Longtermism and animals - ePrints Soton

Browning, Heather and Veit, Walter (2025) Longtermism and animals. In, Greaves, Hilary, Barrett, Jacob and Thorstad, David (eds.) Essays on Longtermism: Present Action for the Distant Future. Oxford University Press, 449–462. (doi:10.1093/9780191979972.003.0028).

Record type: Book Section

Abstract

Work on longtermism has so far primarily focused on the existence and wellbeing of future humans, without corresponding consideration of animal welfare. In this chapter we argue this is a mistake, providing reasons for and methods of extending longtermist thinking to all sentient animals. Given the sheer expected number of future animals, as well as the likelihood of their suffering, we argue that the wellbeing of future animals should be given serious consideration when thinking about the long-term future, allowing for the possibility that in some cases their interests may even dominate. We finish with a discussion of some potential interventions and areas of research focus that are likely to have the greatest impact, such as steering individual and institutional value change toward those values, policies, and structures most likely to have positive effects for future animals.

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Longtermism and Animals - Accepted Manuscript

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