Title
Why animal suffering matters : philosophy, theology, and practical ethics / Andrew Linzey.
ISBN
9780195379778 (alk. paper)
0195379772 (alk. paper)
Imprint
Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2009.
Language
English
Description
xii, 206 p. ; 25 cm.
Call Number
HV4708 .L5644 2009
Dewey Decimal Classification
179/.3
Summary
Andrew Linzey, the father of 'animal theology' grounds his arguments not on "animal rights" or on a secondary moral significance to animals, but on man's ethical responsibility towards innocent, defenseless, and vulnerable animals who are considered different or lower than us. The irrational and linguistic deficiencies, the alleged lack of moral agency, or even self-awareness compared to mature humanity are rational grounds for ethical concern by the mere fact that their undeserved suffering cannot be assumed to be any less than human suffering, since the significance of their suffering must be reckoned in their own terms, not ours. His central point is that, we cannot continue to privilege human suffering, but we must recognize that even animal differences argue for treating them with the care and concern we extend for our very young. Abused animals deserve special moral solicitude just as abused infants do who, though dependent on us for their welfare, can neither articulate or represent themselves.
Bibliography, etc. Note
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Introduction : Reason, ethics, and animals
pt. 1. Making the rational case
Why animal suffering matters morally
How we minimise animal suffering and how we can change
pt. 2. Three practical critiques
First case : hunting with dogs
Second case : fur farming
Third case : commercial sealing
Conclusion : Re-establishing animals and children as a common cause, and six objections considered.
