Will Kymlicka

The philosopher Will Kymlicka believes that the change of paradigm that is necessary in our relationship with animals means putting an end to the hierarchy of species and expanding the framework of animal rights. What effects on humans would these changes have? Will Kymlicka, well known for his work on multiculturalism and animal ethics, challenges assumptions that are deep-rooted in our culture and present in our philosophical discussion of human rights: discontinuity among species and human supremacy over animals. In this lecture he argues that this is a negative perspective, not only for animals but for humans as well. Highlighting the problematic nature of concepts like “dignity”, Kymlicka calls for a new vocabulary as a basis for both human and animal rights, one that will embrace concepts like “vulnerability”, “capacity”, and “care”.

Related to Human Animals, Open City Thinking Biennale 2018, Lecture by Will Kymlicka

5 November 2018