Animal rights
The animal rights movement (sometimes called the animal liberation movement) is a liberal philosophical movement which seeks to get animals the same rights that humans have. Most animal rights activists oppose the practice of using animals as commodities or property.[1]Typically, animal rights activists oppose hunting, animal testing, wearing fur, and the consumption of meat. Many practice a vegetarian or vegan diet. Some activists (especially those who identify themselves as animal liberationists) even disagree with the practice of owning pets and seeing-eye dogs.[2]
Detractors to the animal rights movement argue that since animals do not have the capacity to make moral decisions they can not be given the same rights as humans.[1] Some opponents even argue that the goals of the movement are not animal liberation, but placing restrictions on the lives of other people.[3]
David Gelernter argues:
- the moral universe of Judaism and Christianity centers unequivocally on man. Human beings have rights and moral duties—kindness to animals being one. Animals have neither. The duty of kindness to animals is a duty owed not to nature but to God, a morally crucial distinction. [4]
