Humanist Association

The Leisure World Humanist Association will meet on Sunday, Oct. 1, in Clubhouse 3, Room 1, at 10:30 a.m. In an effort to better understand the important issues that affect people everywhere the group will discuss humans’ relationship with other animals. What should that relationship be?

In 1975, the philosopher Peter Singer wrote “Animal Liberation,” a book widely regarded as the foundational text on moral treatment of animals. Singer argues that the discrimination against other species simply because they are not human is unethical. He uses the feminist and civil rights movements as comparisons to the fight against speciesism in order to prove the existence of this prejudice. Singer also states that it is, “ignorance, rather than indifference to animals that keeps massive, institutional cruelty to animals in place in the U.S.”

Raising livestock for human consumption generates nearly 15% of total greenhouse gas emissions, which is greater than all transportation emissions. It also uses nearly 70% of agricultural land, which is a major cause of deforestation, biodiversity loss and water pollution. Singer, who is a vegetarian, argues that the moral course of action is to reduce suffering in the world.

The group will watch a 30 minute YouTube video reflecting Singer’s views on the treatment of animals. There will be a handout and the group will discuss these issues and give opinions. Everyone is welcome to attend.

—Dave Silva