Animal rights and moral philosophy

"Animals obviously cannot have a right of free speech or a right to vote because they lack the relevant capacities. But their right to life and to be free of exploitation is no less fundamental than the corresponding right of humans," writes Julian H. Franklin. This theoretically rigorous book will reassure the committed, help the uncertain to decide, and arm the polemicist. "Animal Rights and Moral Philosophy" begins by considering the utilitarian argument on equal respect for animals (Peter Singer) and the rights approach (Tom Regan). Despite their merits, both are found wanting as theoretical foundations for animal rights. Franklin also examines the ecofeminist argument for an ethics of care and several rationalist arguments before concluding that Kants categorical imperative can be expanded to form a basis for an ethical system that includes all sentient beings. He also considers theories of compassion as applied to animals, including Albert Schweitzers "ethics of reverence for life," and the last chapter discusses conflicts of rights between animals and humans where the rights of each could be legitimate

Animals obviously cannot have a right of free speech or a right to vote because they lack the relevant capacities. But their right to life and to be free of exploitation is no less fundamental than the corresponding right of humans, writes Julian H. Franklin. This theoretically rigorous book will reassure the committed, help the uncertain to decide, and arm the polemicist.Franklin examines all the major arguments for animal rights proposed to date and extends the philosophy in new directions. Animal Rights and Moral Philosophy begins by considering the utilitarian argument of equal respect fo