For almost 5000 years now, an anthropocentric world view has prevailed in large parts of the world. In general, this view claims that humanity is at the center of the world and enjoys a prominent position in nature. The common division of all living beings into humans and non-humans illustrates this fact. Also, the most religions (e.g. Christianity, Judaism, Islam) describes the human as the pride of creation. However, not only religions propagate this view. Humanism, too, attributes a unique position to mankind.
A consequence of the view that the human being is placed higher, is the disparagement of other living beings. Therefore, since the beginning of anthropocentrism, non-human animals are objectified, exploited as slaves and consumed as food. It is called speciesism, more specific, carnism. Both a "subcategory" of anthropocentrism. However, this approach to the environment is neither ecologically sustainable nor morally justifiable.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Defining reasons
- Public Justification Principle (PJP)
- Disproving carnist arguments
- Tradition (normal)
- Hedonism
- Health/Biological (necessary)
- Difference in the worth of living beings?
- How do humans see themselves in the world, between other living beings? (natural)
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper explores the possibility of legally enforced veganism, aiming to provide a normative justification for prohibiting the consumption of animal products. It delves into the reasons why a state might be justified in enacting such a ban, examining the arguments of carnists and challenging their justifications.
- Public Justification Principle (PJP)
- Carnist arguments for meat consumption
- Moral implications of speciesism and carnism
- Animal rights and the ethical treatment of non-human animals
- The concept of public reason in political philosophy
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction sets the stage for the paper, highlighting the anthropocentric worldview and its historical influence on the exploitation of non-human animals. It introduces the concept of carnism and its inherent flaws, particularly its lack of ecological and moral sustainability.
Chapter II, "Defining reasons," delves into the Public Justification Principle (PJP) and its role in justifying coercive laws. It defines the concept of public reason, outlining the criteria for sufficient reasons to be accepted by a reasonable public.
Chapter III, "Disproving carnist arguments," dissects several common justifications for carnism. It analyzes arguments based on tradition, hedonism, health and biological necessity, and the inherent difference in the worth of living beings. This chapter challenges the legitimacy of these arguments, highlighting their flaws and contradictions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The core keywords of this paper encompass the concepts of public reason, animal rights, speciesism, carnism, anthropocentrism, and justifications for legal enforced veganism. It explores the moral and philosophical dimensions of the human-animal relationship, challenging traditional views and advocating for a more ethical and sustainable approach to animal consumption.
- Quote paper
- Severin Grüber (Author), 2019, How to justify a legal enforced veganism. A case of the Homo Carnivorous, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/611405
