Animals and Justice: An Examination in Context of Rawls and Nussbaum
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Abstract
Humanity shares the world with other creatures, and species relate to each other. In the relationship between humans and animals, which has a long history, from time to time, negativities are also striking. There are cases where animals are exposed to people's abuse. In the history of philosophy, the moral status of animals, their rights, and people's duty to animals are often discussed. Rawls, one of the influential figures of the 20th century, considers that animals are not the subject of political life in the discussion of the possibility of a fair society, but argue that people must treat them only with compassion. Nussbaum, on the other hand, states that, unlike his mentor, animals and humans have common characteristics and that the relationship between them should be regulated within the framework of justice. According to her, Rawlsian theory does not see animals as subjects of justice and is insufficient in resolving the injustices they are subjected to. In this study, the contractual and Kantian elements, which are the reasons for the situation of animals to remain a dead-end in Rawls' theory, and Nussbaum's criticisms within the framework of the capabilities approach will be expressed. Nussbaum, who strives to create a world that protects animals and their habitats as well as humans, will explain in general terms her suggestions for solutions to animal problems and her views. To create a world that protects animals and their habitats as well as humans, Nussbaum's suggestions for solutions to animal-related problems and her views will be explained in general terms.