Should biology – evolution and genetics – be the basis to determine what living entities (e.g., apes) deserve legal rights?

Now having discussed a wide array of ethical theories and topics I want you to read the following 2015 Philosophy Now article, “When Apes Have Their Day in Court” by Prof. Shawn Thompson.

Here is the link: https://philosophynow.org/issues/111/When_Apes_Have_Their_Day_In_Court

 

In other words, we are now discussing whether or not the legal rights we enjoy should be extended to other animals given the impact of environmental concerns, abuse of animals, food ethics, and the continuing debate about what it means to be human.

 

After reading this article, answer this question:

 

Should biology – evolution and genetics – be the basis to determine what living entities (e.g., apes) deserve legal rights? We could look at the question a different way: If certain animals are not able to be “autonomous,” (following Kant) because of evolution and genetics, then should those animals be denied the same rights we enjoy as humans? Why or why not? 

 

To help you ascertain his overall argument, ask these three questions: