The concept of interest in moral status ascriptions – a reevaluation

Abstract

<p>This paper reevaluates the concept of “interest” in moral status ascriptions, focusing on non-human animals. Most moral philosophers assert that entities with a moral status have interests that matter morally for their own sake. However, this paper argues that applyi ng the concept of “interest” to non-human animals is misleading and constitutes a categorical mistake. Higher-order reasoning and self-awareness, essential for having interests, are typically lacking in non-human animals. The paper critiques contemporary approaches, suggesting a reevaluation and reframing of theories to avoid anthropomorphism. It proposes using universally applicable terms like the capacity to feel pain or suffer (or sapience), rather than interests, to determine moral status.</p>