Cite as: “Multiculturalism, Indian Philosophy, and Conflicts over Cuisine.” Comparative Philosoph... more Cite as: “Multiculturalism, Indian Philosophy, and Conflicts over Cuisine.” Comparative Philosophical Perspectives on Multiculturalism: Historical, Western, Eastern, and African Approaches. Ed. Luís Cordeiro Rodrigues and Marko Simendic. Routledge, 2016.
Human Architecture: Journal of the Sociology of Self-Knowledge, 2008
It was just after 5:00 a.m. on September 3rd, 2005. I was wide awake, excited. As I stood in the ... more It was just after 5:00 a.m. on September 3rd, 2005. I was wide awake, excited. As I stood in the darkness, Thich Nhat Hanh's words returned: With the first step think, "I have arrived"; with the next step, "I am home." I reminded myself: Be present in each moment, in each step, here and now. I took a deep, cool breath and relaxed into the beauty and wonder of Estes Park. Some forty monks and nuns had gathered to lead eight hundred North Americans through a Buddhist "Mindfulness Retreat" titled "Finding True Freedom: Opening the Door of Understanding and Compassion." Eventually a handful of brown-clad monks and nuns stepped into the darkness. They began a slow, meditative walk around the parking lot, waiting for the master, "Thay" (teacher) as he is respectfully called. At 5:30 a.m., Thich Nhat Hanh and an enclave of monks and nuns led us through a short series of leg-stretching, arm-loosening exercises. By chance, I was standing ...
Protectionism: Applying Ethics Consistently focuses on the discrepancy between morality amongst h... more Protectionism: Applying Ethics Consistently focuses on the discrepancy between morality amongst human beings as opposed to morality with regard to all other life forms.The introduction explains important terminology, terms, methods and goals. The chapters that follow examine four prominent contemporary ethical theories that extend ethics to protect other life forms. Each chapter presents one of the four theories, immediately followed by a discussion of that theory.The first chapter discusses the work of Tom Regan, a philosopher who asserts that certain non-human animals hold rights, and that people are obligated to uphold corresponding duties to respect these rights. The second chapter examines the work of the philosopher Peter Singer, who recommends protection for some non-human animals based on sentience and utilitarian principles. The third chapter is dedicated to the work of Andrew Linzey, a theologian, who indicates a Christian obligation of servitude toward non-human animals b...
This essay demonstrates the power of ecofeminism for lobbying and advocacy against climate inacti... more This essay demonstrates the power of ecofeminism for lobbying and advocacy against climate inaction. Kemmerer explores ecofeminist theory, providing a means by which to revisit and critically analyse our dominant worldview, particularly false value dualism and hierarchy. The author also provides a handful of additional supporting theories that similarly expose the problematic thinking that has led to and maintains environmental degradation and climate inaction. This essay demonstrates how a more holistic vision, focusing on interconnections and respect for life and the environment, can help us to work against climate change, and climate change denial, so long as we are willing to change our outlook—and our day-to-day consumption patterns.
Kaporos is a Jewish ritual of atonement in which chickens suffer and are ultimately slaughtered. ... more Kaporos is a Jewish ritual of atonement in which chickens suffer and are ultimately slaughtered. In a handful of ways, Kaporos fails to comply with core religious ethics and foundational secular ethics. Multiculturalism defends cultural traditions, but what stand might multiculturalists take with regard to traditions that breach fundamental moral dictates? More specifically, when forced to decide between the protection and preservation of religious traditions and the lives and welfare of anymals, where does multiculturalism stand?
Exploring the environmental effects of animal agriculture, fishing, and hunting, Eating Earth exp... more Exploring the environmental effects of animal agriculture, fishing, and hunting, Eating Earth exposes critical common ground between earth and animal advocacy. The first chapter (animal agriculture) examines greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, manure and dead zones, freshwater depletion, deforestation, predator control, land and use--including the ranching industries public lands subsidies. Chapter two first examines whether or not the consumption of fish is healthy and outlines morally relevant aspects of fish physiology, then scrutinizes the fishing industry, documenting the "silent collapse" of ocean ecosystems and calling attention to the indiscriminate nature of hooks and nets, including the problem of bycatch and what this means for endangered species and fragile seascapes. Chapter three outlines the historic link between the U. S. Government, wildlife management, and hunters, then systematically unravels common beliefs about sport hunting, such as the belie...
Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, 2016
The oceans and seas of the world provide 168 times the volume of living space that is provided by... more The oceans and seas of the world provide 168 times the volume of living space that is provided by terrestrial ecosystems.1 This makes it tempting to conclude that there are “plenty of fish in the sea.” Indeed, we have tended to behave as if the oceans hold an unlimited amount of sea life, and we continue to consume as if no amount of fishing or eating of sea life will harm ocean ecosystems. Moreover, while animal agriculture comes increasingly under fire for environmental damage and cruelty, the environmental degradation and the sufferings of fishes tend to swim under the radar. As information and moral deliberation lead many informed people away from the consumption of farmed and hunted animals, dairy, and eggs—on behalf of the environment and because of unconscionable suffering of animals—some people shy away froma vegandiet, eschewing all flesh except that of sea life. This article explores fisheries, fishes, and foundational moral theories to critically analyze whether or not piscatorial leanings are a reasoned and informed choice for environmentalists or those who are otherwise concerned about making choices in the supermarket or in restaurants that cause unnecessary suffering.
