The Animals Rights Paradox

In his new book, Wesley J. Smith says the precondition for the human rights movement is exactly what elevates humans above animals: namely, a moral sense of right and wrong. “The premise of his book is that granting animals the same ontological or even legal status will diminish ‘the unique status of humans.’ Humans, Smith argues, are the only moral creatures: they have innate moral worth and their well-being always takes precedence over the well-being of animals, who are amoral creatures. Humans do indeed have a moral obligation to promote animal welfare, but they are also entitled to use animals, particularly if the use of animals alleviates human suffering.”