How to Count Animals, more or less

Shelly Kagan rejects the idea that animals and people have the same moral status and argues for a hierarchical approach in which people count more than animals and some animals count more than others. This reveals how much work needs to be done to arrive at an adequate view of our duties toward animals and morality more generally.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 14 January 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Most people believe that animals have moral value. However, it is not clear how we should consider animals in our moral deliberations. A prominent position in contemporary philosophical discussions holds that animals and humans have the same moral status, meaning that the interests of both should be given equal weight and consideration. In her book "How to Count Animals," Shelly Kagan challenges this view and advocates for a hierarchical approach. Kagan suggests that humans count more than animals, and some animals count more than others. Unfortunately, most moral theories have not been developed to account for these differences in moral status. By arguing for a hierarchical account of morality and exploring what appropriate, status-sensitive principles might look like, Kagan reveals the significant work that needs to be done to develop an adequate view of our duties toward animals and morality more broadly.

Introduction:
The moral status of animals has been a topic of debate for centuries. While most people agree that animals have moral value, there is disagreement on how we should consider their interests in our moral deliberations. A prominent position in contemporary philosophical discussions holds that animals and humans have the same moral status, meaning that the interests of both should be given equal weight and consideration. In her book "How to Count Animals," Shelly Kagan challenges this view and advocates for a hierarchical approach.
The Hierarchical Approach:
Kagan suggests that humans count more than animals and that some animals count more than others. She argues that this hierarchy is based on various factors, such as cognitive abilities, emotional capacities, and the ability to experience suffering. For example, humans are considered to have higher cognitive abilities than animals, which allows them to understand complex concepts and make moral judgments. In contrast, animals may have more basic emotional capacities and may not be able to experience the same level of suffering as humans.
The Importance of Status-Sensitive Principles:
Kagan argues that a hierarchical approach to morality requires the development of status-sensitive principles. These principles would take into account the differences in moral status between humans and animals and would guide our moral decisions. For example, we may prioritize the well-being of humans over the well-being of animals in situations where there is a conflict between the two. However, we may also prioritize the well-being of animals in situations where they are suffering or in danger.
Challenges to the Hierarchical Approach:
Despite the appeal of a hierarchical approach, there are several challenges to it. One of the main challenges is that it may be difficult to determine the exact level of moral status that different animals have. Another challenge is that it may be difficult to apply status-sensitive principles in practice, as moral decisions often involve complex ethical considerations.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, most people believe that animals have moral value. However, the question of how we should consider animals in our moral deliberations remains a topic of debate. Kagan's hierarchical approach suggests that humans count more than animals and that some animals count more than others. While this approach has its merits, it also presents challenges. It is important to continue to explore and develop moral theories that take into account the differences in moral status between humans and animals.

Weight: 394g
Dimension: 135 x 217 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192862761