Tom Regan
An animal whose life matters to it is a subject-of-a-life: it has rights, and it cannot be used as a resource.
Life
Tom Regan (1938-2017), born in Pittsburgh, taught philosophy at North Carolina State University. In The Case for Animal Rights (1983) he argues that animals whose lives matter to them are 'subjects-of-a-life' with value of their own and rights, and that we may not treat them as mere resources. He is a leading reference for animal rights.
Main works
Grounds animal rights in the inherent value of subjects-of-a-life.
A more accessible, action-oriented version of his thesis: empty the cages rather than enlarge them.
In his own words
« The task facing ARAs is daunting: we must empty the cages, not make them larger. »
« The less gifted do not exist to serve the interests of the more gifted. »
Positions
click a row to see the evidenceAnimals that are subjects-of-a-life have inherent value and rights: we owe them duties whatever the benefits of using them.
Regan, The Case for Animal Rights (1983)
Inherent value is a real feature of beings, not a matter of taste or convention.
Regan, The Case for Animal Rights (1983)