Many sense that something is very wrong in the way that humans treat animals, but also may struggle to articulate why that is the case. This course offers a survey of some significant ways that scholars and activists have articulated systematic accounts for why we ought to seriously value animal life. We will do so not solely for academic interest, but because understanding the “why” of animal ethics is crucial to shaping the “how” of individual and political action to reduce animal suffering and domination. We will examine: the contemporary state of animal suffering, foundational theories for ethically considering animal life, and the academic cutting edge of animal issues.

Instructor