Ethics and Morality of Animal Rights

Paper Summary:

The paper summarizes and critiques several different theories associated with the ethical treatment of animals. The paper focuses on the treatment of animals as it relates to hunting and trapping animals, eating animals, using animals for research, and the manner in which domestic and wild animals are treated. The paper summarizes and critiques several theories including anthropocentrism, animal liberation, strong animal rights theory, weak(er) animal rights theory, two-factor egalitarianism, biocentric egalitarianism and ecocentric views.

Outline:
Introduction
Anthropocentrism
Animal Liberation
Biocentric Egalitarianism
Weak Animal Rights Theory
Strong Animal Rights Theory
Two Factor Egalitarianism
Ecocentric Views
Opinion Concerning Ethical Issues and the best Theory to Address These Issues
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Finally, as it relates to the manner in which domestic and wild animals are treated, there must be standards associated with their treatment. As it relates to domestic animals there are many laws that govern their treatment and the responsibilities that owners have for their pets. As it relates to wild animals there is a definite need to have animals at zoos for the purpose of educating people. If an animal is near extinction people might have more compassion and a greater understanding of the plight of the animal if they were educated about their existence and why it needs to be preserved. Educating people may also challenge them to do what they can to preserve a particular species. As with domestic animals there are rules a regulations that govern the treatment of animals at zoos and aquariums, these regulations should be adhered to and in some cases the laws. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Callicot J.B. Animal Liberation: A triangular affair. Environmental Ethics Vol. 2(4) 1980. 511-538
• Callicot J.B. In Defense of the Land Ethic. State University Press: New York.
• Guthrie R.D., The Ethical relationship between humans and other organisms. Perspectives from Biology and Medicine.
• Hettinger, Ned. Valuing Predation is Rolstons Environmental Ethics: Bambi Lovers and Tree Huggers. Environmental Ethics. Vol. 16 1994
• Herzog A. (1990) Discussing Animal Rights and Animal Research in the Classroom. Teaching of Psychology. Volume: 17 (2). Page Number: 91.

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