Political Conceptions of Human and Animal Rights: Principled and Prudential Reasons

Abstract

The preceding chapter has argued that animals could have (some) human rights. Granted that the proposition of human rights for animals is conceptually plausible on naturalistic grounds, the question remains whether it is politically desirable on practical grounds. Would the inclusion of animals under the human rights framework be a good thing? Through the lens of political conceptions, this chapter explores a range of practical reasons why animals should be afforded human rights. I will argue that the extension of human rights to animals is warranted both for principled or ethical reasons (as a matter of justice for animals) and for prudential or instrumental reasons (as a means of better safeguarding human rights). In short, human rights are good for animals and animal rights are good for humans.