Argumentative Essay on Animal Rights
Instructor Crooks
English 1A
September 9 2014
Assignment Two: Argumentative Essay
In the article “Why Animals Deserve Legal Rights”, Author Steven M. Wise argues in favor of animal rights based on the premise that all animals are autonomous. Furthermore he states that the term ‘rights’ has been widely debated and is arguably not affordable to all humans.
Wise research indicates that rights are widely believed to be based on autonomy. And Wise does not believe we have an accurate grasp on the term ‘autonomy’. He shows that evidence does not illustrate all humans as ‘autonomous’. Steven Wise cites evidence that Animals are indeed autonomous in at least some cases. He includes and example of a gorilla who displays more cognitive skill than a two year old human.
Wise shows distaste for the ancient and presiding understanding of animals as “things, nonhuman animals have been invisible to civil law since its inception.” (Spatt 195) He cites Roman jurist Hermogenianus as saying, “All law, was established for men’s sake.” (Spatt 195) He displays a disagreement when he notes, “Unfortunately for animals, many people have believed that they were put on earth for human use and lack autonomy.” (Spatt 195)
Wise also illustrates a few of the foolish laws we have done away with as our wisdom has increased. Wise argues, “Once the law assumed that witches existed and that mute people lacked intelligence. Now it is illegal to burn someone for witchcraft, and the mute have the same rights as anyone else.”(Spatt 196)
Wise believes we should change the laws based on our new scientific findings regarding animals. Wise infers that if not all humans can be granted rights, that rights should not be granted to only humans, but to a more broad audience based on a new criteria. Wise feels that animals are as autonomous as humans, and should be granted the rights of such a being.
Wise seems to be motivated by compassion, and a righteous anger toward the mistreatment of animals.
English 1A
September 9 2014
Assignment Two: Argumentative Essay
In the article “Why Animals Deserve Legal Rights”, Author Steven M. Wise argues in favor of animal rights based on the premise that all animals are autonomous. Furthermore he states that the term ‘rights’ has been widely debated and is arguably not affordable to all humans.
Wise research indicates that rights are widely believed to be based on autonomy. And Wise does not believe we have an accurate grasp on the term ‘autonomy’. He shows that evidence does not illustrate all humans as ‘autonomous’. Steven Wise cites evidence that Animals are indeed autonomous in at least some cases. He includes and example of a gorilla who displays more cognitive skill than a two year old human.
Wise shows distaste for the ancient and presiding understanding of animals as “things, nonhuman animals have been invisible to civil law since its inception.” (Spatt 195) He cites Roman jurist Hermogenianus as saying, “All law, was established for men’s sake.” (Spatt 195) He displays a disagreement when he notes, “Unfortunately for animals, many people have believed that they were put on earth for human use and lack autonomy.” (Spatt 195)
Wise also illustrates a few of the foolish laws we have done away with as our wisdom has increased. Wise argues, “Once the law assumed that witches existed and that mute people lacked intelligence. Now it is illegal to burn someone for witchcraft, and the mute have the same rights as anyone else.”(Spatt 196)
Wise believes we should change the laws based on our new scientific findings regarding animals. Wise infers that if not all humans can be granted rights, that rights should not be granted to only humans, but to a more broad audience based on a new criteria. Wise feels that animals are as autonomous as humans, and should be granted the rights of such a being.
Wise seems to be motivated by compassion, and a righteous anger toward the mistreatment of animals.
Cited: Spatt, Brenda. Writing from Sources 8th Ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin, 2011. 106-145, 183-217. Print