Animal Ethics: Spiritual, Ecological, and Philosophical Perspectives
School of Consciousness and Transformation PARW 6073 2.00
Ancient spiritual wisdom and contemporary scientific findings both refute Descartes’ assertion that nonhuman animals are automatons devoid of consciousness or feeling. Nonetheless, the view of animals as machines undergirds many of our modern practices, such as factory farming and animal experimentation. How have Western philosophical trajectories, economic systems, and linguistic practices led to our ethical myopia concerning animals? What is the relationship between sexism, racism, and “speciesism”? How can we better align our spiritual, philosophical, and ecological wisdom with our actual practices toward our fellow species?
