Can we rationally advocate prioritizing reduction of animal suffering, while avoiding negative utilitarianism?

By Zeren @ 2025-07-31T11:55 (+1)

It seems reduction of animal suffering and total views of population ethics co-exist in mainstream EA but aren't each of them based on contrasting ethical views?

Bella @ 2025-07-31T14:42 (+5)

I think it'd help if you spelled out more how you think these views contrast. They seem obviously consistent to me (if you have totalist views in population ethics, you think less suffering would be good).

Zeren @ 2025-07-31T15:31 (+1)

Thanks for the comment. It is consistent indeed, you are right. I was trying to argue, solely focusing on reduction of suffering when it comes to animals may be inconsistent with the totalist views but in fact it seems plausible to say that reduction of suffering in animals is the best way to increase total utility of their well-being.