From Dominators to be Brothers: a dialogue of ecotheologie with J. Riechmann about the Animal Liberation

Abstract

Jorge Riechmann is the author of extensive work devoted to philosophical reflection on ecology and sustainability. Among his significant works, we choose "Todos los animales somos hermanos" (2005). We will present an overview of the author's thinking about the relationship of humans with other animals, especially mammals. Riechmann addresses hot topics such as physio-biological-social continuous process of evolution and uniqueness of the human; the reasons to include the higher animals in the human moral community, and ethical and legal reasons of animal rights. It must be overcome speciesism, which considers only the animals as mere instruments. Although animals are not people, not moral agents, have intrinsic value. Because they feel pain and pleasure, and have a purpose for living, they deserve moral respect. They are "almost people" and have rights granted and recognized by humans. Next, we will do an exercise of ecotheology interlocution with Jorge Riechmann. We will take as reference the Encyclical Laudato Si and the work of Susin and Zampieri, Ethics and Theology of Animal Liberation.