Speciesism Basics
This term describes the discrimination against or exploitation of certain species based on arbitrary differences.
Speciesism
This philosopher coined the term speciesism in 1970.
Richard D. Ryder
How is speciesism similar to racism?
Both justify mistreatment based on an arbitrary characteristic—species or race.
Name one environmental issue caused by speciesism.
Deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas
emissions
What is sentience?
The capacity to experience feelings and sensations like pain and pleasure.
Non-human animals are often treated as these, used for food, labor, or entertainment. (one word)
Resource or Commodity
Speciesism has been compared to these two forms of discrimination based on race and gender.
Racism and Sexism
Name one practice justified by speciesism that parallels human discrimination.
Factory farming (parallels slavery).
How does speciesism contribute to climate change?
Through greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming.
Name one animal known for demonstrating self-awareness.
Dolphins or apes.
This concept challenges the idea that humans are inherently superior to other animals.
Animal Rights
This thinker argued that animals deserve equal moral consideration based on their capacity for suffering.
Peter Singer
How does sexism relate to speciesism?
Both involve unjust hierarchies that overlook the welfare of those deemed “inferior.”
What ethical principle does speciesism violate?
The principle that all sentient beings deserve equal consideration.
What's one argument for granting a dolphin personhood based on its cognitive abilities?
demonstrate self-awareness, problem-solving, and complex emotions
These three industries are some of the largest contributors to speciesist practices.
food (factory farming), clothing, and entertainment
What were the two things Richard Ryder compared speciesism to regarding human discrimination?
Racism and Sexism
Why are comparisons between speciesism and other discriminations controversial?
species differences justify treatment, unlike arbitrary human traits like race or gender.
How can reducing animal consumption help the environment?
It can reduce pollution, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions.
What does granting personhood to animals mean in terms of legal rights?
It means animals would be entitled to legal protections, such as the right not to be exploited or harmed.
A moral framework that prioritizes human needs over the suffering of other animals supports this type of bias.
speciesism
According to Peter Singer, discriminating based on species is as unjust as discrimination based on...?
Race or Gender
What trait do all forms of discrimination ignore in their victims?
The shared capacity to suffer.
How does speciesism impact biodiversity?
By promoting habitat destruction and reducing species diversity through human activities like factory farming.
What is the philosophical basis for denying animals personhood?
The belief that personhood requires advanced reasoning or moral agency.