This dissertation entitled ‘Buddhist Ethics that Applied to Human and Non-human Species’ has three objectives: 1) to study the concept of ethics applied to humans and non-human species given by philosophers, 2) to analyze the Buddhist ethics relating to humans and non-human species, and 3) to analyze the application of Buddhist ethics to humans and non-human species. This is a documentary research.

                 In the research, it was found that the ethical concepts being applied to human and non-human species were of three groups: Anthropocentric ethics holding no moral status to non-human species, Non-anthropocentric ethics holding some moral status but not being same as human to non-human species, and Value-centric ethics holding equal moral status to non-human species respectively. In this matter, Buddhist ethics falls into the group claiming that non-human species by nature possess some moral value but are not as same value as human, such as intelligent ability and reasoning. Saying that human holds moral status higher than non-human species is brought about man’s improper treatment to them and placing them on the equal moral status gives rise to difficulty to man’s living life at the present.

                 By virtues of the mentioned reasons, while facing the moral dilemma Buddhist ethics holds certain precepts, middle path and law of action as the criteria  of moral judgment. Such an application of the aforesaid criteria will be able to completely dealt with the group whose disbelief in moral status of non-human species is upheld and the group holding the equality in moral status of non-human species on the ground that all sentient beings share the same position as human as the friends in the circle of life where killing or destroying ought not to be morally done. The chief reasons in the application of Buddhist ethics are basically derived from the ethical symbiotic relationship between human and non-human species as appeared in the Buddhist scriptures.

                 In this research, suggestions gained from the new body of knowledge can be alternatively used to be the state policy on the management of relationship between human and non-human species because all sentient beings love happiness and hate suffering and therefore they should not be harmed in immoral manners.

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