Buddhism and animal ethics

Date

2017

Authors

Finnigan, Bronwyn

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Volume Title

Publisher

Wiley

Abstract

This article provides a philosophical overview of some of the central Buddhist positions and arguments regarding animal welfare. It introduces the Buddha's teaching of ahiṃsā or nonviolence and rationally reconstructs five arguments from the context of early Indian Buddhism that aim to justify its extension to animals. These arguments appeal to the capacity and desire not to suffer, the virtue of compassion, as well as Buddhist views on the nature of self, karma, and reincarnation. This article also considers how versions of these arguments have been applied to address a practical issue in Buddhist ethics; whether Buddhists should be vegetarian.

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Source

Philosophy Compass

Type

Journal article

Book Title

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License Rights

Restricted until

2099-12-31