A handful of years ago I was more into researching this topic, reading Animal Liberation by Peter Singer. That book proposes a variation on the utilitarian theory that Nussbaum criticizes here. I wondered what she meant with “averages”. This paraphrased quote from the linked Wikipedia page provides more insight:
In addition, Martha Nussbaum has argued that the capability approach provides a more adequate foundation of justice than Utilitarianism can supply. Utilitarianism, Nussbaum argues, ignores adaptive preferences, elides the separateness of distinct persons, misidentifies valuable human/non-human emotions such as grief, and calculates according to "sum-rankings" rather than inviolable protection of intrinsic entitlements.
Agree fully about need for perspective of interdependence. More education and understanding of that is essential.
I am not so keen on some of those strategies that make it all about similarity to humans, though it may be that is effective and perhaps necessary in the current world. Each creature or species could be appreciated for its own nature and qualities.
I think the problem with animal rights is that some feel it down plays the plight of humans. There’s this either or mentality. We are too quick to judge animals as less than. I know it is such a cliche but when all life is viewed as interconnected and interdependent, all is sacred and valued. It’s arrogant to think we are superior to animals when they have so much to offer us. The same with trees, plants and,yes, even bugs. Ignorance is not bliss, it’s very harmful and irresponsible. Just take a walk in nature, without earbuds, and really be present to your surroundings. It’s truly magical. Healing.
A handful of years ago I was more into researching this topic, reading Animal Liberation by Peter Singer. That book proposes a variation on the utilitarian theory that Nussbaum criticizes here. I wondered what she meant with “averages”. This paraphrased quote from the linked Wikipedia page provides more insight:
I can see the point there :)
Thanks for your comment Thor. Animal Liberation took me on a Google search. Very interesting.
Agree fully about need for perspective of interdependence. More education and understanding of that is essential. I am not so keen on some of those strategies that make it all about similarity to humans, though it may be that is effective and perhaps necessary in the current world. Each creature or species could be appreciated for its own nature and qualities.
I think the problem with animal rights is that some feel it down plays the plight of humans. There’s this either or mentality. We are too quick to judge animals as less than. I know it is such a cliche but when all life is viewed as interconnected and interdependent, all is sacred and valued. It’s arrogant to think we are superior to animals when they have so much to offer us. The same with trees, plants and,yes, even bugs. Ignorance is not bliss, it’s very harmful and irresponsible. Just take a walk in nature, without earbuds, and really be present to your surroundings. It’s truly magical. Healing.