Animals, Rights and Reason in Plutarch and Modern Ethics

This groundbreaking volume explores Plutarch's unique survival in the argument that animals are rational and sentient, and that we, as humans, must take notice of their interests. Exploring Plutarch's three animal-related treatises, as well as passages from his ethical treatises, Stephen Newmyer examines arguments that, strikingly, foreshadow those found in the works of such prominent animal rights philosophers as Peter Singer and Tom Regan. Unique in viewing Plutarcha (TM)s opinions not only in the context of ancient philosophical and ethical through, but also in its place in the history of animal rights speculation, Animals Rights and Reasons points out how remarkably Plutarch differs from such anti-animal thinkers as the Stoics. Classicists, philosophers, animal-welfare students and interested readers will all find this book an invaluable and informative addition to their reading.

Stephen T. Newmyer is Professor of Classics at Duquesne University and has published numerous articles on ethical issues relating to the treatment of animals in ancient literary and philosophical texts.

1. Introduction: The Ancients and the Moderns 2. The Nature of the Beast: The Search for Animal Rationality 3. Just Beasts: Animal Morality and Human Justice 4. Feeling Beastley: Pain, Pleasure, and the Animal Estate 5. Beauty in the Beast: Cooperation, Altruism, and Philanthropy among Animals 6. Animal Appetites: Vegetarianism and Human Morality 7. Conclusion