Martha Nussbaum, a philosopher and professor of Law and Ethics at the University of Chicago, discusses the need for an overlapping consensus between citizens with different beliefs, the impact of regarding animals as sentient beings, and the importance of being a 'happy warrior' for moral causes.
Understanding animals' cognitive abilities allows us to appreciate their diverse experiences.
Advocating for changes in practices like factory farming and destructive fishing can reduce animal suffering.
Teaching children about animal welfare and engaging in local politics can lead to positive changes in animal protections.
Deep dives
Recognizing the value of animals and their abilities
Animals have complex cognitive abilities, such as magnetic perception in birds and echolocation in dolphins. Understanding these capacities allows us to appreciate the diverse ways animals experience the world.
Addressing the mistreatment of animals
Many practices, like factory farming and destructive fishing techniques, cause pain and suffering to animals. We can change these practices by advocating for speed limits on container ships, banning single-use plastics, and advocating against harmful fishing practices.
The important role of education and awareness
Teaching children about the lives of animals and fostering programs in schools that educate on animal welfare can create a more compassionate and informed society.
Taking action through local politics and advocacy
Engaging in local politics can lead to positive changes in animal welfare. Efforts can be made to ban practices like puppy mills and provide protections for companion animals.
Animal welfare legislation and puppy mills
Chicago enacted a law prohibiting pet shops from selling animals from puppy mills. However, puppy mills found ways to smuggle their dogs and pass them off as shelter animals, prompting the city council to pass stricter legislation.
The role of technology in animal rights and development
The podcast discusses the potential of technological solutions to address animal rights issues and promote development. Examples include the use of stem cell-based meat to reduce the environmental impact of animal agriculture and the development of robotic surgery to replace animal experimentation. This viewpoint supports the idea that technological advancements can help overcome moral dilemmas and improve the well-being of animals and humans.
Yascha Mounk and Martha Nussbaum discuss how to reflect on a life lived well.
Martha Nussbaum is a philosopher and the Ernst Freund Distinguished Service Professor of Law and Ethics at the University of Chicago. Nussbaum is the author of many books, including, most recently, Justice for Animals: Our Collective Responsibility.
In this week’s conversation, Yascha Mounk and Martha Nussbaum discuss the need for an overlapping consensus between citizens of profoundly different beliefs; how regarding animals as sentient beings might change our behavior towards them; and why one ought to be a “happy warrior” for moral causes.