The Concept of Moral Circle Expansion

The history of moral consideration in the West has been characterized by a gradual expansion of the moral circle, where attitudes toward animals and non-human entities have evolved over time. While there have been fluctuations in thought, a significant shift occurred in the past century, as people began to recognize the moral significance of various creatures beyond humans. Historical views that confined moral concern primarily to humans have been challenged, with increasing acknowledgment of the rights and welfare of animals, including mammals, birds, and even potential consciousness in cephalopods. This expansion raises crucial questions about which beings deserve moral consideration as society grapples with the implications of extending rights to non-human entities.