The Moral Circle

A philosopher calls for a revolution in ethics, suggesting we expand our “moral circle” to include insects, AI systems and even microbes

"In The Moral Circle, Jeff Sebo defends, with engaging examples and plausible arguments, a disturbing conclusion: that the expansion of the moral circle beyond our own species, for which I have argued, does not go nearly far enough. I expect this book to trigger an important debate."

"Does what happen to an insect, a plant, or a robot, matter to them? Compelling thought experiments make The Moral Circle a fascinating read."

"In The Moral Circle Jeff Sebo shows us how complicated—and disconcerting—things get when we consider what that moral circle would include—and whether we can really justify leaving any living thing outside the boundaries of our moral concern."

Jeff Sebo is associate professor of environmental studies; affiliated professor of bioethics, medical ethics, philosophy, and law; director of the Center for Environmental and Animal Protection; and director of the Center for Mind, Ethics, and Policy at New York University.