The moral considerability of a non-human animal is frequently based on intelligence, moral capacity, or similar ideas. However, the moral considerability of an animal should be based on equal consideration of interests. For example, one might say that its okay to use a rabbit for his fur due to the fact that a rabbit holds a fraction of our brain capacity. However, how does a rabbit’s brain capacity allow for exploitation? We can not base the worthiness of an animal’s life by comparing their interests equally to ours. For example, rabbits have different interests from humans and humans have different interests than rabbits. Peter Singer argues in Animal Liberation that there should be an equal consideration of interests for animals just as…show more content… Regan would disagree with Singers idea of equal consideration as it is utilitarian and focuses on pleasure and pain/suffering and enjoyment. In addition he states, “Utilitarianism has no room for the equal moral rights of different individuals because it has no room for their equal inherent value or worth.3” Inherent value is that of having a worthwhile life that brings good. An animal who cares for his or her life has inherent value according to Regan. Justice (which mirrors the respect principle) according to Regan is a way human and animal rights are valid. The respect principle states we should treat those with inherent value with respect. However, this view clashes with that of Singers. Singer wants to maximize pleasure and minimize pain. Therefore, he would sacrifice the life of an innocent (animal) for the sake of humanity. Regan would not sacrifice an innocent for the pleasure of others as it is not respecting inherent value. The respect principle allows all beings (animals or humans) to be treated respectfully in terms of their inherent value. Lastly, Regan believes animals are not ours to use and exploit therefore, any form of exploitation should be vanished from our society. Regan would agree that animal and human rights are closely related based on moral
the deontologist would argue for the rights of the human fetus to be considered equal to that of an existing human. Virtue ethicists have also debated the case of abortion and have avoided dilemmas traditional…
