New Philosophical Foundation for the Protection of Animals
Animals worldwide suffer injustice and cruelty: whether through the destruction of their habitats, the torments of industrial animal farming, poaching or the neglect of pets that we supposedly love so dearly.
Martha Nussbaum, drawing on her foundational capabilities approach, develops a new philosophical, legal and moral basis for the protection of animals. From dolphins to crows, from elephants to octopuses, she describes the lives of animals with wonder, awe and compassion, and points the way to a world in which we humans are friends of animals rather than exploiters or users. Every animal must have the chance to flourish in its own way, and we have a collective duty to confront and eliminate animal suffering. Nussbaum’s groundbreaking theory is an urgent call to action and a handbook for change in politics and law, so that we may live up to our ethical responsibility.
Animals’ Right to a Flourishing Life
Over the course of her long career, the distinguished and highly decorated philosopher Martha C. Nussbaum has written important books on fundamental human themes: sex and gender, ethics, politics and justice, to name but a few.
With her new book, however, she now turns to the non-human as well. In «Justice for Animals: Our Collective Responsibility», the 75-year-old Nussbaum argues, among other things, for a stronger legal standing for animals and for an ethical framework in which the right of animals to a flourishing life is not subordinated to our own. «Every single animal of every species should have a reasonable chance to lead a life that is characteristic of that creature,» says Nussbaum. «But there are so many problems that stand in the way.»
Interview in the New York Times
| You can help all animals and our planet with compassion. Choose empathy on your plate and in your glass. Go vegan. |
