Abstract
This paper briefly looks at the evolution of the Western world's views on the treatment of animals and how the lack of a agreement on what an animal precisely is causes difficulties in addressing the issue of animal rights. It goes on to present a debate on the issue of animal rights through three different perspectives: ethical relativism, utilitarianism, and ethical egoism.

Sentient Rights in a Solitary World
The Essential Problem of the Definitions
Framework of the Debate within this Context
Taking A Position -- Modified Personal Responsibility
Ethical Traditions Within The Framework
Summary

From the Paper
"In recent years, the ethical issue of animal rights has seriously entered into the realm of philosophical debate. This in itself shows a change in perspective, for until relatively recently the issue was not even seriously broached by philosophers, save maybe in sport or to highlight the absurdity of a line of reasoning. However, increasingly within modern philosophy, the issue may be broached. While one would think that the demands of such philosophies as egoism and utilitarianism would subjugate the position of animals, it seems historically that the reverse has somewhat been true. The question then becomes, within a humanistic mind-set, what potential exists for a healthy construct of the rights of animals? The answer lies in comprehending the individual focus of these philosophies, and treating this issue not as one of social or legal mandate, but as one of personal cognizance."

Tags:soul, sentient, beings, animal, equality, theories, animal, cruelty

Abstract
This paper briefly discusses the moral and legal issues to do with animal rights in the United States. A short history on the American Society of Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is included in the paper. The author also points out the link between cruelty to animals particularly amongst youths and serial killers. The author singles out Hawaii as the most recent state to adopt stricter criminal penalties for animal cruelty and at the same time, urges other states to progress in their cultural attitude and impose stricter penalties on barbaric torture of animals.

Outline:
Background and History
The Current State of Criminal Legislation and Future Recommendations
References

From the Paper
"Throughout history, man has used animals for food, for their strength to
accomplish mechanical tasks and for the raw materials for everything from winter clothing to tools and weapons. Man, unfortunately, also has a long history of inhumanity to his fellow man, and of cruelty to animals. In much of the rest of the world, cultural attitudes reflect a continuing insensitivity to animals, working them to death, and hunting them to extinction for decorative ivory and superstitious uses of their ground up bones, or harvesting one part such as by hauling them from the water to slice off their fins before tossing them back into the water to sink to the ocean floor and drown."

Tags:animal, cruelty

Abstract
This paper discusses the negative effects of high intake of animal products and strongly suggests that intake of such foods be curtailed. It has been found that high consumption of animal-derived food can result in health problems including coronary diseases and certain types of cancer. While human being need animal-products because they are a good source of important minerals and vitamins, medical doctors have found that the many health problems are directly related to high intake of such food and lower consumption of healthier food such vegetables and fruits.

Tags:animal, products, consumption

Abstract
This paper examines the issues of slavery and animal rights. It reflects on the relationship between the moral reasoning supporting the abolition of slavery and the protection of animals from cruelty. It makes persuasive arguments that the distinction between animal rights and human rights is untenable when it comes to issues of ethical treatment just as the distinction between whites and blacks was untenable.

From the Paper
"According to an essay published online on the Teaching American History website on July at the Rochester Ladies Antislavery Society, Frederick Douglass gave a speech in which he reminded the audience that the Fourth of July, during which the nation celebrated freedom and liberty, was not a day for celebration for slaves. The United States that Frederick Douglass knew was a nation of contradictions. There were people opposed to slavery but the position of the United States government was that slaves were property rather than people. The speech..."

Tags:Frederick Douglass, rhetoric and persuasion, animal rights, suffering, mercy, nonhuman, civil rights, slavery

Abstract
This paper examines the similarities of outlook and points of departure between environmentalists and animal rights activists. This includes a literature review which evaluates the background for the differing perspectives of these groups. The author points out similarities between environmentalists and animal rights activists, but concludes that these groups still have distinct opinions. The paper concludes by stating the two groups should be aware that they are fighting the same battle.

