Do Not Eat Flesh Taken from a Living Animal

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Do Not Eat Flesh Taken from a Living Animal

Literal meaning

Do not remove and consume part of an animal while the animal remains alive.

Broader interpretation

This item should be interpreted within the historical purpose, intended audience and wider structure of its parent ethical framework.

Historical context

This item belongs to Seven Noahide Laws. Rabbinic antiquity, drawing on interpretations of the Hebrew Bible; Ancient Jewish and rabbinic communities.

Practical meaning

Practical application requires attention to intention, consent, evidence, rights, foreseeable effects and the needs of all persons or beings affected.

Ethical purpose

To prohibit an especially direct and severe form of cruelty to animals.

Exceptions and disputes

The narrow rule does not settle wider questions about slaughter, animal farming or avoidable animal suffering.

Variations across schools or traditions

Wording and interpretation may vary between translations, denominations, schools and historical periods.

Modern application

Modern application should distinguish the historical formulation from present legal, social and ethical conditions.

Criticism and difficult cases

The narrow rule does not settle wider questions about slaughter, animal farming or avoidable animal suffering.

Truth By Reason analysis

Truth By Reason assesses this principle through evidence, intentions, rights, foreseeable consequences, consistency and the treatment of all affected beings.

Ethical themes

• Nonviolence
• Treatment of animals
• Compassion

Sources

• Sanhedrin 56a Primary source
• The Seven Noahide Laws Commentary / interpretation