Sentientist Politics

This book explores the moral and political implications of animal sentience, advocating for a democratic political system that includes both human and non-human representatives to address their shared interests and rights.

Sentientist Politics explores the growing consensus regarding the sentience of non-human animals and its significant moral and political ramifications. The author argues that recognizing animal sentience should not only restrict the actions of political institutions but also establish a framework for moral equality among all sentient beings. This recognition creates an obligation for moral agents to create and uphold a political system that prioritizes the interests of these creatures.

The book proposes a vision of a 'sentientist cosmopolitan democracy,' which envisions a global political structure comprising interconnected local, national, regional, and global communities. These communities would include both human and non-human members, all of whom share a common fate. The author emphasizes the importance of democratic institutions within these communities, advocating for systems that are participative, deliberative, and representative. This approach seeks to ensure that all voices, including those of non-human animals, are acknowledged and considered in political discourse.

A key aspect of the proposed political framework is the inclusion of dedicated representatives for non-human animals. These representatives would be responsible for articulating the interests of animals in discussions about the public good, thereby ensuring that their needs and rights are adequately addressed. By advocating for such a comprehensive and inclusive political order, Sentientist Politics challenges traditional views and encourages a rethinking of our moral obligations toward all sentient beings. The book was honored with the 2019 BISA Susan Strange Book Prize for its contributions to the field.