Javiera Farga
CAF awarded lawyer Javiera Farga, who is the Director of Fundación Derecho y Defensa Animal in Chile, a grant for “Rationality and Compassion in Animal Ethics: Towards Overcoming Speciesism.” This research analyzes the ethical consideration of animals from different philosophical perspectives. It contrasts rational-based arguments—such as utilitarianism, deontology, and contractarianism—with ethics centered on moral emotions, such as Schopenhauer’s ethics of compassion and ethic-of-care feminism. The study aims to evaluate how these approaches can complement each other to overcome speciesism and promote a more inclusive ethical framework for animals.
Most philosophical approaches to animal ethics rely on rationalist principles, yet animal suffering remains pervasive. This suggests that rational arguments alone are not enough to shift societal attitudes and policies. By incorporating compassion and care ethics into the debate, this research aims to explore an alternative ethical framework that can generate stronger moral motivation. The findings will contribute to academic discussions, legal debates, and animal advocacy by providing a more holistic approach to addressing speciesism.
Javiera joins Juan Faundez in representing Chilean grantees who are interested in considerations of animals from different perspectives, and the ways in which care and compassion can shape people’s perspective and moral motivations. Juan is a cartoonist and animator whose project, A Change in The Route, Violeta,” aims to evoke empathy towards nonhuman animals.