Philosophy 370

1. Consider Malebranche's   Argument From Divine Recompense:

(1) If God is just, then no creature is miserable without deserving it.
(2) No sinless creature deserves misery.
(3) Suffering without recompense is misery.
(4) Animals are not granted recompense for suffering.
(5) Animals are sinless.
(6) God is just
(7)   Thus, animals do not suffer (i.e. feel pain, etc.)

2. Consider the Dupré inspired Argument from the Meaning of Pain:

(1) In the absence of behavioural criteria we cannot even attach meaning to mental terms.
(2) The attribution of mentality cannot be independent of behaviour.
(3) Many, though not all, of the behaviours associated with pain are shared by humans and non-human animals.
(4) Hence, non-human animals feel pain.

3. At most one of these arguments can be successful. Option A: Pick one argument to defend. Justify its premises and its validity. Show what is problematic with the other argument. Justify your claims. Option B: Provide reasons to think the premises of both arguments are true, but show that both arguments still fail. Justify your claims.

[Caveat--grant Malebranche that God exists and is just--premise (6) is not an acceptable target.]

Due: Tuesday, Mar. 21st at the beginning of class. Email submission is permissible.

Value: 30 points