In response to Seamus Grimes: the reason I suggest that we as humans have
responsibilities is that we, as a species, (as far as we know) are the only
creatures on this planet capable of discussing this question, and of making
choices about whether or not to respect rights which others possess/should
possess etc. Thus while we can chose to destroy an ecosystem, the ecosystem
cannot destroy us (unless you buy the extreme versions of Gaian theory).
And while a lion may eat me, it is not making a conscious decision to
deprive me of my right to flourish. Human beings do not have this excuse.
If we are capable of exercising reason and compassion, we should do so in
situations where there is a possibility of others' rights being threatened.
Of course we constantly create situations through the exercise of
power,force etc. which do not allow other human beings to make reasoned or
compassionate decisions- to act in desperation etc. In this case the
responsibility must lie with those who constrain the possibilities of
others, not with those living with the consequences.
This is a little confused; maybe someone else can explain it better!
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