Animal Rights Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Animal Rights?
Animal rights is an important moral and ethical issue that has been debated for decades. Animals have long been considered property of humans, and as such, humans have often treated animals in ways that are cruel or unjust. In recent years, however, there has been a growing recognition of the rights of animals to live free from harm, exploitation and abuse by humans. Animal rights advocates argue that animals should be given the same consideration and respect as humans when it comes to decisions affecting their lives and well-being.All sentient creatures possess the right to live free from pain and suffering inflicted by human beings. The basic principle underlying animal rights is that all species should be given equal consideration in matters relating to their welfare; this includes things like humane treatment during research or testing activities, freedom from confinement in cages or other enclosures, freedom from physical abuse or use as entertainment objects (e.g., circuses), etc. Animal cruelty laws exist in many countries with fines or even imprisonment for those found guilty of mistreating animals; however, much more needs to be done both legislatively and socially if true animal rights are ever to become reality worldwide. The major argument against animal rights is based on the notion that because animals cannot speak for themselves they do not possess any real moral statustherefore it is essentially impossible to grant them any meaningful rights at all. However, many proponents of animal rights believe that this position fails to take into account the fact that animals do exhibit behaviors associated with emotions such as fear and happinessthereby indicating a capacity for suffering just as humans doand therefore deserve greater considerations when it comes to how they are treated by humankind. Furthermore, some scientists have argued that there exists evidence suggesting certain species display cognitive abilities similar to those of human children; thus implying some degree of moral status similar in kind if not degree with us Homo sapiens who are typically granted basic fundamental legal protections regarding their safety & wellbeing under most legal systems around the world today. In conclusion, although opinions on whether non-human creatures possess any legitimate claims for legal protection vary significantly depending upon one’s personal worldview & beliefs about our place within nature; there can be no doubt whatsoever about one thing: much work still needs to be done before we can truly say we live in a world where all sentient creatures enjoy full recognition & codified protection under law regardless of their species membership.