Singer's Interpretation Of The Basic Moral Principle Of Equality

Singer opens up discussing different liberation movements and how certain movements have expanded our interpretation of the basic moral principle of equality. This directs him into advocating his belief basic equality should expand amongst all species. Throughout the text, the term speciesism is used, which he defines as, “a prejudice or attitude of bias in favor of the interests of members of one’s own species and against those of members of other species”. Singer makes it apparent, in today’s society, most people practice speciesism. He makes three apparent claims: equality is based on equal consideration, equality is a moral idea not factual, and the importance of taking into account suffering and interests. The first claim against speciesism states equality is based on equal

Both nonhumans and humans are capable of suffering and have particular interests. One of the main interests both nonhuman animals and humans have in common is avoiding suffering. In today’s society, most humans are speciesists. When we encounter other nonhumans, it is generally over a plate. We consume nonhumans lives to satisfy our taste buds. However, the nonhuman animals we often eat, are suffering due to our selfish interest. Many claim consuming these animals is a need but it is proven we can obtain these nutrients from other food sources. Another example is nonhuman animal testing. We continuously harm animals such as mice, rabbits, cats, and so forth but do not test on humans prioritizing human life over nonhuman life. These are prime examples of speciesism demonstrating the consumer is biased over their own species. Our pleasures from their suffering is unjustifiable. In continuation, one may argue that this is the norm and has been for centuries. However, just because humans have been practicing something for an extension of time does not make it