They look the same, but they're not
Many people think defending animals is the same as defending the environment. This volume shows that the two ideas start from different values and often reach opposite conclusions.
Two key terms
What environmentalism is
The word "environmentalism" is used in several ways. Sometimes it just means "taking care of nature because we need it," in other words, the environment as a resource. In this volume, the author uses the word in a different sense: views that say things that don't feel, like species, ecosystems, rivers, or plants, have intrinsic value.
Some versions:
- Holism: values "wholes," like ecosystems and entire species.
- Biocentrism: values everything that's alive, including plants.
What consideration for animals is
Consideration for animals is based on respect for each animal as a sentient individual, who has good and bad experiences. Nature matters because of the effect it has on the lives of those who feel.
In practice, it makes a difference
Since the foundations are different, the conclusions are too. Many environmentalists support practices that make animals suffer and die:
- killing animals from species considered "invasive";
- testing on animals to measure how polluting chemicals are;
- hunting, which many famous environmentalists support.
In short
- In this volume, environmentalism means giving intrinsic value to things that don't feel.
- Animal ethics gives value to the individuals who feel.
- That's why the two often clash.