This paper investigates consistency in applied moral philosophy with regard to the recent controv... more This paper investigates consistency in applied moral philosophy with regard to the recent controversy over Makah whaling in the state of Washington. The first part presents both sides of the controversy. The second part examines the meaning of ‘tradition’ and distinguishes between ‘new’ and ‘old’ traditions. The third part explores what might constitute moral consistency for the Makah and what might constitute moral consistency for the larger community.
This article explores Daoist teachings that are friendly toward nonhuman animals, focusing on phi... more This article explores Daoist teachings that are friendly toward nonhuman animals, focusing on philosophy and morality, including such central concepts as Dao, ci, jian, bugan wei tianxia xian, and wuwei, as well as Daoist understandings of unity, harmony, and ultimate integrity. Daoism teaches people neither to harm, nor to kill, and therefore anticipates a vegan diet.
Human Architecture Journal of the Sociology of Self Knowledge, Jun 22, 2009
This is a reply by Lisa Kemmerer to a response provided by Bhikshuni Chan Tung Nghiem (Barbara Ne... more This is a reply by Lisa Kemmerer to a response provided by Bhikshuni Chan Tung Nghiem (Barbara Newell) (titled "Peace in Oneself, Peace in the World: The Real Heart of Engaged Buddhism--A Response to Lisa Kemmerer," pp. 145-147) to Kemmerer's original commentary (titled "Engaged Buddhism in Retreat," pp. 135-143) published in the Summer 2008 issue of Human Architecture: Journal of
Human Architecture Journal of the Sociology of Self Knowledge, 2008
This is a critical account of the author's experience at a meditation retreat associated ... more This is a critical account of the author's experience at a meditation retreat associated with the Vietnamese Buddhist Zen teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh. "As the retreat came to a close my questions were unanswered. Flesh was absent, dairy and eggs plentiful; Thich Nhat Hanh appeared simple and humble, yet a nun picked up after him, and Sister Khong was denied
Cite as: “Multiculturalism, Indian Philosophy, and Conflicts over Cuisine.” Comparative Philosoph... more Cite as: “Multiculturalism, Indian Philosophy, and Conflicts over Cuisine.” Comparative Philosophical Perspectives on Multiculturalism: Historical, Western, Eastern, and African Approaches. Ed. Luís Cordeiro Rodrigues and Marko Simendic. Routledge, 2016.
Human Architecture: Journal of the Sociology of Self-Knowledge, 2008
It was just after 5:00 a.m. on September 3rd, 2005. I was wide awake, excited. As I stood in the ... more It was just after 5:00 a.m. on September 3rd, 2005. I was wide awake, excited. As I stood in the darkness, Thich Nhat Hanh's words returned: With the first step think, "I have arrived"; with the next step, "I am home." I reminded myself: Be present in each moment, in each step, here and now. I took a deep, cool breath and relaxed into the beauty and wonder of Estes Park. Some forty monks and nuns had gathered to lead eight hundred North Americans through a Buddhist "Mindfulness Retreat" titled "Finding True Freedom: Opening the Door of Understanding and Compassion." Eventually a handful of brown-clad monks and nuns stepped into the darkness. They began a slow, meditative walk around the parking lot, waiting for the master, "Thay" (teacher) as he is respectfully called. At 5:30 a.m., Thich Nhat Hanh and an enclave of monks and nuns led us through a short series of leg-stretching, arm-loosening exercises. By chance, I was standing ...
Protectionism: Applying Ethics Consistently focuses on the discrepancy between morality amongst h... more Protectionism: Applying Ethics Consistently focuses on the discrepancy between morality amongst human beings as opposed to morality with regard to all other life forms.The introduction explains important terminology, terms, methods and goals. The chapters that follow examine four prominent contemporary ethical theories that extend ethics to protect other life forms. Each chapter presents one of the four theories, immediately followed by a discussion of that theory.The first chapter discusses the work of Tom Regan, a philosopher who asserts that certain non-human animals hold rights, and that people are obligated to uphold corresponding duties to respect these rights. The second chapter examines the work of the philosopher Peter Singer, who recommends protection for some non-human animals based on sentience and utilitarian principles. The third chapter is dedicated to the work of Andrew Linzey, a theologian, who indicates a Christian obligation of servitude toward non-human animals b...