From the Paper
" The facts of the matter are this: there are some people who believe that environmental ethics and animal rights are two different and disjointed genres, there are still who believe that animal rights and the conservative or backward morals/principles have more in common then environmental ethics and animal right, it is also true, perhaps based on the most sound facts, that both the advocates of environmental health and animals rights have the exact identical foe, for example, an environmentalist and animal rights activist would both equally care about the hazardous effects of cutting down rainforests to evenly space the luxurious demand of lifestyles of the ever growing population, they would equally be concerned about the poisonous waste dumps in the oceans and rivers that has been one of the causes of the endangerment of whales, etc. In fact, when looking at the records of the environmental fights and debates that have been fought in the past, it is no surprise to see the aspect of animal suffering and extinction being given its due attention. It is also interesting to note that fights fought by the environmentalist and animal rights activist before the World War II took place were all based on the selfish and ruthless destruction of one of the nature's most bounty resources and the extinction of the other in order to better insure the development of weapons or forces equipments, and treating both the natural resources and animals (humans and non-humans) as expendable and insignificant goods. Both groups refused to believe in the utmost faith given to science as the solution to all the problems and it is no surprise that both these revolutions began with very little space between each other. There are people now who support both the groups; environmentalist and animal rights, and feel that there is no distinction or apprehension between the two concepts, and feel that both are concerned about the greater good of the same thing: nature (Jamieson, 1997). "

Tags:animal, rights, environmental, activists, environment

Abstract
An opinion paper that discusses current debates on animal testing, problems with animal testing, alternatives and how regulation can be improved.

From the Paper
"Animal testing has become a hot topic in the last few decades as more and more animal rights & awareness issues have entered the world stage. From a variety of backgrounds, groups have rallied to the cause of animals around the world that are involved in drug testing, cosmetic testing, and a number of different experimental situations. The most hotly contested issue has been drug testing, where the development of potentially human life-saving substances is weighed against the life of these animals. Recent scientific research has been working hard to increase the accuracy and usage of alternative testing methods."

Tags:animal, pets, rights, controversial, drug, human, benefit, experiment, scient, cosmetic

Abstract
This paper discusses the pros and cons of animal rights, taking the side in defense of such right. The paper cites a number of sources to support that contention. It also offers the arguments of supporters of animal right's movement.

From the Paper
"In a world increasingly filled with abuse, violence, neglect and lack of regard for the lives of human beings it becomes ever more difficult to uphold the rights and ethical treatment of other species as well as babies-both at the embryo ..."

Tags:animal rights, suffering, ethics, speciesism, pro, con

Abstract
In this paper, the utilitarian philosophy of Singer provides a limited vision of the human perspective on modern animal rights, as the self important conception of the human self often overrides the greater good of Nature. This insular view of Nature and of human relationships with animals is a major problem for utilitarians, as they suggest that animals must invariably not have a say in regards to their equal right to in the natural order.

From the Paper
Thank you for purchasing a customized research paper from Essay Experts LLC. We strive to deliver to our customers the most accurate and up-to-date research each and every time we prepare a custom work. Your Writer ID: #255 Order ID: 12665 Topic: Ethics Disclaimer: This document should be used in precisely the same way you would use any article you might find in your local research library. Remember, you must cite it properly just like you would any other source listed in your bibliography. If you have any questions regarding citing

Tags:singer, animal, rights

Abstract
This paper analyzes the various themes in George Orwell's novel "Animal Farm." The paper explores the contrasts between the setting of a farm, the characters being animals, and the serious political messages of the book. The paper's author concludes that Orwell used these contrasts in order for the reader to constantly question the themes of the novel.

From the Paper
"The novel Animal Farm by George Orwell is considered as one having important and serious themes. Orwell is writing about the nature of power, the corruption of power, the nature of society, as well as a basic theme about good and evil. The importance of these themes suggests that the novel is one that Orwell wanted people to take seriously. The importance of these themes also suggests that the novel is one for an adult audience. These aspects of the novel create questions about why Orwell wrote it the way he did. Why did he base the novel on an animal farm, where the animals reject the humans and take over the farm? Why does Orwell have pigs as the main characters? These aspects of the novel do not seem to match the important themes of the novel. Yet, it must be assumed that Orwell had a purpose in selecting the setting, the characters, and the style of the novel. These issues will now be explored in detail, with the purpose being to understand what Orwell was trying to achieve with the novel."

Tags:George, Orwell, Animal, Farm

Abstract
The argument that animal testing is an act of cruelty against a species or species that cannot protest its supposedly pitiless treatment is a denial of the overall benefits that result from concentrated research on a living organism. It is through such research that many significant medical achievements have been made over the past hundred years. This paper shall address these achievements and argue that they would never have been accomplished were it not for the unhindered use of animals as test subjects during the research phase.

Tags:animal, testing, benefits