Humanity: Respecting What is Real

The notion that “human beings”, mainstream humanity, is best conceived as “in the image and likeness of God” has an effect even on secular philosophers, scientists farmers, despite our understanding humanity only one twig within a larger evolutionary bush. Even if it taken seriously, does not license most current exploitation. Nor merely “contractual” theory rights duties support denial proper consideration to non-human creatures. Affection rather than self-interest better basis for ethical life. But empathetic affection whole story: way respect admire what real – realization reality classical Platonic philosophers meant by Nous, simply capacity reason conclusions. If any ground claim exceptional status lies in possibility respecting including all How must affect lives here now ongoing project.