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Interspecies Welfare Comparisons

delete2026-03-05
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PRE
AI
F
Fischer, Bob *
DOI:10.1111/phc3.70078delete
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Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
Interspecies welfare comparisons-judgments about whether one individual of a given species is better or worse off than another of a different species-are behind a wide range of moral and practical decisions. However, it remains unclear how to make such comparisons. This paper surveys the emerging literature on this problem. It distinguishes interspecies comparisons from related questions about individual welfare assessment and normative weighting, presents a simple model for extending welfare comparisons across species, and clarifies the problem of identifying appropriate comparative scales. It also examines proposals for estimating relative welfare ranges. The paper closes by highlighting the conceptual and practical challenges that remain and outlining ways philosophers can contribute to building a coherent, interdisciplinary framework for comparing welfare across species.
Keywords:
animal welfare
capacity for welfare
comparative cognition
interspecies welfare comparisons
moral status
welfare range

Journal

P
Philosophy Compass
IF:
2.4
Papers:
31
Citations:
0

Organization

Texas State University System cover
Texas State University System
Scholars:
5.5K
Papers: 4.8K
Citations: 13