Lajikohtaisuutta

Lajikohtaisuutta, often translated as speciesism, refers to prejudice or discrimination based on species membership. It is the belief that humans are superior to other animals and therefore have the right to exploit them. This concept was popularized by philosopher Peter Singer in his 1975 book Animal Liberation.

Singer argues that speciesism is analogous to racism and sexism, as it involves assigning different moral value to individuals based on arbitrary characteristics. He contends that if we reject the idea that skin color or sex determines a being's moral worth, then we should also reject the idea that species membership does.

Proponents of anti-speciesism advocate for the equal consideration of interests among all sentient beings, regardless of their species. This means that the capacity to suffer, feel pleasure, and have preferences should be the basis for moral consideration, not biological classification. They argue that many practices involving animals, such as factory farming, animal testing, and hunting for sport, are morally indefensible from this perspective.

Critics of anti-speciesism sometimes argue that humans have unique capacities, such as reason and morality, that justify a different moral status for animals. Others maintain that traditional human-animal relationships, like those involving pets or livestock, are natural and beneficial. The debate over speciesism continues to be a significant topic in animal ethics and philosophy.