Speciesism And Animal Rights

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to consideration, which is also known as the principle of equal consideration of interests. Finally, the term speciesism is a form of bigotry if we show unwarranted concern for one species over another. It is used to make us aware of all groups and realize that humans are important but other species are or can be just as important.
In The Principles of Moral and Legislation, Bentham makes a statement that puts the term speciesism and how we are affected by it into a clearer perspective. He says the "The day may come when the rest of the animal creation may acquire those rights which could have never been withholden from them but by the hand of tyranny" (Bentham 440). The message behind speciesism is to make us aware of our treatment toward animals and realize that it does matter how we treat them. In Bentham's passage he realizes that animals have rights although they may not have the associated duties. The right of an animal is to live and have an equal chance of being ...

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(American Heritage Dictionary 864). If we examine this definition closely, it becomes clearer that we are infringing upon the rights of animals when we unnecessarily abuse them or use them to test cosmetic products. Animals are not only sentient species who are able to feel pain or distress but they can also appear to be at a disadvantage. Therefore, animals should be given equal consideration because they can suffer.
In discussing the criteria for something to be morally wrong there are several different opinions. To be more specific Peter Singer and Tom Reagan have a difference of opinion with regard to the moral permissibility of animal experimentation. Peter Singer is a ...

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