Argument Against Speciesism

Speciesism, as it is described by the philosopher named Peter Singer, is an attitude of bias against the members of another species and toward the interests of one’s own species (Cushing 556). In our world, discrimination comes in many forms and occurs when someone is morally treated less than others for unjust reasons. Many people claim that speciesism can be put in the same category as racism, sexism and other forms of discrimination. Those who support this claim can agree that nonhuman animals and humans should be morally treated with equal consideration, but not everyone thinks there is anything wrong with speciesism. There are people who argue that humans are superior, and so the way we treat nonhuman animals differently could be justified. Another position

In a biblical context, specifically in the book of Genesis 1:26 (NIV), mentions that mankind has been given the special rights, from God, to rule over the creatures of the world. This does not necessarily mean we can do whatever we want to them, for many times humans have just made the wrong interpretations. There is a sense of responsibility with this divine right, if we choose to believe in it, that makes us caretakers and not abusers of all nonhuman animals. Outside of religious views, there is still a similar view that humans are in fact special from other animals, and that full respect should only be given to those who are members of the human species. To respect or morally consider someone, we should take into account their ability to be affected by our actions, and in doing so they must be conscious (Animal Ethics). If that can be agreed on, we must respect any individual who has the capacity to benefit or be harmed by our actions including animals. Therefore, it is our duty to make sure we do not harm and discriminate against