蚕糸業における動物福祉の議論

――「エシカル」という価値観に注目して――

抄録

Animal welfare in the fashion industry has been discussed actively in recent years. In fact, because of doubts about the necessity and propriety of the killing of animals during production processes, a movement to avoid animal materials such as fur has emerged, especially in Western countries. Simultaneously, consciousness about animal ethics, including animal rights and animal liberation movements, has activated discussions worldwide to reconsider the human–animal relationship.

This paper presents a review of the history of animal welfare and animal ethics development. Then issues involved in these discussions are considered. Specifically, the anthropocentric mode of thought which accompanies the view of animals with clear separation between humans and animals is pointed out, along with the fact that discussion of the human–animal relationship itself does not include practical activities.

Additionally, to develop these discussions comprehensively in the future, this discussion specifically examines the Kuyō spirit of producers who witness the killing of animals. Finally, based on the discussion presented above, the future of animal welfare and animal ethics in the silk industry are explored.