We previously discussed the anti-vaccination stance of a member of the animal rights group “Progress for Science”. The fact that this individual prefers oregano oil, ginger, garlic, and other herbs over vaccines did not come as a surprise. We have already noted the strong similarities between the arguments espoused by the anti-vaccination and animal rights groups. … Continue reading Gary Francione: “I don’t believe in vaccinations”
Tag: gary francione
The moral relevance of human intelligence
Animal rights proponents often assert that “sentience” is the only morally relevant characteristic. In their view, we owe the same moral consideration to all sentient living beings, which must include the same basic rights to life and freedom. The animal rights philosopher asks -- Why does it matter if humans can compose a violin concerto … Continue reading The moral relevance of human intelligence
Cat Helicopter Exposes Moral Confusion Among Animal Rights Activists
Animal rights theorists argue that our moral consideration for a living being must rest exclusively on its intrinsic properties -- the notion of moral individualism. I explained earlier that accepting such an idea would imply our use of human or animal remains for an art project in school would be equivalent to using play-dough or … Continue reading Cat Helicopter Exposes Moral Confusion Among Animal Rights Activists
Objections to the Marginal Case Argument
Scientists are often challenged with the so-called marginal case argument. We are asked to spell out the criteria that make our experiments justifiable in animals but not in humans with comparable abilities and therefore comparable interests. These criteria, we are told, must be evaluated for each individual separately (so-called moral individualism). The resulting argument against … Continue reading Objections to the Marginal Case Argument
The Human or the Mouse? Would You Flip a Coin?
On March 8th I debated Prof. Gary Francione at Rutgers. It was an interesting, heated but civil debate, with a somewhat anticipated outcome. In a few words, we have profound, irreconcilable differences. There is a deep, fundamental gap between the views of the vast majority of the public and anyone whose moral theory declares permissible … Continue reading The Human or the Mouse? Would You Flip a Coin?
We must reject extremism
Today's Pop Quiz: What kind of social activism involves: Stalking persons at home and screaming “murderer” through bullhorns Issuing “wanted” posters listing home addresses Thinly veiled (or not so thinly veiled) suggestions that their targets should be murdered Razor packed letters and death threats Adherence to the motto "by all means necessary" And … Continue reading We must reject extremism
Violence vs Non-Violence? The AR Debate!
A Fractured Movement? It is easy to believe that the animal rights movement is one giant bloc, working together to abolish animal research using tactics which range from the legal, to the dubious, to the outright criminal. However it is these range of tactics which prove to be the most divisive point for activists, and … Continue reading Violence vs Non-Violence? The AR Debate!
Speaking of Research 