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Of Primates And Personhood Summary

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Ed Yong’s article “Of Primates and Personhood” an interesting and controversial opinion is brought up, that being, should we give rights to animals? The article justifies giving rights to animals by pointing out that animals are capable of feeling pain just as humans do. He also states that animals have consciousness, implying that they are equivalent to humans. Yong uses a heavy influence of pathos in his article, by making animals seem more human he is able to establish a feeling of sympathy toward animals. Yong’s article does well at making animals seem like victims, however, this does not make his cause is just. Granting inalienable rights to animals is counterproductive for society and will only prove to negatively affect all of us. It is critical that one …show more content…

Furthermore, Yong claims that humans take advantage of animals by conducting tests. However, I believe that these tests are fully necessary. At the end of the day, they save human lives, even when it means the death of a few mice. However, this does not go to say that we should brutally kill thousands of animals for no probable cause, animals are a natural resource and they should be conserved, just as we conserve water or trees. We should only test on the required amount of animals. It is also critical that we realize that there are people in our world who are suffering worse than animals. People like Yong are committed to improving the lives of animals, yet are overlooking those around them who also need help. I believe that money and resources should go to the abused and suffering humans to improve their wellbeing before we waste our tax dollars into giving rights to gorillas. Another problem with an animal bill of rights is that these rights would extend to more animals, and would eventually cover all life. The list of rights would eventually render plants equal to humans. Society would grind to a halt as we all try to cater to the needs of all

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