Dependent Rational Animals

This compares humans to other intelligent animals, drawing conclusions about human social life and our treatment of those whom he argues we should no longer call "disabled." The author argues that human beings are independent, practical reasoners, but they are also dependent animals who must learn from each other in order to remain largely independent. To flourish, humans must acknowledge the importance of dependence and independence, both of which are developed in and through social relationships. This requires the development of a local community in which individuals discover their own "goods" through the discovery of a common Good.

This compares humans to other intelligent animals, drawing conclusions about human social life and our treatment of those whom he argues we should no longer call "disabled." The author argues that human beings are independent, practical reasoners, but they are also dependent animals who must learn from each other in order to remain largely independent. To flourish, humans must acknowledge the importance of dependence and independence, both of which are developed in and through social relationships. This requires the development of a local community in which individuals discover their own "goods" through the discovery of a common Good.