The Chander Mohan Jain Memorial Lecture Series – Jainism and Moral Relativism: Anekantavada and Ahimsa
Jainism and Moral Relativism: Anekantavada and Ahimsa with Professor Gary Francione
It would seem as though the Jain principle of Ahimsa, which prohibits the intentional infliction of suffering and death on mobile, multi-sensed beings, should serve to prohibit the use of any animal products by Jains. But this is not the case as many Jains who regard themselves as embracing Ahimsa are not vegans. The usual reason offered for this is that the doctrine of Anekantavada, often, and inaccurately, referred to as the Jain doctrine of relativism, means that there are no hard and fast moral rules, including ones related to animal use. I will discuss why this is not the case and argue generally that Anekantavada does not apply to moral concepts such as Ahimsa.
Note: If you are unable to attend but would like a copy of the event recording, please register for the event and we will email you the link following the event.
Gary L. Francione
Gary L. Francione is Board of Governors Professor of Law at Rutgers University School of Law. He is also Visiting Professor of Philosophy at the University of Lincoln, U.K., and Honorary Professor of Philosophy at the University of East Anglia, U.K. Professor Francione is the author of numerous books and articles on animal rights theory.
Professor Francione studied philosophy at the University of Rochester and then went to graduate school in philosophy and law school at the University of Virginia. He served as a Law Clerk to Justice Sandra Day O’Connor of the United States Supreme Court and practiced law in New York City before entering academia in 1984. Professor Francione is the author of numerous books and articles on animal rights theory and is regarded as a leading scholar in the field of animal ethics and animal law.
He has been a vegan for almost 40 years based on his acceptance of the principle of Ahimsa, or nonviolence, and his view that to use animals as commodities is unjust. He rejects the use of all animal products, including dairy, leather, wool, and silk. He is a serious student of Jain philosophy and has written about Jainism and animal ethics. He delivered the Opening Keynote Address at the 15th Biennial JAINA Convention in July 2009 and has spoken at other Jain events. He has done a series of interviews for Mangalam, the Jain TV series.
Leigh Allen is the AVP, Global Strategic Research, Reinsurance Group of America Inc., one of the world’s largest global life and reinsurance companies.
Yola Ventresca is a Managing Partner, Lerners LLP, Secretary of Huron’s Board of Governors and a Huron Class of ’02 alumni. Selected as one of Canada’s “Best Lawyers,” she is passionate about the value of Liberal Arts in helping students succeed in their careers.
Lisa Jones Keenan is the Vice President of Sales at Xplornet Communications, the largest rural fixed wireless broadband service provider in Canada. 
Ranjita is Executive Chair of the Oxford Global Partnership, advising investors, businesses, family offices and entrepreneurs on sustainable, inclusive and responsible value creation. A Business Fellow at Oxford University’s Smith School, Ranjita engages with companies on pursuing value with values, and teaches a postgraduate “Essentials of ESG & DEI” course.
Michael Medline is the President and CEO of Empire Company Limited and Sobeys Inc., a leading Canadian grocery retailer with grocery and ecommerce brands that reach across Canada, including Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, FreshCo, Foodland, Thrifty Foods, Farm Boy, Longo’s and Voilà.
Susan Farrow is an Assistant Professor in The Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto and a Founding Partner and Co-Director of The Toronto Institute of Group Studies, an organization offering certified training and education in group leadership. 
Frank Holmes is CEO and Chief Investment Officer of U.S. Global Investors, as well as a business commentator, philanthropist and Huron Class of ‘78 alumnus. Holmes also serves as the Executive Chairman of HIVE Blockchain Technologies, the first cryptocurrency mining company to go public in 2017.
Caleb Hayhoe is the Founder & Chairman of Flowerdale Group and a Huron Class of ’85 Alumnus. Flowerdale Group is a Hong Kong based family office with a global investment outlook across public markets, real estate and private investment. Hayhoe previously spent over ten years building a global sourcing business together with an exceptional team, and remains committed to entrepreneurialism and helping great ideas become sustainable companies.
Kelly Meighen is an experienced philanthropist and volunteer. In her role as president of the T.R. Meighen Family Foundation, she has created a legacy of volunteerism and philanthropic giving in the areas of youth mental health advocacy, environmental conservation and cultural vibrancy. 
