Speciesism
Speciesism (pronounced spee-sheez-izm) is a term that refers to the discrimination or prejudice against certain species, typically non-human animals, based on their species membership. The term was coined by British psychologist Richard D. Ryder in 1970 to describe the widespread discrimination that is practiced by man against other species.
Etymology
The term "speciesism" is derived from the word "species" with the suffix "-ism" attached. The suffix "-ism" is often used in English to denote a system, principle, or ideological movement. In this case, it refers to the belief or assumption that the human species is superior to all other species and therefore has the right to exploit them.
Related Terms
- Animal Rights: The belief that animals have a right to be free from human use and exploitation.
- Anthropocentrism: The belief that humans are the most important entities in the universe.
- Ethics: The branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong conduct.
- Human Supremacy: The belief that humans are superior to all other life forms and therefore have the right to dominate them.
- Veganism: The practice of abstaining from the use of animal products, particularly in diet, and an associated philosophy that rejects the commodity status of animals.
See Also
- Animal Liberation (book): A book by philosopher Peter Singer that popularized the concept of speciesism.
- Animal Welfare: The well-being of non-human animals.
- Environmental Ethics: The part of environmental philosophy which considers extending the traditional boundaries of ethics from solely including humans to including the non-human world.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Speciesism
- Wikipedia's article - Speciesism
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