Steffen Augsberg, professor at the Justus-Liebig Universitat Giessen (Germany), offered a seminar on Monday 27th March at Campus Ciutadella of Universitat Pompeu Fabra.

The title of the talk was "Homo homini persona, or: Why are some animals more equal than others in the eyes of the law?". Professor Augsberg argued that the so-called animal turn has deeply affected scientific thought in many disciplines. With regard to the law, it calls into question traditional and fundamental legal concepts not the least of which is the basic understanding that legal rules apply to persons only. The presentation asked for the rationale behind this restrictive model. Based on an analysis that is founded on legal doctrine, history and theory, professor Augsberg explained why although the law is created and applied by humans, there is no inherent reason why its concept of personhood should exclude other forms of life.

The seminar was attended by 16 participants that contributed to the final discussion.