Religion, anthropocentrism, and animal ethics: an investigation in higher education
Abstract There is an ongoing, profound debate surrounding animal ethics and, more broadly, our treatment of other sentient beings that share the planet with us. Anthropocentrism has been identified as a major cause of lacking empathy toward the suffering and pain of animals, and justifying many acts...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Springer
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Discover Sustainability |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s43621-025-01264-z |
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| Summary: | Abstract There is an ongoing, profound debate surrounding animal ethics and, more broadly, our treatment of other sentient beings that share the planet with us. Anthropocentrism has been identified as a major cause of lacking empathy toward the suffering and pain of animals, and justifying many acts of cruelty against them. Some have suggested that anthropocentrism originating in diverse religions—religious anthropocentrism, supported by beliefs that emphasize the superiority and preference of humans in creation—has been determinant in shaping some of the main ethical frameworks through which relationships between humans and other animals are understood; however, no empirical studies have been conducted to explore this connection. The main objectives of this study were (a) to examine the presence of anthropocentrism—especially religious—concerning animal ethics in the Western world; and (b) to determine whether these beliefs correlate with our attitudes toward animals, influencing both our values and our emotional responses toward them. The ideal setting for the research was higher education and, in particular, university students in the field of education, specifically future teachers—who theoretically are being prepared for the training of future generations; they represent, therefore, the knowledge, ethics, and critical thinking of both the present and the projected future. Based on the hypothesis that specific religious ideas may influence our attitudes toward animals, this research utilized a non-experimental, descriptive, mixed-methods approach. Innovative survey and interview techniques were applied to a large sample (n = 315), and statistical tests were employed to ensure objectivity in data analysis. The results reveal that an individual's consideration and affection for animals are not directly related to religious beliefs or adherence to specific doctrines. Instead, they primarily depend on one's capacity for empathy and sensitivity. This and other findings challenge the hypothesis that stronger belief in anthropocentric religious doctrines leads to lower ethical regard for animals. Other factors, such as a lack of affective and emotional connection, maybe more relevant, and these traits are not necessarily linked to faith in a religion. These results emphasize that, in a world increasingly in need of care, where respectful growth towards nature and the other sentient life forms that coexist with us, is essential, formative and cross-disciplinary processes aimed at raising awareness and fostering sensitivity are more crucial than ever. Developing cognitive and procedural skills is very important in this context, but attitudinal skills are paramount. |
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| ISSN: | 2662-9984 |