Roots of Human Resistance to Animal Rights: Psychological and Conceptual Blocks

Authors

Steven J. Bartlett, Oregon State University, Willamette University

First Page

143

Abstract

Mr. Bartlett discusses the psychological and conceptual impediments to human acceptance of the notion of animal rights. He posits that human characteristics such as homocentrism, human narcissism, and species-selfishness all function to keep animals from securing their rightful place in the existing social and legal framework. Mr. Bartlett also argues that human attitudes, policies, and behavior affecting animals are influenced by underlying conceptual pathologies, and that animal advocates would be well served by taking into account such human pathologies in their quest for greater animal protection.

Recommended Citation

Steven J. Bartlett, Roots of Human Resistance to Animal Rights: Psychological and Conceptual Blocks, 8 Animal L. Rev. 143 (2002).
Available at: https://lawcommons.lclark.edu/alr/vol8/iss1/7