The Political Theory of Animal Rights (Perspectives on Democratic Practice) - Tapa dura

This unique and innovative book seeks to examine the impact on political thinking of regarding animals as morally important beings. Garner notes how political theorists have largely neglected the effect on political thinking of incorporating the interests of nonhuman animals. Yet, he argues, the case for granting them a high moral status is well nigh unanswerable. As a result, the author challenges the presumption that political theory is about the 'human question'. He seeks to identify the political ideology that is best able to further the interests of animals. To this end, the claims of competing ideological positions are reviewed, and it is concluded that liberalism, despite having weaknesses, is the most appropriate ideological position for the protection of animal interests. This study will be essential reading for anyone concerned with political theory, moral philosophy and ideology. It should also be of interested to students of environmental politics.

Robert Garner is Reader in Politics at the University of Leicester