Chapter 84: Animal Dignity

If dignity is structural, it cannot be confined to a single species. This chapter extends the framework of the relevant chapter beyond humans by identifying the structural threshold for moral standing: any carrier with τ-distinction — a well-defined NF address and non-trivial identity-invariants — has dignity. Since many animals meet this threshold, species membership is not the relevant criterion. The chapter develops a graduated dignity scale: dignity has a minimum floor (binary inclusion) but admits degrees of structural complexity that affect the scope and stringency of ethical obligations.