Verso i diritti degli animali. Riflessioni e dibattiti nella storia del pensiero

Abstract

In our cultural tradition, a conception has prevailed that has supported the inferiority of animals, justifying their exploitation and their exclusion from the moral sphere. This vision, however, at various moments in history has been the subject of criticism and disputes. There are alternative voices and strands that departed from the traditional anthropocentric paradigm, rehabilitating animals and elaborating different models of interpretation of the world. This paper presents an overview of authors who – from the ancient world to the modern age up to almost the present day – made their voice heard in defence of animals, to whom they recognized value and dignity. The picture that emerges is varied and articulated and represents the rich background of contemporary theories of respect for animals and animal rights.