I feel as though this is important for everyone to understand, because everything no matter its competence, deserve respect.