Kairos in A Universal Declaration on Animal Sentience: No Pretending
Doctor Mark Bekoff argues that after all the research conducted on animal sentiments, it is time that people stop wondering whether animals have feelings or not. After providing citations to various studies conducted by different institutions, Bekoff portrays the kairos by stating it is high time people accept animals have wants and needs. Bekoff directly confronts audience that do not agree with his argument, and claims that the question should be "why" and not "if" animals have sentiment. Bekoff also establishes his knowledge in the area by citing a few papers he has read in the past, and draws his conclusions from them. In this article by Rev. Howard (http://quod.lib.umich.edu/m/moajrnl/acg2248.2-06.002/147:13?page=root;size=100;view=text), he gives personal experience on how animals do have feelings in a philosophical context. The contrast between statistics and personal experience does not change the message that animals should not be treated any less than humans. Moreover, when he states animals are "abused for research, education, food, clothing, and entertainment," he portrays the current conditions of animals to show the desperate need in mind set about animals. The urgency in his tone is obvious when he states "we need to stop pretending." He finally pleads people to change their perspective, saying "Please, let's do it now." The desperate finality in his tone hopefully motivates his audience to take charge in animal welfare.
Doctor Mark Bekoff has a very strong opinion which can be a positive or negative thing. Your analysis of the kairos allows for the reader to better understand his reasoning behind his position. The audience might not agree with his statement but they are able to understand where Doctor Bekoff is coming from. This understanding allows the reader to see a different perspective about issue.
ReplyDeleteI think you did a good job integrating the analysis of the work from Dr. Mark Bekoff, however I think the kairos could be boosted a little bit. The time period surrounding the animal rights movement may not have been strongest, and the overshadow of these issues could be a very key part to the kairos of this issue itself. Otherwise, your assessment was very good.
ReplyDeleteI am curious if the push for civil rights and women's right also brought with it a push for animal rights. Once a person win's their G-d given rights, why not extend those rights onto animals and pets? I believe the Kairos of the animal rights can not be discussed without putting that social movement in context with other social movements promoting human, or in this case animal, rights.
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