Single Idea 4280

[catalogued under 23. Ethics / E. Utilitarianism / 1. Utilitarianism]

Full Idea

It was precisely the inability of utilitarianism to explain the distinction between animals and people which led to its rejection.

Gist of Idea

Utilitarianism is wrong precisely because it can't distinguish animals from people

Source

Roger Scruton (Animal Rights and Wrongs [1996], p.50)

Book Reference

Scruton,Roger: 'Animal Rights and Wrongs' [Demos 1996], p.50


A Reaction

A nice turning of the tables, rejecting the utilitarian pride in incorporating animals into their theory where others (like Kant) reject them. Yet in one respect (suffering) they are inescapably very like us.