The Case for Animal Rights

The Case for Animal Rights, first edition

The Case for Animal Rights is a seminal book in the field of animal rights and ethics written by American philosopher Tom Regan. Published in 1983, the book marks a significant philosophical contribution to the animal rights movement and continues to influence both academic and public perspectives on animal ethics. Regan's work is a comprehensive argument that animals, like humans, have inherent value and therefore possess inherent rights.

Overview

In The Case for Animal Rights, Regan argues against the utilitarian perspective of animal welfare, which suggests that the moral consideration of animals is based on their ability to suffer or experience pleasure. Instead, Regan posits that certain animals are "subjects-of-a-life," with their own beliefs, desires, memory, and sense of future. These animals, according to Regan, have intrinsic value and are not to be viewed as mere means to an end. He asserts that these animals have rights that must be respected, which include the right to be treated with respect and not to be harmed without just cause.

Regan's argument extends beyond the call for improved animal welfare to a demand for the abolition of practices that treat animals as resources, such as factory farming, animal testing, and commercial hunting. He advocates for a rights-based approach, where animals are entitled to moral rights similar to human rights, based on their inherent value as subjects-of-a-life.

Key Concepts

• Subjects-of-a-Life: A central concept in Regan's argument, indicating that animals who are subjects-of-a-life have complex mental lives and are the experiencing subjects of their lives. This status grants them inherent value and rights.
• Inherent Value: Regan argues that all individuals who are subjects-of-a-life have inherent value, which is independent of their utility to others. This value necessitates moral rights.
• Animal Rights: According to Regan, animals with inherent value have rights that protect their intrinsic value, including the right not to be harmed, used, or killed.

Critical Reception

The Case for Animal Rights has received both acclaim and criticism since its publication. Supporters praise Regan for his rigorous philosophical argument and his contribution to advancing the ethical consideration of animals. Critics, however, have challenged his philosophical assumptions, particularly the notion of inherent value and the criteria for being a subject-of-a-life. Despite these criticisms, Regan's work remains a cornerstone in the field of animal ethics and rights.

Impact and Legacy

Regan's book has had a profound impact on the animal rights movement, providing a strong philosophical foundation for the argument that animals deserve moral consideration and rights. It has influenced subsequent generations of philosophers, ethicists, and animal rights activists. The book has also played a crucial role in the development of animal law and policy, inspiring legal and legislative efforts to recognize and protect animal rights.

See Also

• Animal Liberation
• Peter Singer
• Animal welfare
• Ethics of eating meat
• Veganism