Quote: (12-04-2011 12:28 AM)Athlone McGinnis Wrote:
Quote: (12-03-2011 09:39 PM)ao85 Wrote:A person is distinguished by high intellect, self-awareness, self-reflectiveness (the ability to rationally consider his/her actions within the greater context of the world around them), belief in morality/duty (beliefs that make civilization of any kind possible) and the ability to transcend mere instinct (at times even going against it due to aforementioned belief in morality/duty). A person can also articulate and understand all of these concepts.
What is the philosophical justification for animals having less rights then humans?
So if someone is less able to do this (and I'd say this doesn't apply to a 1% but actually a large fraction of humanity) does it mean they deserve less rights?