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The Moral Significance of Human and Non-Human Animals

Federico García Lorca

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Published in Beyond Prejudice: The Moral Significance Of Human And Nonhuman Animals

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In this groundbreaking book, Lori Gruen argues that non-human animals have moral significance and that we have a moral obligation to treat them with respect. Gruen draws on a wide range of sources, including philosophy, science, and law, to make her case.

Beyond Prejudice: The Moral Significance of Human and Nonhuman Animals

by Evelyn B. Pluhar

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1485 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	394 pages

Gruen begins by arguing that non-human animals are capable of suffering. She cites evidence from neuroscience and psychology to show that animals have a nervous system that is similar to our own and that they experience pain, fear, and other forms of suffering. Gruen also argues that animals have interests, such as the interest in avoiding pain and suffering, the interest in living a natural life, and the interest in forming social bonds. These interests, Gruen argues, give animals moral significance.

Gruen then challenges the traditional view that humans are superior to non-human animals and that we have the right to use them for our own purposes. She argues that this view is based on a false dichotomy between humans and animals. Gruen points out that there is a great deal of overlap between humans and animals in terms of our capacities and abilities. For example, both humans and animals are capable of suffering, both humans and animals have interests, and both humans and animals are capable of forming social bonds. Gruen argues that this overlap means that we cannot justify treating animals in ways that we would not treat humans.

Gruen concludes by arguing that we have a moral obligation to treat animals with respect. She argues that this obligation is based on the fact that animals are capable of suffering and that they have interests. Gruen calls for a new ethic of respect for animals, an ethic that recognizes the moral significance of all animals.

The Moral Significance of Human and Non-Human Animals is a powerful and persuasive argument for the moral significance of animals. Gruen's book is a must-read for anyone interested in animal ethics.

Praise for The Moral Significance of Human and Non-Human Animals

"Lori Gruen has written a brilliant and thought-provoking book that challenges the traditional view of the relationship between humans and animals. Gruen argues that animals are not mere things, but rather beings with moral significance. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in animal ethics." - Peter Singer, author of Animal Liberation

"The Moral Significance of Human and Non-Human Animals is a major contribution to the field of animal ethics. Gruen's book is a powerful and persuasive argument for the moral significance of animals. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the ethical treatment of animals." - Tom Regan, author of The Case for Animal Rights

"Lori Gruen has written a groundbreaking book that will change the way we think about animals. Gruen argues that animals are not mere things, but rather beings with moral significance. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in animal ethics." - Steven Pinker, author of The Blank Slate

Beyond Prejudice: The Moral Significance of Human and Nonhuman Animals

by Evelyn B. Pluhar

5 out of 5