The Pros And Cons Of Animal Captivity

Methodology
Throughout the course of researching and writing my project I used three main methods to help me achieve the answer to my investigation – is it right to keep animals captive? The most significant method I used was the axiological approach. My project required me to analyse the values of people in regards to animal rights and whether we should keep animals in captivity. Therefore, I had to weigh up the pros and cons of zoos, wildlife parks and circuses to see if animal captivity is immoral. Researching into the pros and cons of this issue also allowed me to question and analyse my own values regarding this diverse ethical subject. By looking at both sides of the argument, I was able to see the bigger picture and look at this issue in a different light, which I would not have realised without my in depth analysis of human beings in relation to animals. The axiological approach was the most beneficial to my project because it focuses on the analysis of different viewpoints to come to an answer to my question, which is why I chose to use it. People’s values and ethical stance in relation to animal rights is key in
justifying animal captivity, or having the ability to make sure it comes to an end once and for all.

Furthermore, I used the empirical approach within my project. I analysed statistical data when I surveyed ten random people to see the similarities and differences between the participant’s answers. I wanted to investigate whether the participant’s answers were similar to my known, which I predicted they would be. The survey I conducted also gave me an insight into how much the public care about animal rights, and whether upsetting information would change their mind about visiting and funding such places. I found the mix of answers extremely interesting, which showed I was wrong to assume that everyone values the wellbeing of animals as highly as I do. I also conducted an interview with the manager of UK zoo and theme park, Flamingo Land. This was an opportunity to see the other side of the picture and really opened my eyes to the positive work of UK zoos in terms of conservation. Without this interview, I would not have been able to see the passion and care workers of zoos really have for the animals, which was able to slightly change my mind in regards to animal captivity. This was an important element to my project because it showed some positivity regarding the issue, rather than the negative upsetting stories from international zoos and wildlife parks in particular. I chose to use this method because both of these features allowed for the public’s first hand opinions on the topic, rather than just my own and the views of various philosophers, making it more real and relatable.

Additionally, I used the hermeneutic-interpretive approach within my project.
To investigate whether the use of animal captivity is right or wrong, I studied different philosophical arguments in order to give me a broader picture of the issue and help me to decide my own opinion on the matter.
This included arguments from Peter Singer, Tom Regan, John Stuart Mill and Alasdair MacIntyre who are against the use of animal captivity. This contrasted with arguments from Immanuel Kant, Aristotle, Carl Cohen and Ernest Partridge who are for the use of animal captivity. It was interesting to see the differing viewpoints while I investigated what meaning these texts had in relation to animal rights and animal captivity. Therefore, I used various primary and secondary textual materials to help me do so. I chose to use this method to get a wide range of scholarly views on the subject to help me come to a knowledgeable
answer.