Solidarität mit Tieren. Ein tragfähiges Konzept für theologische Ethik?

Mügge, Cornelia

Abstract

There is an increasing public debate about solidarity, and also in theology, solidarity is more and more evaluated as a relevant ethical concept. The paper examines whether solidarity can also be regarded as a helpful concept for animal ethics and asks how a theological concept of solidarity with animals should be understood. It argues, first, that there are good reasons to feel companionship with non-human animals even though such a feeling of companionship has to be cultivated. Second, it criticizes a narrow idea of symmetric reciprocity and suggests a wider understanding of solidarity that allows to include human-animal-relations. Finally, it concludes that solidarity with animals is a meaningful concept that in some regards is even more convincing for theological ethics than approaches of animal rights and justice.