EconTalk

Do All Creatures, Great and Small, and Made From Silicon, Have Rights? (with Jeff Sebo)

94 snips
Mar 31, 2025
Philosopher Jeff Sebo from NYU dives into the ethics of extending moral consideration beyond humans to animals and even AI. He discusses whether monkeys should have the same rights as humans and examines the implications of consciousness in various beings. Sebo challenges human exceptionalism and explores our ethical obligations to all sentient creatures. The conversation raises compelling questions about animal welfare, the ethics of AI, and the responsibilities we have in a rapidly changing world.
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INSIGHT

Moral Circle Definition

  • The moral circle describes our scope of moral responsibility.
  • It encompasses those we feel accountable to and consider in decisions.
ANECDOTE

Roommate Thought Experiment

  • Sebo presents a thought experiment involving roommates, one Neanderthal (Carmen), and one robot (Dara).
  • This explores how revelations about their nature impact moral obligations.
INSIGHT

Welfare Principle

  • The welfare principle states that capacity for welfare implies moral standing.
  • Being capable of being benefited or harmed means you matter morally.
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