[This is a situation that has never really come up for Robert. He ponders quietly for several long moments, and eventually has something of an awkward answer.]
Causing harm to survive...
In some ways, I suppose all creatures cause... some harm to something to survive. Barring open systems, all things need cycles to sustain themselves; to keep nutrients flowing, for example. Death must occur for life to occur, and vice-versa.
Yet... unnecessary suffering should always be reduced. That is the most ethical thing.
But in the case you outline - causing harm for means of survival - would... would it be considered necessary suffering?
I am not certain... Yet, when you describe that situation, the instigator of it still sounds like a person to me. Zie may not be the... most pleasant individual, but zie still fits the definition of "person"...
[Voice]
Causing harm to survive...
In some ways, I suppose all creatures cause... some harm to something to survive. Barring open systems, all things need cycles to sustain themselves; to keep nutrients flowing, for example. Death must occur for life to occur, and vice-versa.
Yet... unnecessary suffering should always be reduced. That is the most ethical thing.
But in the case you outline - causing harm for means of survival - would... would it be considered necessary suffering?
I am not certain... Yet, when you describe that situation, the instigator of it still sounds like a person to me. Zie may not be the... most pleasant individual, but zie still fits the definition of "person"...