Q&A 4, Answer 2

My question is: Is the use of animal products (such as leather) immoral if it does not require killing (or harming) animals?


As with my previous question, my initial thought is 'no.'  Even upon reflection I still see nothing immoral in utilising animal products.  However, for many people who are fully aware of the rights of animals, it might very well be distasteful.

I do not think it is immoral because if one does harm the animal in question in any way, its rights are not being violated.  Similarly, it is not immoral to use human products as long as one harms no humans in doing so.  For example, if a person decides to voluntarily provide their own milk, which their body generated, to you, so that one can make ice cream, no immorality is involved.  I say 'voluntarily' because if one takes their milk against their will, then even if they are not physically harmed, one is psychologically harming them - and that would be immoral.  Many people, though, would likely object to the idea of drinking human milk, and they might find it similarly disgusting to drink the milk of non-humans if they viewed animals accurately.  Others would see nothing distasteful in either situation.