The Poverty of Animals: Towards a Marxist Theory of Animal Welfare

This book provides a Marxist perspective on animal rights, focusing on creating a social formation to improve animal welfare and understanding current debates on animal issues. It is of interest to scholars of politics and political philosophy, and animal rights activists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 09 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book makes a substantial theoretical contribution to the realm of animal rights issues, approached from a Marxist perspective. By drawing upon ethics, politics, and philosophy, it endeavors to establish a social formation that will enhance animal welfare. Moreover, the book facilitates the readers' grasp of the current theoretical debates surrounding animal welfare and provides valuable insights into both theoretical and practical perspectives in addressing animal-related concerns.

The significance of this book extends to scholars of politics and political philosophy, particularly those with an interest in Marxism, as well as animal rights activists. It offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the complex interplay between social structures, power dynamics, and animal welfare, providing valuable insights for those seeking to promote and advocate for the better treatment of animals.

The book is organized into several chapters, each dedicated to exploring different aspects of animal rights and the Marxist framework. The first chapter provides an introduction to the topic, laying out the theoretical framework and the key arguments that will be developed throughout the book. The subsequent chapters delve into the ethical and political dimensions of animal rights, examining the historical and cultural contexts that shape our attitudes towards animals and the ways in which these attitudes are perpetuated by social institutions.

One of the key themes of the book is the notion of exploitation. The author argues that animals are subjected to exploitation by humans for various purposes, including food, clothing, research, and entertainment. This exploitation, according to the author, is not only unjust but also detrimental to animal welfare. The book explores the various forms of exploitation that animals face and proposes strategies for combating them, including the promotion of veganism, the abolition of animal agriculture, and the protection of animal habitats.

Another important theme of the book is the concept of social formation. The author argues that the current social structure is inherently exploitative and oppressive towards animals, and that it is necessary to create a new social formation that values and respects animal welfare. The book provides insights into the historical and political processes that have led to the current social structure and proposes strategies for transforming it, including the promotion of social justice, the empowerment of marginalized communities, and the creation of new institutions that prioritize animal welfare.

Throughout the book, the author employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing upon insights from ethics, politics, philosophy, and other fields. This approach allows for a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the complex issues surrounding animal rights and provides a rich foundation for developing practical solutions.

In conclusion, this book makes a significant theoretical contribution to the realm of animal rights issues, approached from a Marxist perspective. By examining the ethical, political, and philosophical dimensions of animal rights, it provides a comprehensive framework for promoting and advocating for the better treatment of animals. The book is of great interest to scholars of politics and political philosophy, as well as animal rights activists, and will undoubtedly inspire further research and action in this critical area.

Weight: 460g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032366029