Meta Treks: A Star Trek Philosophy Podcast

Star Trek IV and Environmental Ethics.   In this episode of Meta Treks: A Star Trek Philosophy Podcast, hosts Mike Morrison and Zachary Fruhling explore the issues of animal rights and environmental ethics in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. In the wake of a recent announcement that Sea World is ceasing its captive orca (killer whale) breeding program, Mike and Zachary consider the possible justification for considering whales (and fire ants!) as beings entitled to moral consideration. From whale consciousness and intelligence, to whales' ability to feel pain, to whale pods and the ethics of care, Mike and Zachary have a whale of a time discussing environmental ethics down in Cetacean Ops. Chapters Welcome to Episode 22 and Initial Thoughts (00:01:10)  Changing Sensibilities - Whale Shows and Breeding in Captivity (00:04:56)  Synopsis of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (00:10:00)  Whale Consciousness and Intelligence - Kantian Ethics (00:12:22)  Whale Pain and Pleasure - Utilitarian Ethics (00:22:27)  Whale Com