Interest in living

Abstract

Sentient nonhuman animals have an interest in not suffering and, since they can have positive experiences, also an interest in living. Death harms sentient animals by permanently depriving them of future positive experiences. While animals often experience more suffering than well-being, especially those exploited by humans or living in the wild, even a young animal’s death is harmful as it eliminates the possibility of future positive experiences outweighing past suffering. Arguments claiming that only beings with a desire to live, complex interests, or a sense of self through time are harmed by death are refuted. Having the capacity for positive experiences is sufficient for death to be harmful. – AI-generated abstract.