[Discussion] Animals and ethics

Animals have always been part of human life--as companions, workers, symbols, food, and fellow inhabitants of our world. But what, philosophically speaking, are animals to us? And what should they be?

Since antiquity, thinkers have debated the similarities and differences between humans and other animals. Aristotle famously argued that humans alone possess a rational soul. In the 20th century, zoologist Donald Griffin challenged the scientific orthodoxy of his time by defending the idea that animals are conscious--facing enough resistance that he coined the term “mentophobia” to describe the fear of attributing minds to animals.

Alongside these debates, moral questions about our treatment of animals have become increasingly central. In 1822, Britain passed one of the first laws against animal cruelty. In 1975, Australian philosopher Peter Singer’s Animal Liberation reignited philosophical and public debate by arguing that the capacity to suffer--not species membership--should ground moral consideration.

So where does that leave us?

• Is it morally unproblematic to keep pets?
• Are we justified in eating animals?
• Does animal suffering matter as much as human suffering?
• Could some animals have a stronger claim to life than certain humans?

In this session, we’ll explore these questions together. No background in philosophy is required, only curiosity, a willingness to think carefully and to discuss respectfully.

Hope to see you there!