Analysis Of Stimulus 2, By Francie Patterson And Wendy Gordon

“Does this induvial have a claim to basic moral rights?” (page 720. In “Stimulus 2” on page 72 of the Philosophy: Being Human book Francie Patterson and Wendy Gordon claim that very sentient animals or highly functioning beings deserve to be considered persons and treated morally. The reason this topic is heavily debated is “according to law, only a natural person or legal personality has rights, protections, privileges, responsibilities, and legal liability.” (platostanford.edu) Since some animals meet certain requirements to be persons, therefore they should be persons. Through our time we have only given the title of personhood to humans, but with the knowledge and science we have now we should have no choice but grant basic moral rights and personhood to highly developed or sentient animals. In “Stimulus 2,”

According to Webster’s dictionary sentient as the ability to perceive or feel things. Patterson says “She cries when hurt or left alone, screams when frightened or angered” (page 72). So by the definition of Webster’s dictionary she is sentient. Throughout history there have been humans that have not been considered “persons” such as slaves and for some time women. In my opinion it is only a matter of time before we considered kowko the gorilla a person or any other highly intelligent animal. In the world there are theories that define persons as consciousness, reason, or autonomy. They use these same definitions to deny animals the right to personhood. I understand that they do not have human DNA and the people who believe you need that to be a person and I cannot argue against that standard. But what I can argue against is when