Principle of equal consideration

The principle that the interests of all sentient beings should receive equal consideration. The distinction matters: equal consideration, rather than equal treatment.

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The basic principle of equality does not require equal or identical treatment; it requires equal consideration. Equal consideration for different beings may lead to different treatment and different rights.

A core principle of utilitarianism. Sometimes deliberation based on this principle leads to conclusions that violate the moral common sense of the time. Looking back from later generations, however, it often turns out that the prevailing common sense was wrong. Examples include “homosexuality is a sin” and “discrimination against women is justified.”

Today, many people no longer regard homosexuality as a crime or sexism as natural. Yet they still take speciesism for granted. I believe this, too, will probably change in future generations.