Food Ethics 2 (or is it 3?).... Trying yet again

I can think of no reason they should not eat us, assuming we are of no other use to them. We would be more distant, biologically, than a chicken or fish is from us.

I am approaching this one on a very loose light minded way...

Assuming the rarity of life in this universe as a premise I would plead for the conservation of bio-diversity in the galaxy as means of hypothetically competing with any other around...and not because I believe that our specific presence as a acting part in this bio diversity asks for any special case consideration on itself, but essentially because we are the ones around to work with in the first place...

I'm not really smart enough to make this argument (so they'd probably eat me) but I'd approach it from the perspective that we understand the germs and bacteria and other microorganisms of this planet and that these things could potentially devastate their population.

Is that a "we are the best sherpas to navigate the other tasty creatures here" approach? (if so, I say you bring a slice of pig : - )

I agree with Edgar. I can think of no compelling moral reason why a higher-order predator than we are should feel remorse about eating us.

Cycloptichorn

I'm in the same boat, and something that made the mental exercise still-playable to me was realizing that I could easily think of reasons I'd not want to be eaten and would probably try to come up with an argument anyway, even if I couldn't believe in it.

With that in mind, do you have any ideas for arguments you might find most compelling, even if you don't ultimately subscribe to the position?

Edit: I want to disqualify in advance the best argument I have seen posited; that you should pose this very scenario to them and get away while they engage in meta-argument.

As I suggested previously the only objective grounds that I can think of for an inter species working ethics would be based on the assumption of a potentially fruitful cooperation, thus implying a similar level of development...aside that I cannot see any other valid natural argument.

I guess my first question would be: why does a hyper-intelligent alien race rely upon energy intake in such a gross fashion? Surely they could come up with a better solution. It would be one of my top priorities, were I them.

... and yes, that same argument applies to us, as well. I think that we're WORKING on a better solution, but still lack the technology to implement it.

Cycloptichorn

"People aren't kosher."

You know, religion might really be the argument with the best track record for getting people not to eat stuff.

No... not really that..... though I would suggest some tasty meals.

I'm thinking more that they might need our knowledge to understand the types of microorganisms that live here and how best to combat them. Even if they were supremely intelligent our practical experience in fighting disease might come in handy.

I can think of only one better way to convince people not to eat something: tell them it's disgusting.

While my views aren't perfect, at this point I am finding sense in what cyclo had to say in 2 of his posts.

Re: remorse.
I feel remorse for having eaten so many animals when I didn't have to. I have remorse when I realize the horrible conditions animals had to live in, simply to satisfy what was basically a whim on my part. I continue to feel remorse when I occassionally cannot summon certain feelings to the surface when I am over hungry and fail to hold on until I can find something more suitable to eat.

I think a creatures capcity for feeling remorse increases as their intelligence increases. A slug doesn't know that emotion, but does a horse, a dog, a chimp? I dont' know, but I've seen instances that lead me to believe so.
If another race were hyper intelligent, surely they would have the capacity to regret also.

It's not necessary for me to kill a living creature to enjoy health and good food. Surely a hyper intelligent race would understand that even more. I just don't know if I believe hyper intelligent people would even find eating meat attactive, and protein and enjoyment can be found easily. It wouldn't make sense to them.

Honestly? Eating meat is pretty darn lazy, if you're not the one doing the actual slaughter.

Are n´t plants and vegetables living creatures to ???

Well that's just an amazing argument I have never heard before.

Please, let us not prove to these ET's we are no more than mindless slugs.

And so now that you actually heard it from me what is your saying on it ?
Do you have a reply, or are you considering eating rocks after all ?

...defending animal rights does n´t have any direct relation with preaching Veganism any more then God has a necessary relation with the existence of our Universe...the difference being that animal rights actually exist, or can be conceived off...maybe instead you are up for debating the extension of those rights instead...

I'd tell them I taste too gamey for their refined tastes. Plus, I'd be a bit too chewy as to be quite inedible.

You're not taking it literal enough Robert. Most people technically aren't kosher except if they're vegans. Nonvegans and those not suffering from lactose intolerance ingest all kinds of dairy products. Dairy and meat ≠ Kosher qualified. All one has to do is eat some cheese or consume a pint of ice cream before the alien plans on eating you and pray they hold to Kosher law.