There are many different views about the nature and origin of morality. Animal-rights activists have varied answers to this question, just as the rest of the public does.
Some animal-rights activists believe all our ethical principles are created by human society and that animals should be included in the ethical rules people develop. Others believe our moral laws come from God and that it is God’s will for people to include animals within our circle of compassion. Other animal-rights supporters hold many different views.
My personal view is that moral laws have the same origin as the law of gravity. I explain the reasoning behind this view on my webpage, which discusses morality in general. I must emphasise that the beliefs I have expressed are my personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of other animal-rights supporters.
Continue with these questions:
- What does the term “rights” mean?
- Why should we treat animals better than they treat one another?
- Why do we have moral obligations to animals that do not understand moral concepts?
- Does the Bible say that humans have dominion over animals?
- What do we gain by respecting other animals’ rights if they do not respect ours?