By Simon P. Oswitch, MySpace: www.myspace.com/simon289 Western
philosophical and religious attitudes toward animals typically
emphasize human superiority due to cognitive and linguistic
differences between the species; humans are deemed as uniquely
rational, self-conscious, and language-using: they are therefore
regarded as the morally greater type. Animals are viewed as
means to human ends, embodying only a property value; the
underlying notion that animals are sentient and have the ability
to suffer is typically overridden. There is, however, fairly
consistent mention of “humane” treatment of animals though this
is usually concerned with an eventual mistreatment of humans.
Though these have been the dominant Western historical views,
there have been dissenting perspectives, some of which are
ancient. This work will offer an overview of both focusing on
those that are most representative. Please go here to read the
entire piece!