Reviewer: Julia K Whittington, DVM (University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine)
Description: This book is part of the Palgrave Macmillan Animal Ethics Series, which aims to spotlight issues pertaining to the use of animals in society and the ethics associated with that use. This hardcover text is organized into three overarching topics and includes 14 chapters written by different authors, with chapter one serving as an introduction to the text by the editor. Few images are included, which is not a limitation as each chapter is well referenced to support the included tenets of discourse.
Purpose: This is one of several books in a series addressing the growing interest in the field of animal ethics. The importance of animals in society has long been discussed by a myriad of disciplines ranging from sociology and philosophy to economics and political science. However, animal ethics, in the context of this series, refers to the moral status of non-human animals, and the series is intended to explore the conceptual and practical challenges that animal ethics presents for traditional views of animals and humans. The series editors propose three drivers for the creation of these texts: 1. To provide a framework of ideas regarding the ethics associated with non-human animals; 2. To provide a forum for publishing important works on the topic of animal ethics from noted and new scholars; and 3. To encourage multidisciplinary texts related to animal ethics. The book examines the use of animals for business purposes, with contributors focusing discussion on the welfare and wellbeing of animals, including human and non-human animals, and the environments. The objective is to provide a compilation of articles, written from a variety of perspectives, that cause the readers to ethically evaluate the use of animals in business and industry. In this regard, the objective is met, and the articles included are as thought-provoking as they are diverse. It is impossible to agree with all viewpoints shared, as they are often in conflict with each other. But the point is to initiate reflection and to induce thoughtful conversations. Ideally, business practices that balance success with reducing or eliminating harm to animals will be inspired and these ideals will become the foundation for future research into the field of animal ethics.
Audience: The book is written for scholars interested in exploring the developing field of animal ethics. By scholars, it is implied that this designation refers to anyone engaged in conversations pertaining to business ethics. However, it also includes individuals who are engaged in policymaking and who are interested in improving both human and non-human animal lives in industries that involve animal use. The most obvious audience for this book is students exploring interdisciplinary perspectives associated with business practices that warrant consideration about the ethical value of animals, as well as their welfare and treatment. While lacking representation from authors purporting complete indifference to animal ethics, the articles do represent a wide array of views pertaining to broad business ethics principles, animals in agriculture, and human-animal interactions. As an introduction to animal ethics, the book provides a comprehensive introduction to the current ideals in this field.
Features: The book contains 13 articles, or chapters, addressing various topics of animal ethics as it pertains to business ethics, in addition to an introductory chapter from the editor, which provides an overview of animal ethics and the contents of the text. The articles are divided into three parts based on their prevailing themes. Part one chapters focus on the general issues related to the ethics of animal use in business, including how and why animal ethics needs to be considered as part of business ethical considerations. Part two chapters discuss issues associated with animals in agriculture including traditional concerns of animal welfare and suffering, while also exploring the impact of new technologies such as gene editing and lab-cultured meat. Part three chapters explore human-animal relationships in the context of business including those in animal experimentation and entertainment. Throughout the book, the authors discuss current business practices and the realities experienced by animals as commodities. There is also important discussion of the impact of animal use on human caretakers and industry workers. There is a definitive bias against animal use in business in the collection of articles contained in the text, with very little discussion that presents an alternative view or suggestions for moderate solutions. This may serve to limit the use of this text as a platform for launching meaningful discussion or debate.
Assessment: This book is an important addition to the conversation about business ethics, especially as the use of animals as commodities becomes more important in political and environmental arenas. Animal use has far-reaching implications for the global food supply, societal economies, world health, and environmental stewardship. Just as good business practices are constantly evolving in modern industries, traditional views on animal use need to be evaluated and challenged to find best practices for all, including the animals themselves. This book provides important viewpoints that contribute to the conversation.
