Ned Hettinger (College of Charleston), “Avoiding Animal Suffering and the Value of Naturalness”
Channel: Radio-CRÉ
Date: 02/11/2017

“Avoiding Animal Suffering and the Value of Naturalness”

This paper explores the tension between the environmental value of naturalness and the importance of minimizing the suffering of sentient creatures, a value central to the concern for animals. This conflict is made evident by some prominent philosophers. Because species in nature do not enjoy “cooperative and mutually supportive relations,” Martha Nussbaum has called for “a gradual supplanting of the natural with the just ” (Frontiers of Justice, 400). In light of the “unceasing slaughter” in wild nature, Jeff McMahan concludes that “we have reason to desire the extinction of all carnivorous species” (NY Times, Sept. 19, 2010). Both suggestions are anathema to those who value the autonomy of nature. Considering birth control for wild animals and predator restoration will bring this tension into sharper focus.