Korsgaard's Theory Of Normativity Essay

Korsgaard, who preaches the Neo-Kantian theories of philosophy, also makes a point that living beings, both human and non-human, can have intrinsic moral worth without having high rationality. She argues that humans face the problem of normativity, which emerges because of the reflective structure of human consciousness. Our reflective capacities make us less impulsive and allow us to take decisions in a more matured manner. When we determine whether a particular desire of ours should be reason enough to act on, we engage in a deeper level of reflection. Korsgaard points out that humans face the problem of normativity in a way that non-humans do not, by explaining how a lower animal’s perceptions of the world are its beliefs and its desires and impulses are its will. While humans can be conscious about their perceptions and desires and need a reason for them, non-human animals tend to act without reason. As Korsgaard says, “And this sets us a problem that no other animal has. It is the problem of the normative.... The reflective mind cannot settle for perception and desire, not just as such. It needs a reason.” (Korsgaard 93) Therefore humans can be distinguished from …show more content…
Thus, it can be conferred from Korsgaard’s arguments and claims that no reason is strong enough to justify the killing of animals. Both humans and non-human animals are similar in many ways, and the only difference between them is that humans have rationality, which animals do not. It is ironical how this difference in rationality is used as an excuse by many to justify the killing of animals, when this intelligence in humans should make them more responsible towards animals, saving their lives rather than killing them. As educated and intelligent humans, killing animals is never morally permissible, since they have intrinsic value and deserve to live their lives to the