Regan and Animal Rights
Magenta Dumpit
April 29, 2013
Ethics Final Paper
Animal’s Have Rights
Animals everyday are being treated inhumanely and with cruelty due to the unconscious actions of humans. In regards to valuing animal life Regan states that, “the fundamental wrong is the system that allows us to view animals as our resources, here for us-- to be eaten, or surgically manipulated, or exploited for sport or money. Once we accept this view, the rest is as predictable as it is regrettable” while Fox says, “improvements in the care and welfare of domestic animals and captive wildlife, and efforts to protect threatened species are overshadowed by the intensified expansion of animal exploitation.” I find these claims to be plausible because of our human race’s dependence and use of them in our every day life. To understand Regan’s and Fox’s case for animal rights, we must have a respect for the life of and animal as he argues through his principle of “subject-to-life”. This in turn prompts us to recognize that animals have intrinsic value, where we are then brought to understand all who have intrinsic have a welfare that is valuable and gives them the right to be treated with equality and appreciation. Both philosophical arguments imply drastic changes in our daily choices and government that, if done, change people’s perceptions and view of the way they treat animals. Through both writings, we further observe our view of equality as an ethical idea rather than an accurate one. In Dr. Michael Fox’s “Animal Values and the Quantum of Suffering” article, he explains the importance of understanding the intrinsic value of animals and their purpose of life. The purpose of his article is to remind us to place fair limits and legal restriction on our use and abuse of animals due to the recent exploitation, annihilation, and suffering that has been brought about in the last few centuries. Fox argues that through understanding their intrinsic value, we can then help the
April 29, 2013
Ethics Final Paper
Animal’s Have Rights
Animals everyday are being treated inhumanely and with cruelty due to the unconscious actions of humans. In regards to valuing animal life Regan states that, “the fundamental wrong is the system that allows us to view animals as our resources, here for us-- to be eaten, or surgically manipulated, or exploited for sport or money. Once we accept this view, the rest is as predictable as it is regrettable” while Fox says, “improvements in the care and welfare of domestic animals and captive wildlife, and efforts to protect threatened species are overshadowed by the intensified expansion of animal exploitation.” I find these claims to be plausible because of our human race’s dependence and use of them in our every day life. To understand Regan’s and Fox’s case for animal rights, we must have a respect for the life of and animal as he argues through his principle of “subject-to-life”. This in turn prompts us to recognize that animals have intrinsic value, where we are then brought to understand all who have intrinsic have a welfare that is valuable and gives them the right to be treated with equality and appreciation. Both philosophical arguments imply drastic changes in our daily choices and government that, if done, change people’s perceptions and view of the way they treat animals. Through both writings, we further observe our view of equality as an ethical idea rather than an accurate one. In Dr. Michael Fox’s “Animal Values and the Quantum of Suffering” article, he explains the importance of understanding the intrinsic value of animals and their purpose of life. The purpose of his article is to remind us to place fair limits and legal restriction on our use and abuse of animals due to the recent exploitation, annihilation, and suffering that has been brought about in the last few centuries. Fox argues that through understanding their intrinsic value, we can then help the
References: Fox, Michael W., Dr. "Animal Values and the Quantum of Suffering." - An Animal Rights Article from All-creatures.org. The Mary T. and Frank L. Hoffman Family Foundation, Apr. 2013. Web. 29 Apr. 2013. Regan, Tom. "The Case for Animal Rights."