Paola Cavalieri

Paola Cavalieri 2 sept 2017

Paola Cavalieri is an Italian philosopher and author known for her work in the field of animal rights and ethics. She has made significant contributions to the debate on the moral status of non-human animals and is best known for her role in developing the concept of the Great Ape Project, which seeks to extend certain fundamental rights to members of the great ape family: chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and bonobos.

Biography

Paola Cavalieri's academic background is in philosophy, with a focus on ethics and political philosophy. Over the years, she has been a vocal advocate for expanding our ethical considerations to include non-human animals. Her work emphasizes the importance of recognizing the intrinsic value of all sentient beings, regardless of their species.

Work

Cavalieri's most influential work is "The Animal Question: Why Non-Human Animals Deserve Human Rights" (Oxford University Press), in which she argues for the extension of human rights to non-human animals based on their capacity for suffering and enjoyment. In this book, Cavalieri challenges traditional anthropocentric views and proposes a new, more inclusive ethics that acknowledges the moral significance of all sentient beings.

Another significant contribution by Cavalieri is her co-editorship, with Peter Singer, of "The Great Ape Project: Equality Beyond Humanity". This book is a collection of essays by philosophers, scientists, and animal advocates, which collectively argue for granting basic legal rights to the great apes—rights to life, liberty, and protection from torture. The Great Ape Project has sparked international discussion and has led to legislative proposals in several countries aimed at recognizing the rights of great apes.

Philosophical Views

Cavalieri's philosophical stance is rooted in the tradition of utilitarianism, which assesses the moral worth of actions based on their outcomes, particularly in terms of the happiness or suffering they produce. She extends this framework to include non-human animals, arguing that their ability to experience pleasure and pain gives them moral status comparable to that of humans. Her work challenges the speciesist view that only human interests matter morally and calls for a reevaluation of our ethical responsibilities towards other sentient beings.

Impact and Legacy

Paola Cavalieri's work has had a profound impact on the field of animal ethics, contributing to a growing recognition of the rights of non-human animals. Her advocacy for the Great Ape Project has not only raised awareness about the cognitive and emotional capacities of great apes but has also influenced public policy and legal frameworks concerning animal rights. Cavalieri's philosophical arguments continue to inspire scholars, activists, and policymakers to reconsider the moral boundaries of our community and to include all sentient beings within the sphere of moral concern.

Selected Publications

• "The Animal Question: Why Non-Human Animals Deserve Human Rights"
• "The Great Ape Project: Equality Beyond Humanity" (co-edited with Peter Singer)

See Also

• Animal rights
• Ethics
• Peter Singer
• Utilitarianism
• Great Ape Project

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