ABSTRACT

This groundbreaking volume explores Plutarch's unique survival in the argument that animals are rational and sentient, and that we, as humans, must take notice of their interests.

Exploring Plutarch's three animal-related treatises, as well as passages from his ethical treatises, Stephen Newmyer examines arguments that, strikingly, foreshadow those found in the works of such prominent animal rights philosophers as Peter Singer and Tom Regan.

Unique in viewing Plutarch’s opinions not only in the context of ancient philosophical and ethical through, but also in its place in the history of animal rights speculation, Animals Rights and Reasons points out how remarkably Plutarch differs from such anti-animal thinkers as the Stoics.

Classicists, philosophers, animal-welfare students and interested readers will all find this book an invaluable and informative addition to their reading.

chapter |9 pages

1 Introduction

The ancients and the moderns

chapter |38 pages

2 The nature of the beast

The search for animal rationality

chapter |18 pages

3 Just beasts

Animal morality and human justice

chapter |10 pages

4 Feeling beastly

Pain, pleasure and the animal estate

chapter |9 pages

5 Beauty in the beast

Cooperation, altruism and philanthropy among animals

chapter |18 pages

6 Animal appetites

Vegetarianism and human morality

chapter |2 pages

7 Conclusion