zoocentryzmu

Zoocentryzm is a philosophical and ethical concept that places animals at the center of moral consideration. It posits that non-human animals possess intrinsic value and deserve ethical treatment, similar to how anthropocentrism centers human interests. This perspective challenges the traditional view that humans are uniquely entitled to moral standing and that animals exist primarily for human use.

Proponents of zoocentryzm argue that sentience, the capacity to feel pleasure and pain, is a more relevant criterion for moral worth than rationality or species membership. They point to the complex social structures, emotional lives, and cognitive abilities observed in many animal species as evidence of their significant inner lives. Consequently, zoocentryzm advocates for the abolition or significant reduction of practices that cause animal suffering, such as factory farming, animal experimentation, and the use of animals in entertainment.

The concept has roots in various philosophical traditions, including utilitarianism, which emphasizes the maximization of well-being, and animal rights theories, which assert that animals have fundamental rights that should not be violated. While distinct from biocentrism, which extends moral consideration to all living organisms, zoocentryzm specifically focuses on the moral status of animals, particularly those with demonstrable sentience. It encourages a re-evaluation of human-animal relationships and promotes a more compassionate and just coexistence with other species.