"Who Counts, Morally: Humans? Animals? Species?": February's Topic at the Davis Square Philosophy Café. February 15, 7:30-9:30pm
McIntyre and Moore Booksellers, in conjunction with the Center for Naturalism, continues year 2 of its discussion group series, the Davis Square Philosophy Café, held each month on the third Tuesday. The Philosophy Café is a philosophy discussion group modeled on philosophy cafés underway in other cities in Europe and the US. The goal is to present occasions for informal, relaxed philosophical discussion on topics of mutual interest to participants. No particular expertise is required to participate, only a desire to explore philosophy and its real world applications.
(PRWEB) January 26, 2005
February's topic, "Who Counts, Morally: Humans? Animals? Species?," presented by Eric Blumenson and moderated by Tom Clark, will focus on the following: According to the human rights claim, every human being has a moral status that other entities--like rocks or plants--do not. No matter how weak, despised or criminal, every person is owed consideration and, with regard to his/her most vital interests, deference. On religious understandings, human beings count morally in this way because they are created in the image of God. Is there an alternative explanation of what it is about every human being that demands moral respect? If so, is this attribute shared with non-human animals or other entities as well?
Formerly a research associate at Health and Addictions Research, Tom Clark is director of the Boston-based Center for Naturalism. He writes on science, naturalism, free will, consciousness, addiction and other topics, and maintains an extensive website on philosophical and applied naturalism, Naturalism. Org (Yahoo #1 searching on "naturalism"). As moderator of the Philosophy Café, he brings an engaging interest in philosophy and its real world applications, and the ability to involve participants of varied backgrounds in animated, productive, and fair discussion.
Eric Blumenson is law professor at Suffolk University Law School, specializing in criminal law, human rights and moral philosophy. He has published on many topics, including police practices, relativism, and animal rights. Recently he worked for the prosecutor of the newly created International Criminal Court in The Hague.
At McIntyre & Moore Booksellers, 255 Elm St. in Davis Square, Somerville, near the Red Line. Free and open to all; wheelchair accessible. For information call McIntyre & Moore Booksellers (617) 629-4840 or log onto www. mcintyreandmoore. com.
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