The history of animal welfare and its connection to ethics

J.L. Harfeld

The history of animal welfare and its connection to ethics

In: EurSafe2024 Proceedings

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J.L. Harfeld

J.L. Harfeld Department of Culture and Learning, Aalborg University, Denmark

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Type:: Chapter

Pages:: 193–198

DOI:: https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004715509_032

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Dar Hadith al Hassania

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This extended abstract explores the evolution of the concept of animal welfare from its ancient roots to its contemporary scientific and ethical framework. The discourse begins in ancient Egypt, with the Rhind Mathematical Papyrus offering early insights into animal husbandry practices that imply a nascent awareness of animal welfare. This historical thread extends to the philosophical inquiries of ancient Greece, where figures like Aristotle and Pythagoras engaged in early explorations of animal cognition and thriving, suggesting an understanding of animal well-being that transcends mere survival. The Enlightenment period marks a significant paradigm shift, with thinkers such as Frederik Christian Eilschov and later Jeremy Bentham advocating for the consideration of animal welfare on ethical grounds, independent of religious or utilitarian justifications. This era catalysed a departure from theological frameworks towards a secular, ethically grounded approach to animal welfare, emphasizing the intrinsic value of animals’ experiences and their rights to live free from undue suffering. The modern concept of animal welfare crystallized around the turn of the 20th century, paralleling the rise of animal protection societies in Europe, notably among others the Royal Society for the Protection of Animals. Charles Westley Hume played a pivotal role in this development, founding the University of London Animal Welfare Society (later the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW)). Hume’s vision was to establish animal welfare as a legitimate field of scientific inquiry, integrating ethical considerations with rigorous scientific research. UFAW’s mission attracted significant attention, despite initial challenges, setting the stage for the concept’s gradual acceptance within the scientific community. The evolution of animal welfare reflects a complex interplay between ethical imperatives and scientific inquiry, demonstrating a consistent recognition of animals as sentient beings deserving of ethical consideration across cultures and epochs. This historical journey underscores the importance of conceptual awareness in animal behaviour and welfare sciences, as understanding the origins and trajectories of concepts like animal welfare can enrich scientific inquiry and ethical considerations, enhancing the well-being of animals under human care – and perhaps in the wild. The concept of animal welfare, young in its scientific application yet ancient in its ethical implications, continues to evolve, challenging us to reconsider our interactions with animals and our responsibilities toward both scientific enquiry and animal welfare.

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EurSafe2024 Proceedings

Back to the future - Sustainable innovations for ethical food production and consumption

E-Book ISBN:: 9789004715509

Publisher:: Wageningen Academic

Print Publication Date:: 03 Sep 2024

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- Life Sciences
  - General

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African Studies	Education	Media Studies
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Biblical Studies	Jewish Studies	Slavic and Eurasian Studies
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The history of animal welfare and its connection to ethics

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EurSafe2024 Proceedings

Back to the future - Sustainable innovations for ethical food production and consumption

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