Animal Rights

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer explains that the nature of animal rights necessarily converges upon the modern debate of animal experimentation. After all, the writer points out, if it is morally acceptable to experiment upon animals, then one has said something important about the extent to which non-humans can have rights within society. Additionally, the writer notes that one can make further claims as to the type of experiments that are morally justifiable and precisely which animals may be afforded any rights. Overall, the writer maintains that the case for animal rights must center upon what types of organisms can reasonably be protected under the law -- if they can voluntarily act under the confines of law.

From the Paper:

"First, it must be established that human societies have been formed for the mutual advantages of those within them. Each person, as a member of society, is required to contribute something to its overall functioning, and in doing this, they are allowed to receive the contributions of others. So, the criterion for becoming a legal member of a society is that you are able to freely choose to make a contribution or not. So, despite the observation that animals may be able to contribute something to human life that is mutually beneficial--like a puppy providing us with happiness and us providing it with food--it is irrational to assert that animal species should be allowed to choose whether to enter into this bargain or not. Society is not designed, and cannot be designed, for animal benefit in general; only specific examples of mutual advantage can be found. Therefore, not all animals can have legal rights as citizens."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cowen, Richard. History of Life: Third Edition. Malden: Blackwell Science, 2000.

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