Animal Quote by Cass R. Sunstein
““Those who emphasize animal rights have a more complicated task. They tend to urge that animals should be given rights to the extent that their capacities are akin to those of human beings. The usual emphasis here is on cognitive capacities. The line would be drawn between animals with advanced capacities, such as chimpanzees and dolphins, and those that lack such capacities. Undoubtedly a great deal of work needs to be done on this topic. But at least an emphasis on the capacity to think, and to form plans, seems to provide a foundation for appropriate line drawing by those who believe in animal rights in a strong sense.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: “Animal Rights and Moral Reasoning”, Stanford Law Review, 2005
Animal rights arguments often hinge on cognitive abilities, creating a hierarchy among species.
In simple terms: Rights based on thinking abilities.
Key Takeaway
Consider cognitive capacity when debating animal rights.
Themes
ethics
animal rights
philosophy
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
academic
When to use this quote
- legislation
- animal welfare advocacy
- educational curricula
- research funding
Key Concepts
cognitive capacity
moral hierarchy
rights theory
Questions to Reflect On
- Should rights be based on cognition or sentience?
- How to treat animals with lower cognitive abilities?
A Different Perspective
Focusing only on cognition may ignore sentience and welfare.
