We, humans, think we only have the ability to speak and thereby eliminate the thought that other animals might also have that same ability. As a result of that, we no longer listen to our environment. Steven Vogel did research on this subject and he says: “Because we do not hear what nature has to say, nor even that it is saying anything at all, we treat natural entities as mere things rather than as other subjects with whom we share a common world.”
Vogel says we need to listen to our environment, because that is the only way to give nature our respect. By listening to nature in a sympathetic way, it is possible to create an non-anthropocentric environmental ethic. Anthropocentrists claim that language, which makes humans more special than non-human things from their point of view, creates a unique moral status. Non-anthropocentrists argue that this use of language has no special moral relevance. As Bentham famously put it: The question isn’t ‘can they talk?’ but ‘can they suffer?’
Lets hear your voice!
Do you have something to say about this post? Let's hear your voice!
On this research platform we're looking to expand our knowledge and love to share this with you.