A Theory of Justice for Animals Animal Rights in a Nonideal World [Paperback]

Are animals worthy recipients of justice? If so, what do we owe them, and what is to be gained by using the language of justice when considering our duties toward them? This innovative book argues that not only are animals worthy recipients of justice, but that the language of justice offers a stronger base of claims for animal advocates than does the language of ethics or morality. Contending that a genuinely political theory of animal rights must go beyond the level of ideal theory, this is the first account of animal ethics to use nonideal theory to plot a course from where we are now to where we want to be. Robert Garner argues that a valid theory of justice for animals should be rights-based, and that animals have a right to not suffer at the hands of humans. At the same time, he argues that humans have a greater interest in life and liberty than most species of nonhuman animals. Tackling animal ethics as it relates to justice and non-ideal theory, this is a seminal work that will challenge traditional approaches and offer a compelling new vision of animal justice.

1. Introduction - Animals, Justice and Nonideal Theory

2. Contractarianism, Animals and Justice

3. Why Animals Need Justice

4. Indirect Duties, Virtue Ethics and Animals

5. The Animal Welfare Ethic

6. Animal Rights and Justice

7. Three Positions Rejected

8. Animal Rights as Ideal and Nonideal Theory

9. The Argument From Marginal Cases Revisited

10. Conclusion

In this highly anticipated book, Robert Garner presents a clear and persuasive new theory of justice for animals. Because the theory aims to be feasible, and attuned to what can be achieved given the realities of our societies, the book is required reading for all those interested in the future of animal protection. --Alasdair Cochrane, Lecturer in Political Theory, University of Sheffield

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