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Lookup NU author(s): Mx Jan DeckersORCiD
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In recent times, the Catholic Church magisterium published two influential texts with some significance for animal ethics: the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and the encyclical letter Laudato Si’. These texts are scrutinised here, focusing on the human consumption of animals for food. Whilst the concept of ‘intrinsic value’ is applied to nonhuman animals, there is no rigorous analysis of what this concept might mean and of what its recognition might imply for our relationships with nonhuman animals. This is problematic. Here, I provide much needed clarity, which has been lacking in the (animal) ethics literature in general, in relation to the concept of ‘intrinsic value’. I also reject the strong anthropocentric perspective that underpins these Catholic texts, wherein nonhuman animals are valued almost exclusively instrumentally. The alternative, weak anthropocentric perspective that I sketch recognises animals’ intrinsic values and demands qualified moral veganism, which is defended against five potential criticisms.
Author(s): Deckers J
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Dilemata
Year: 2022
Volume: 39
Pages: 33-49
Online publication date: 02/09/2022
Acceptance date: 02/09/2022
ISSN (electronic): 1989-7022
Publisher: Dilemata
URL: https://www.dilemata.net/revista/index.php/dilemata/article/view/412000467/847
