Will Kymlicka: Animals as Co-Citizens

Will Kymlicka, Canada Research Chair in Political Philosophy at Queens University, explains his political theory of animal rights, which positions animals as co-citizens, sharing societies’ rights and responsibilities with humans.
This Carnegie Council event took place on October 29, 2014. For complete audio and transcript and video clips, go to: www.carnegiecouncil.org/studio...

[@youhippieschannel]

Very interesting and radical idea. I believe the last line in the video is possibly the most significant. It is difficult to give citizenship status to domesticated animals considering the legal implications. Do we humor ourselves by giving them the right to vote, knowing they would not exercise it? What would it mean for overpopulation concerns? Perhaps then we could consider more humane alternatives to birth control (possibly a pill for companion animals?), but then who would have the right to administer it? What we may need to focus on to reach more equanimity with our relationship with non-human animals may be to learn how to communicate more efficiently with them outside of job training (like K-9s in police). Maybe if we develop a system of language that encourages their participation in the decision making process, we could grant them what we call 'rights'. This is assuming that non-human animals have a greater capacity than what is accepted by the general public yet is shown in our society. Thanks for sharing this discussion and for inspiring thought. ☮

[@archibaldpl9741]

Maybe it is worth paying attention to how animals communicate with each other, e.g. what communication between lions and antelopes in the savannas looks like...

[@Polksalad615]

Yes, humans have brought them into our domesticated society, ty❤

[@pierremarcotte6299]

I'm not my dog's guardian, I'm its owner. It came with a sales slip and a warranty. I still treat my dog with care.

[@sirwillgaby]

When he says we have brought them into our 'society', I think he is treating the word very loosely. I don't think this is a necessary development on Singer's position.