But it’s also a mistake to think that using an animal in that way won’t lead to more empathy for animals in general—the question is instead to ask how people will best maintain consistent self—images?
In practice for the people who own pets, do you find them more empathic of animals after owning them? I think that
It does seem people use pets for their own needs, and often fool themselves that they’re doing it for the pet/ they’re a compassionate pet owner
People seem to be more compassionate towards animals when having owned pets, in order to maintain this image of compassionate pet owner.
So in my experience the evidence is that both what you and Chris are saying is true.
But it’s also a mistake to think that using an animal in that way won’t lead to more empathy for animals in general—the question is instead to ask how people will best maintain consistent self—images? In practice for the people who own pets, do you find them more empathic of animals after owning them? I think that
It does seem people use pets for their own needs, and often fool themselves that they’re doing it for the pet/ they’re a compassionate pet owner
People seem to be more compassionate towards animals when having owned pets, in order to maintain this image of compassionate pet owner.
So in my experience the evidence is that both what you and Chris are saying is true.
Agreed. I was offering a counter to the proposition that pet ownership increases the empathy towards animals.
But I’m saying that it does, and that your point is not a counter?