The Case for Animal Rights
- Jan 16
- 1 min read
Updated: Feb 20
By Tom Regan • 1983
In this early (now bordering 'vintage') classic, Regan argues that animals have inherent value. Not because of what they can feel, but because "they are the subjects of a life," with desires, memories, and a perspective of their own. This means they have rights that are not overridden by calculations of pleasure and pain. You can't justify harming one animal to benefit others, any more than you can justify harming one human to benefit others.
Why it matters
The book is dense and academic, but its influence is profound: when advocates talk about animal rights rather than animal welfare, they're usually speaking Regan's language, whether they know it or not.
Context
Tom Regan and Peter Singer (author of Animal Liberation) debated each other for decades - cordially, rigorously, and, ultimately, without resolution. Reading both is the best education in animal ethics you can get. They agree on just about every practical conclusion, but disagree on the philosophical foundations. Either way, the outcome for animals is a historic win.
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