Press release05-September-2011Human Suffering and Animal Rights The Manchester Salon is taking part in the Manchester Science Festival by co-hosting a debate with Café Scientifique on the question of whether humans and animals suffer in different ways. Speakers will discuss whether there is a biological similarity between the two and what ethical implications such an understanding holds, if any. Dr Stuart Derbyshire, a senior lecturer in psychology, and Anthony Jones, professor of neuro-rheumatology at Manchester University, will attempt to untangle the web of commonality between humans and animals. One view is that the brains of animals are so small they cannot register pain as humans do. The psychology of pain may not be directly linked to physical causes and one which animals have no access to. Does this mean that their experience of pain is lesser than humans and can be discounted as such? There is, however, an understandable disquiet in denying animals any form of pain or suffering. It is difficult to reject the idea that an animal writhing in apparent pain is not in actual pain - something like pain appears to be shared. These and other intractable questions will be discussed in what promises to be a thought-provoking and challenging discussion. Early booking recommended. Date: Wednesday, 28 September, 6pm Venue: International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Engine House, Chorlton Mill, Cambridge Street, Manchester, M1 5BY. Tickets are free but must booked in advance. Email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . |
Last Updated on Sunday, 11 September 2011 09:52 |