Review by Choice Review
This book demonstrates how scholarly the growing literature on animals and ethics is becoming. A slightly revised version of the author's 1997 Oxford dissertation, it has some of the limitations of that genre. Nevertheless, Waldau (Tufts Univ. School of Veterinary Medicine) develops the most exhaustive argument yet for the term speciesism, defined as a bias toward the interests of one's own species. The problem with speciesism is the implication that honoring human uniqueness is incompatible with showing compassion for nonhuman animals. A case may be made for Christianity as supporting a speciesist view of the moral uniqueness of humans while providing the foundation for animal welfare. Waldau's reading of Christianity, however, does not take into account the ways in which Christian eschatology privileges domesticated animals. He thinks that wild animals should be accepted as they are, violence included. The most creative and important part of the book is Waldau's argument that Buddhism does not favor animals nearly as much as is widely assumed. Although Waldau tries too hard to cover too much ground, this book should become standard reading for all those interested in animal rights. Suitable for general readers through professionals. S. H. Webb Wabash College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
