Speaker: Suzanne Killmister

Abstract: It is sometimes suggested that human rights ought to be extended to some non-humans – be it non-human animals such as great apes, or forms of artificial intelligence. While such suggestions are typically motivated by a belief that these non-human beings have the same inherent rights as us, this paper comes at the issue from a different angle. Focusing on human rights as an international practice, and drawing on debates in political philosophy about the effects of (more) open borders at the nation-state level, I explore how extending human rights beyond Homo sapiens might affect both the practice of human rights, and our self-understanding as human.

Please note that these seminars are open to the public and in person only.