This essay demonstrates the power of ecofeminism for lobbying and advocacy against climate inacti... more This essay demonstrates the power of ecofeminism for lobbying and advocacy against climate inaction. Kemmerer explores ecofeminist theory, providing a means by which to revisit and critically analyse our dominant worldview, particularly false value dualism and hierarchy. The author also provides a handful of additional supporting theories that similarly expose the problematic thinking that has led to and maintains environmental degradation and climate inaction. This essay demonstrates how a more holistic vision, focusing on interconnections and respect for life and the environment, can help us to work against climate change, and climate change denial, so long as we are willing to change our outlook—and our day-to-day consumption patterns.
Kaporos is a Jewish ritual of atonement in which chickens suffer and are ultimately slaughtered. ... more Kaporos is a Jewish ritual of atonement in which chickens suffer and are ultimately slaughtered. In a handful of ways, Kaporos fails to comply with core religious ethics and foundational secular ethics. Multiculturalism defends cultural traditions, but what stand might multiculturalists take with regard to traditions that breach fundamental moral dictates? More specifically, when forced to decide between the protection and preservation of religious traditions and the lives and welfare of anymals, where does multiculturalism stand?
Exploring the environmental effects of animal agriculture, fishing, and hunting, Eating Earth exp... more Exploring the environmental effects of animal agriculture, fishing, and hunting, Eating Earth exposes critical common ground between earth and animal advocacy. The first chapter (animal agriculture) examines greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, manure and dead zones, freshwater depletion, deforestation, predator control, land and use--including the ranching industries public lands subsidies. Chapter two first examines whether or not the consumption of fish is healthy and outlines morally relevant aspects of fish physiology, then scrutinizes the fishing industry, documenting the "silent collapse" of ocean ecosystems and calling attention to the indiscriminate nature of hooks and nets, including the problem of bycatch and what this means for endangered species and fragile seascapes. Chapter three outlines the historic link between the U. S. Government, wildlife management, and hunters, then systematically unravels common beliefs about sport hunting, such as the belie...
Journal of International Wildlife Law & Policy, 2016
The oceans and seas of the world provide 168 times the volume of living space that is provided by... more The oceans and seas of the world provide 168 times the volume of living space that is provided by terrestrial ecosystems.1 This makes it tempting to conclude that there are “plenty of fish in the sea.” Indeed, we have tended to behave as if the oceans hold an unlimited amount of sea life, and we continue to consume as if no amount of fishing or eating of sea life will harm ocean ecosystems. Moreover, while animal agriculture comes increasingly under fire for environmental damage and cruelty, the environmental degradation and the sufferings of fishes tend to swim under the radar. As information and moral deliberation lead many informed people away from the consumption of farmed and hunted animals, dairy, and eggs—on behalf of the environment and because of unconscionable suffering of animals—some people shy away froma vegandiet, eschewing all flesh except that of sea life. This article explores fisheries, fishes, and foundational moral theories to critically analyze whether or not piscatorial leanings are a reasoned and informed choice for environmentalists or those who are otherwise concerned about making choices in the supermarket or in restaurants that cause unnecessary suffering.
This paper investigates consistency in applied moral philosophy with regard to the recent controv... more This paper investigates consistency in applied moral philosophy with regard to the recent controversy over Makah whaling in the state of Washington. The first part presents both sides of the controversy. The second part examines the meaning of ‘tradition’ and distinguishes between ‘new’ and ‘old’ traditions. The third part explores what might constitute moral consistency for the Makah and what might constitute moral consistency for the larger community.
This article explores Daoist teachings that are friendly toward nonhuman animals, focusing on phi... more This article explores Daoist teachings that are friendly toward nonhuman animals, focusing on philosophy and morality, including such central concepts as Dao, ci, jian, bugan wei tianxia xian, and wuwei, as well as Daoist understandings of unity, harmony, and ultimate integrity. Daoism teaches people neither to harm, nor to kill, and therefore anticipates a vegan diet.
Human Architecture Journal of the Sociology of Self Knowledge, Jun 22, 2009
This is a reply by Lisa Kemmerer to a response provided by Bhikshuni Chan Tung Nghiem (Barbara Ne... more This is a reply by Lisa Kemmerer to a response provided by Bhikshuni Chan Tung Nghiem (Barbara Newell) (titled "Peace in Oneself, Peace in the World: The Real Heart of Engaged Buddhism--A Response to Lisa Kemmerer," pp. 145-147) to Kemmerer's original commentary (titled "Engaged Buddhism in Retreat," pp. 135-143) published in the Summer 2008 issue of Human Architecture: Journal of
Human Architecture Journal of the Sociology of Self Knowledge, 2008
This is a critical account of the author's experience at a meditation retreat associated ... more This is a critical account of the author's experience at a meditation retreat associated with the Vietnamese Buddhist Zen teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh. "As the retreat came to a close my questions were unanswered. Flesh was absent, dairy and eggs plentiful; Thich Nhat Hanh appeared simple and humble, yet a nun picked up after him, and Sister Khong was denied
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