1. An examination:

1.1. The case for the equality of women

Man and women are similar beings. Therefore they should have similar rights

Humans and nonhumans are different. Therefore they should not have equal rights.

1.2. A Question

Is it the case that the differences between human and other animals must give rise to some differences in the rights that each have?

1.2.1. Should men have also have the right of abortion?

　

2. The basic principle of equality:

The basic principle of equality does not require equal or identical treatment; it requires equal consideration.

2.1. Capacities and abilities cannot be absolutely the same

2.2. Race and sex cannot be the same.

2.3. The claim to equality does not depend on intelligence, moral capacity, physical strength, or similar matters of fact.

　

3. A utilitarian standpoint:

The interests of every being affected by an action are to be taken into account and given the same weight as the like interests of any other being.(Batham)

The good of any one individual is of no more importance, from the point of view of the Universe, than the good of any other. (Sidgwick)

　

4. The capacity for suffering and enjoyment

4.1. The difference between a being which is capable of suffering and a being which is not capable of suffering

4.2. Both animals and human beings are capable suffering.

4.3. The capacity for suffering and enjoyment is a prerequisite for having interests and a condition that must be satisfied before we talk about interest.

4.4. The capacity for suffering gives a being the right to equal consideration.

　

5. Problems of racist and speciesist

5.1. The racist violates the the principle of equality.

5.2. The speciesist allows the interests of his own species to override the greater interests of members of other species. violates the the principle of equality.

　

6. Are animals capable of suffering?

6.1. Both animals and human are capable feel pain.

6.1.1. Pain is a state of consciousness.

6.1.2. We feel pain, but we can only infer that others are feeling it from various external indications.

6.1.3. Animals show the reaction to the source of pain.

6.1.4. Animals have nervous system.

　

6.2. The difference between Human and animal

6.2.1. Human beings use Language

6.2.1.1. The ability to use language is not relevant to the question of how a being to be treated

6.2.2. Human beings suffer more because their mental capacities.

6.2.2.1. Infants have less mental capacities than adults but we did not use them in the experiments.

6.3. Pain and suffering are bad and should be prevented or minimized.