Animal Rights, Human Wrongs: An Introduction to Moral Philosophy / Edition 1

by Tom Regan North Carolina State Univ

Overview

What gives an animal 'rights?' What makes product testing on animals wrong? In Animal Rights, Human Wrongs prominent activist and philosopher Tom Regan skillfully puts forth the argument for animal rights through the exploration of two questions central to moral theory: What makes an act right? What makes an act wrong? Taking into consideration moral theories such as contractarianism, utilitarianism, and Kantian ethics, Regan provides the theoretical framework that grounds a responsible pro-animal rights perspective, and ultimately explores how asking moral questions about other animals can lead to a better understanding of ourselves. The necessity of making a transition from moral theory to moral practice becomes startlingly clear as Reagan examines the commonplace, everyday choices that would be affected by believing in a moral theory that affirms the rights of animals. For the many people who have ever wondered 'what difference does it make if animals have rights,' Animal Rights, Humans Wrongs provides a provocative and intriguing answer. For a discussion of animal rights tailored to a more general audience, see Empty Cages: Facing the Challenge of Animal Rights (Rowman & Littlefield, 2003).

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742533547
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	11/19/2003
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	144
Product dimensions:	6.07(w) x 8.67(h) x 0.38(d)

About the Author

Tom Regan is emeritus professor of philosophy at North Carolina State University and author of numerous books on animal rights.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 From Indifference to Advocacy Chapter 2 How Animals Are Treated: Some Examples Chapter 3 The Nature and Importance of Rights Chapter 4 Indirect Duty Views Chapter 5 Direct Duty Views Chapter 6 Human Rights Chapter 7 Animal Rights Chapter 8 Objections and Replies Chapter 9 Moral Philosophy and Change

Editorial Reviews

In Animal Rights, Human Wrongs Regan presents the philosophical underpinnings of human rights, then strives to prove that rights should logically be granted to some nonhuman creatures as well. He examines contractualism, utilitarianism, and views of direct and indirect duties, anticipating—and answering—a number of objections. Regan's companion volume Empty Cages (2004) covers similar ground, but with a different emphasis and broader scope. Keeping philosophical argumentation to a minimum, Regan describes animal exploitation and the path to animal advocacy. Empty Cages appeals to the heart. Animal Rights, Human Wrongs appeals to the head, and will be a useful addition to large philosophy or animal rights collections. Recommended.

Choice Reviews

In Animal Rights, Human Wrongs Regan presents the philosophical underpinnings of human rights, then strives to prove that rights should logically be granted to some nonhuman creatures as well. He examines contractualism, utilitarianism, and views of direct and indirect duties, anticipating—and answering—a number of objections. Regan's companion volume Empty Cages (2004) covers similar ground, but with a different emphasis and broader scope. Keeping philosophical argumentation to a minimum, Regan describes animal exploitation and the path to animal advocacy. Empty Cages appeals to the heart. Animal Rights, Human Wrongs appeals to the head, and will be a useful addition to large philosophy or animal rights collections. Recommended.

Choice

Regan's newest book, Animal Rights, Human Wrongs: An Introduction to Moral Philosophy, is a fine example of what makes Tom Regan famous for his work in animal rights. This book reveals philosophy at its best: readable explanations and critques of moral theories, theory brought to bear on pressing contemporary moral issues and mind-catching examples to illuminate both. Regan's newest book provides an excellent defence of human rights on his way to defending animal rights.

Journal of Moral Education

In Animal Rights, Human Wrongs Regan presents the philosophical underpinnings of human rights, then strives to prove that rights should logically be granted to some nonhuman creatures as well. He examines contractualism, utilitarianism, and views of direct and indirect duties, anticipating—and answering—a number of objections. Regan's companion volume Empty Cages (2004) covers similar ground, but with a different emphasis and broader scope. Keeping philosophical argumentation to a minimum, Regan describes animal exploitation and the path to animal advocacy. Empty Cages appeals to the heart. Animal Rights, Human Wrongs appeals to the head, and will be a useful addition to large philosophy or animal rights collections. Recommended.

CHOICE