Do animals have moral rights? In contrast to the philosophical gurus of the animal rights movement, whose opinion has held moral sway in recent years, Peter Carruthers here claims that they do not. He explores a variety of moral theories, arguing that animals lack direct moral significance. This provocative but judiciously argued book will appeal to all those interested in animal rights, whatever their initial standpoint. It will also serve as a lively introduction to ethics, demonstrating why theoretical issues in ethics actually matter.
Do animals have moral rights? In contrast to the philosophical gurus of the animal rights movement, whose opinion has held moral sway in recent years, Peter Carruthers here claims that they do not. He explores a variety of moral theories, arguing that animals lack direct moral significance. This provocative but judiciously argued book will appeal to all those interested in animal rights, whatever their initial standpoint. It will also serve as a lively introduction to ethics, demonstrating why theoretical issues in ethics actually matter.
Preface; 1. Moral argument and moral theory; 2. Utilitarianism and contractualism; 3. Utilitarianism and animal suffering; 4. Utilitarianism and the harm of killing; 5. Contractualism and animals; 6. Animals and rational agency; 7. Contractualism and character; 8. Animals and conscious experience; Conclusion; Notes; Index.
Peter Carruthers explores a variety of moral theories, arguing that animals lack direct moral significance.
'Those interested in the issue of animal rights should read this book. Carruthers lays out the philosophical issues involved in the use of animals in medical research with clarity and sincerity. Anyone who cares about the trade-off between acquiring human knowledge to help cure disease and the use of animal for those purposes will enjoy new perspectives on the issue as a result of Carruthers' fascinating arguments.' Michael S. Gazzaniga, Dartmouth Medical School 'A highly intelligent and philosophically probing discussion of our obligations to other animal species.' Stephen L. Darwall, University of Michigan
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