"For at the same time many people seem eager to extend the circle of our moral consideration to animals, in our factory farms and laboratories we are inflicting more suffering on more animals than at any time in history"

In the quote by Michael Pollan, there is a poignant commentary on the apparent contradiction in contemporary society's relationship with animals. Pollan is highlighting a significant ethical and ethical stress: while there seems to be a growing movement towards recognizing and respecting the rights and well-being of animals, the truth of how animals are treated-- especially in industrial contexts like agriculture and research laboratories-- informs a different story.

The expression "extend the circle of our ethical factor to consider" suggests an expansion of ethical concerns to include non-human animals, indicating a progression in societal worths where compassion and compassion are extended beyond our types. This idea lines up with a wider ethical awakening, as more people advocate for animal rights, vegetarianism, veganism, and humane treatment, influenced by both philosophical discourse and emerging clinical insights into animal life.

However, Pollan juxtaposes this possible moral advancement with the grim reality of contemporary animal husbandry and research study practices. He refers particularly to "agriculture and laboratories"-- areas notorious for focusing on efficiency and clinical improvement frequently at the expense of animal well-being. Within these systems, animals are regularly subjected to overcrowded and inhumane conditions, facing severe suffering through practices designed mostly for performance and economic gain instead of ethical treatment.

Pollan's usage of the phrase "more suffering on more animals than at any time in history" highlights the scale and strength of animal suffering facilitated by modern-day industrial procedures. Regardless of the growing awareness and advocacy, these systems continue to expand and heighten, highlighting a plain detach between public belief and institutional practices.

In essence, this quote captures a substantial ethical issue: as societal awareness and compassion towards animals grow, systemic practices inflict increasing levels of suffering. This discrepancy challenges individuals and societies to reconcile these clashing truths, raising important questions about how to align ethical concepts with actions to really show a broadened ethical circle.