more from Arthur Schopenhauer

Single Idea 21376

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / F. Life Issues / 6. Animal Rights]

Full Idea

In philosophical morals animals are mere 'things', mere means to any end whatsoever. ...Shame on such a morality, that fails to recognise the eternal essence that lives in every living thing, and shines forth with inscrutable significance from all eyes.

Gist of Idea

Philosophy treats animals as exploitable things, ignoring the significance of their lives

Source

Arthur Schopenhauer (On the Basis of Morality [1841], p.96), quoted by Christopher Janaway - Schopenhauer 7 'Against'

Book Reference

Janaway,Christopher: 'Schopenhauer' [OUP 2002], p.92


A Reaction

Good. I find Kant's theoretical indifference to animals very creepy (despite his kind attitude to them). And I also think the utilitarians are wrong to only value animals for their pain, as if any animal could be shredded for fun, if it felt no pain.