Gary Steiner

Gary Steiner, 2015

Gary Steiner is an American philosopher known for his work in animal rights, ethics, and the philosophy of mind. Steiner is the John Howard Harris Professor of Philosophy at Bucknell University, where he has taught since 1991. His philosophical work is deeply influenced by the tradition of Continental philosophy, particularly the writings of Immanuel Kant, Arthur Schopenhauer, and Jacques Derrida. Steiner's contributions to philosophy focus on challenging the traditional anthropocentric (human-centered) views on the moral status of animals and advocating for a more inclusive ethics that recognizes the intrinsic value of all sentient beings.

Biography

Gary Steiner was born in the United States. He completed his undergraduate studies in philosophy, and later earned his Ph.D. in philosophy. Steiner has been a faculty member at Bucknell University for several decades, dedicating his academic career to teaching and research in philosophy, with a particular emphasis on animal rights and ethics.

Philosophical Work

Steiner's philosophical work is characterized by a critical examination of the moral and ethical considerations regarding non-human animals. He argues against the traditional view that animals are mere resources for human use and advocates for a recognition of their capacity for suffering and their right to live free from harm and exploitation. In his writings, Steiner draws upon the philosophical traditions of Kantian ethics and phenomenology to construct a framework for animal rights that challenges the speciesist assumptions underlying much of Western thought.

Key Publications

Some of Gary Steiner's notable publications include:

• Animals and the Limits of Postmodernism (2013) - In this book, Steiner critiques the postmodernist approach to animal rights, arguing that it fails to adequately address the moral status of animals due to its relativistic tendencies.
• Anthropocentrism and Its Discontents: The Moral Status of Animals in the History of Western Philosophy (2005) - This work provides a historical overview of the treatment of animals in Western philosophy, critiquing the anthropocentric bias and advocating for a more inclusive ethics.
• Descartes as a Moral Thinker: Christianity, Technology, Nihilism (2004) - Although not exclusively focused on animal rights, this book explores Descartes' ethical thought and its implications for modernity, technology, and the treatment of animals.

Philosophical Views

Steiner's philosophy is marked by a strong advocacy for animal rights, grounded in a Kantian ethical framework that emphasizes the moral worth of all sentient beings. He challenges the conventional anthropocentric worldview, arguing for a shift towards a more compassionate and equitable consideration of animals. Steiner's work is significant for its contribution to the ongoing philosophical discourse on the moral status of animals and the ethical responsibilities of humans towards non-human life.

Impact and Legacy

Gary Steiner's work has had a significant impact on the field of animal rights and ethics, contributing to a broader philosophical and public recognition of the issues surrounding the treatment of animals. His advocacy for a more inclusive and compassionate ethical framework has influenced both academic and public debates on animal rights, encouraging a reevaluation of the moral considerations that guide human interactions with non-human animals.