-non-human Desires -v5- -nonhumans- Apr 2026
For instance, if we recognize that animals have desires for social connection and community, we may need to rethink our treatment of them in captivity. If we acknowledge that plants have desires for growth and development, we may need to adjust our agricultural practices to prioritize their needs.
For example, a river may have a desire to flow freely, unimpeded by human-made dams or pollution. A forest may have a desire to grow and thrive, free from the impacts of deforestation and climate change. These desires are not necessarily equivalent to human desires, but they are nonetheless important for understanding the complex relationships between humans and non-humans. -Non-Human Desires -v5- -nonhumans-
Moreover, understanding non-human desires can also inform our approach to environmental conservation. By recognizing the desires of ecosystems and objects, we may be able to develop more effective strategies for preserving biodiversity and mitigating the impacts of climate change. For instance, if we recognize that animals have