How I Learned to Love Shrimp Cass Sunstein on why people self-silence about animal welfare
Jul 29, 2025
Cass Sunstein, a Harvard Law professor and former Obama official, delves into the complexities of animal welfare views and societal contradictions. He discusses the challenge of self-silencing, where personal ethics clash with social norms. Sunstein emphasizes the importance of reimagining animal welfare as more than just preventing suffering, advocating for fulfilling lives for animals. Through effective communication and policy integration, he shares strategies for normalizing conversations about animal rights, despite societal pushback.
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Beyond Avoiding Animal Suffering
- Animal well-being involves more than avoiding suffering; it includes the quality of life and flourishing.
- This broader perspective aligns with Aristotelian views on flourishing, beyond hedonistic utilitarianism.
Self-Silencing on Animal Welfare
- Many people care about animal welfare but self-silence due to fear of social disapproval.
- This self-silencing resembles preference falsification, limiting public pro-animal advocacy.
Information Can Spur Behavior Change
- People often avoid learning about animal mistreatment to escape emotional discomfort.
- When informed, many adjust behavior, highlighting an opportunity for change through awareness.
