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Animals in focus: This is how Germany fights for their rights!
The University of Münster invites you to a lecture series on ethics in human-animal relationships from October 21st. First lecture on November 25th in Münster.
Animals in focus: This is how Germany fights for their rights!
In the current discussion about the ethics of the human-animal relationship, a lecture series entitled “Between Wilderness and the Polis – Current Debates about the Ethics of the Human-Animal Relationship” starts on October 21st. This series of events is organized by the Center for Bioethics at the University of Münster in cooperation with the Philosophical Institute at the Heinrich Heine University in Düsseldorf. The first part of the lecture will take place in Düsseldorf, while the further contributions will be heard in the Botanicum in Münster, in the lecture hall SG 3.
The aim of the lecture series is to discuss current ideas and points of contention within the animal ethics discussion. The focus is particularly on the human-animal relationship, the political dimension of this relationship and topics such as applied ethics and animal testing. As part of the series of events, the first lecture in Münster is scheduled for November 25th. Prof. Dr. On this day, Peter Niesen from the University of Hamburg will talk about the topic “Political representation of animals: why and how much?” speak.
The social context of animal rights
This lecture series comes at a time when the topic of animal rights is increasingly being discussed in society. International Animal Rights Day, which has been celebrated on December 10th since 1998, not only addresses the rights of animals, but also the difference between animal protection and animal rights. While animal protection aims to prevent animal suffering and regulate animal husbandry, the area of animal rights requires individual legal rights that provide basic protection for animals from violence and killing.
In Germany, animal protection is a state goal according to the Basic Law, but animals do not have legal capacity. This contrasts with developments such as in Ecuador, where animals were recognized as legal subjects in 2022. Such legal advances reflect a growing awareness of the treatment of animals, which is also linked to the climate crisis. Awareness of the sustainable treatment of animals is increasing.
Political representation and the “political turn”
The discussion about the political representation of animals is becoming increasingly important. Animals cannot speak or choose for themselves. There are therefore new approaches to promoting the political representation of animals. In Germany, a federal animal protection commissioner has started work since summer 2022, and proposals for reserved seats in parliament for animal representatives are being discussed.
Various NGOs advocate for the rights and interests of animals. Despite the founding of animal protection parties, which have not yet played a significant role in the political system, there is growing interest in the so-called “political turn”, which focuses on the political issues surrounding these relationships. The transfer of fundamental political concepts such as freedom and justice to animals is an important part of this development.
Overall, the lecture series is not only a platform for academic exchange, but also an important step in society's discussion of animal rights. Further information and an overview of all dates are available on the University of Münster website at www.uni-muenster.de/Bioethik/aktuelles/index.html.