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Galgut, Elisa. A Critique of the Cultural Defense of Animal Cruelty
2019, Journal of Animal Ethics 9 (2):184
Topics: Applied Ethics; Culture; Justice; Life Sciences; Normative Ethics
Keywords: animal sacrifice; animal welfare; culture; moral status; multiculturalism; ritual slaughter
Traditions: Analytic; Comparative/Intercultural; Critical; Cultural; Sub-Saharan African
Languages: English

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Added by: Simon Fokt, Contributed by: Anonymous
Abstract:
I argue that cultural practices that harm animals are not morally defensible: Tradition cannot justify cruelty. My conclusion applies to all such practices, including ones that are long-standing, firmly entrenched, or held sacred by their practitioners. Following Mary Midgley, I argue that cultural practices are open to moral scrutiny, even from outsiders. Because animals have moral status, they may not be harmed without good reason. I argue that the importance of religious or cultural rituals to adherents does not count as a sufficiently good reason to harm or kill animals, since rituals are inherently symbolic, and cultures are able to adapt and change, making adherence to cruel traditions unnecessary.
Comment : This paper can be used in a class on animal ethics / rights. It argues that rituals involving harm or cruelty to animals are not justifiable. The paper can be used in a discussion on animal rights issues and multi-culturalism.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Recommended use: Specialised

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Read freeBlue print
Odour, Reginald M.J.. African Philosophy, and Non-human Animals [Interview]
2012, Rainer Ebert [Blog]
Topics: Freedom and Rights; Justice; Life Sciences; Normative Ethics
Keywords: African animal ethics; African ethics; African philosophy; animal care; animal sacrifice; masculinity; non-human animals
Traditions: Comparative/Intercultural; Critical; Sub-Saharan African
Languages: English

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Added by: Björn Freter
Abstract:
University of Nairobi’s Reginald M. J. Oduor talks to Anteneh Roba and Rainer Ebert.
Comment (from this Blueprint): A general introduction into African philosophy and ethics with a focus on the role of non-human animal life in African philosophy, explaining that in in indigenous African thought, humans are not understood as animals, but as a class of their own superior to the class of animals.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Recommended use: Introductory

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