Trevor Coffrin

Dominating Animals: the Logic of Domination Trevor Coffrin

In this thesis I apply Karen Warren's Logic of Domination argument to animals. I argue that assessing animal welfare in light of a logic of domination helps to show that much of Western treatment toward animals is unjustified. I begin by outlining Karen Warren's logic of domination argument as she applies it to the patriarchal domination of women. Then I show how this same logic has led to the domination and oppression of animals. Next, I argue that traditional defences of animal welfare are inadequate as they incorporate key elements of a logic of domination.