Justice as Expansion of the Moral Community

Sor Juana's entire life embodied the principle that justice demands we recognize the humanity of those society excludes. Her defense of women, Indigenous peoples, and enslaved persons demonstrated that moral progress requires expanding our conception of who deserves consideration. This concept applies directly to animal ethics: justice cannot be static or partial. It demands we extend moral consideration to sentient beings who have historically been treated as mere resources. Animals cannot advocate for themselves in human forums; they are the ultimate voiceless. Following Sor Juana's example of epistemic and moral courage, we must recognize that excluding sentient beings from moral consideration reflects the same hierarchical thinking that justified oppression of human groups. Justice requires acknowledging that the capacity to suffer, to experience fear and pain, constitutes grounds for moral status regardless of species membership.