Animal Rights and Moral Philosophy

by Julian H. Franklin

Overview

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 for animals advocated by Peter Singer and, even more favorably, the rights approach that has been advanced by 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 Kant's categorical imperative can be expanded to form a basis for an ethical system that includes all sentient beings. Franklin also discusses compassion as applied to animals, encompassing Albert Schweitzer's ethics of reverence for life. He concludes his analysis by considering conflicts of rights between animals and humans.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231134231
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	01/02/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.40(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.60(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Julian H. Franklin is professor emeritus of political philosophy at Columbia University. His books include Jean Bodin and the Rise of Absolutist Theory and John Locke and the Theory of Sovereignty.

Table of Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments
1. Peter Singer and Utilitarianism
2. Regan on Animal Rights
3. Animal Rights and Kant
4. Animal Rights and Post-Kantian Rationalism
5. Animal Rights and Compassion
6. Conflict of Rights and Environmentalism
Appendix 1. Animal Consciousness
Appendix 2. Biomedical Testing and Use of Animals
Notes
Bibliography
Index

What People are Saying About This

J. M. Coetzee

Julian Franklin gives us a clear and fair-minded critique of what contemporary philosophers have to say about the moral rights of animals. At the core of his book is a carefully argued rereading of the key texts of Kant against Kant himself. A valuable contribution to a vital debate.

— J. M. Coetzee, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature

Gary L. Francione

Julian Franklin, a respected political philosopher, enters the animal rights debate with a thoroughly fascinating, engaging, and accessible essay that explores utilitarian and deontological theory and presents a theory of animal rights based on Franklin's reinterpretation of Kant. This intriguing book will most certainly provoke debate about basic issues concerning the moral status of nonhumans.

— Gary L. Francione, Rutgers University School of Law

Tom Regan

A welcome addition to the expanding body of work on animal rights. Highly readable and insightful.

— Tom Regan, author of Empty Cages: Facing the Challenge of Animal Rights

Cynthia Grant Bowman

This slim but persuasive volume presents a masterful analysis of the philosophical underpinnings of animal rights, showing the inadequacy of accounts given by Peter Singer, Tom Regan, and other theorists. Franklin's theory, grounded in a modified Kantian approach, will now be essential reading on this subject.

— Cynthia Grant Bowman, professor of law, Northwestern University School of Law

Editorial Reviews

Franklin's arguments are subtle, intricate...well worth the effort.

Times Literary Supplement - Mark Rowlands

Franklin (emer. Columbia Univ.) has written a wonderful little book...Highly recommended.

Choice

It will be of greatest value to those of a Kantian bent who seek arguments to support animal rights.

— Frank Schalow

Environmental Values

Franklin's arguments are interesting, detailed and original... a worthy addition to the animal rights literature.

— Michael Allen Fox

Philosophy in Review

Franklin's arguments are subtle, intricate...well worth the effort.

— Mark Rowlands

Times Literary Supplement

It will be of greatest value to those of a Kantian bent who seek arguments to support animal rights.

Environmental Values - Frank Schalow

Franklin's arguments are interesting, detailed and original... a worthy addition to the animal rights literature.

Philosophy in Review - Michael Allen Fox