Considerations on a dignity not limited to human beings: Do animals also have dignity?

Abstract

The concept of dignity as it is seen today can be attributed to Kant in the sense that the individual should never be considered as a mere means, but as a means to an end, a condition that was originally thought to apply exclusively to human beings. But the notion of dignity seems to have some features that allow its extension (at least to some extent) to other forms of life, especially to non-human animals. Accepting the existence of dignity in non-human animals, however, does not entail the simple acceptance that the concept should be extended. Rather, it implies a profound change in the anthropocentric paradigm in which modern society is rooted. Thus, it is necessary to consider animals in a different manner, founded on the principles of respecting their integrity and admitting them as “others” (rather than objects) to be valued in their dignity and its consequences.

Key words: dignity, non-human animals, moral status.