Abstract
The use of insects for consumption is sometimes defended on the grounds that such animals: (1) are less capable of suffering; (2) are little harmed by death or (3) they should have a lower moral status (i.e., that they should receive less consideration in the face of equivalent damages). In this article I will challenge these three claims. I will also argue that, even if these claims were correct, it does not follow that exploitation of insects is justifiable. Finally, I will discuss the degree of importance we should attach to the situation of insects (and other invertebrates) in general.
Keywords:
Insect consumption; Speciesism; Sentience; Moral consideration for invertebrates; Animal ethics.