Non-human animals

Kurzfassung/Abstract

This chapter is part of the growing body of literature on animal-related education. It examines how empirical evidence (psychological, medical and statistical) for the purported links between animal abuse and human violence bears on education. The chapter’s chief normative focus is both on the moral implications of a psycho-physical continuum between humans and non-humans and on the promise of theriocentric (animal-centred, as opposed to anthropocentric) education. Does anti-racist and anti-sexist education logically entail anti-speciesist education? Similarly, is there a necessary link between human rights education and animal rights education? In drawing attention to these questions, the chapter presents an account of moral education as both education in matters of social justice and education in ‘moral feeling’, cultivation of (appropriate) moral sentiments. Given most children’s natural interest in, and feeling for, animals, this should arguably be easier than is commonly assumed. However, as I will argue, it does require considerable effort and commitment on the part of educators, parents and teachers alike.