Is weeding defensible? Moral consideration for crabgrass

an article by John Hainze (Seattle University, WA, USA) published in Interdisciplinary Environmental Review Volume 18 Number 3/4 (2017)

Abstract

How we relate to other species undergirds our approach to sustainability.

This paper traces the development of human regard for other organisms, considering philosophical and religious perspectives in light of recent developments in biology.

Aspects of the biology of pest organisms like silverfish, dandelions, fruit flies, and crabgrass are reviewed as supporting moral considerability. It is determined that the findings of science, philosophy, and religion lead us to abandon a Cartesian conception of non-humans as machinelike other, and towards an attitude of moral consideration for other organisms.

This position requires that we adjudicate conflicts between members of different species, affirming the need to survive over lesser needs such as efficiency or aesthetics. A respectful attitude towards common living things like crabgrass can only enhance our relationship to nature in general.

Hazel’s comment
Pest organisms have a right to life? Philosophically yes but silverfish in my kitchen cupboards do not; dandelions in the rose bed need to be removed; and fruit flies are yucky. Crabgrass I had to look up (see http://www.garden-counselor-lawn-care.com/kill-crabgrass.html) but I feel murderous about the Japanese Knotweed encroaching from my neighbour’s garden.

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