Item 16 in Truth By Reason Master Ethical Code

Respect Animals and the Living World

Recognise animal suffering as morally significant and protect ecosystems, biodiversity, soil, water and climate.

Position
16
Form
Mixed formulation
Obligation
Context-dependent
Wording status
Translation
Intended audience
Everyone
Last reviewed
28 June 2026

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Respect Animals and the Living World

Source wording

<p>Recognise animal suffering as morally significant and protect ecosystems, biodiversity, soil, water and climate.</p>

Translation

Literal meaning

Recognise animal suffering as morally significant and protect ecosystems, biodiversity, soil, water and climate.

Broader interpretation

Human convenience alone does not justify serious avoidable cruelty or environmental destruction.

Practical meaning

Recognise animal suffering as morally significant and protect ecosystems, biodiversity, soil, water and climate.

Ethical purpose

Human convenience alone does not justify serious avoidable cruelty or environmental destruction.

Modern application

Apply this principle to personal conduct, organisations and public policy, with particular attention to people and beings who carry the greatest risks while holding the least power.

Criticism and difficult cases

This principle may conflict with other duties. It should therefore be applied with evidence, proportionality, role reversal, attention to power and review of foreseeable consequences.

Truth By Reason analysis

Human convenience alone does not justify serious avoidable cruelty or environmental destruction.

Sources