Arthur Schopenhauer and the first philosophical defense of animals

Abstract

This work presents the first philosophical defense of animals. For more than three decades, Arthur Schopenhauer raised severe criticisms against the way humans treated non human animals. He denounced, among other faults, physical abuse towards animals and the minimum recognition given to them in spite of the humans needs they cover, their loyalty and the support they give to human work. He therefore elaborated a full proposal about the treatment they should receive from humankind. This comprises ontological, ethical, esthetical and even political considerations, arranged in relation to his fundamental concepts of will and idea/representation. The arguments presented foreshadow the theory that would be realized in praxis in the 20th century.