vicki hearne vs peter singer comparison essay - 782 Words

A quick comparison to Vicki Hearne’s â€Å"What’s Wrong with Animal Rights?† to Peter Singer’s â€Å"Speciesism and Moral Status†, might indicate Hearne’s argument is stronger due to her strategic and effective use of emotional appeals (i.e. pathos). These appeals allow Hearne to connect quickly and easily with her audience. Hearne is also quite clever in terms of stressing her occupation as an animal trainer. However, after a swift comparison of the two articles, it is evident that Singer’s â€Å"Speciesism and Moral Status† offers readers a stronger and more valid argument. Both Singer and Hearne are arguing their position on animal rights and the extent of human involvement. Since Hearne’s article is primarily based on her attempt to persuade her†¦show more content†¦She even goes to label the Humane Society the pound, the place with the decompression chamber or the lethal injections.† (61) as she attemp ts to influence the readers emotional side. In â€Å"Speciesism and Moral Status†, Peter Singers argument is that when it comes to the value of life, we should not discriminate in regards to species, and cognitive ability should play some role in moral status. In comparison to humans with â€Å"profound mental disabilities† (Singer 569), the use of the gorilla Koko’s higher IQ score, not needing constant supervision, or border collies being able to provide useful work to society, serves as a strong logos appeal regarding the relationship between cognitive ability and moral status. Singer is effectively able to support his claims by continuously referencing respected philosophers and individuals such as Immanuel Kant, Jeremy Bentham, and even Pope John Paul II. Validity and integrity are very much solidified in Singers article with the use of counter arguments as well as alternate views to his own arguments. The structure and information Singer provides is clear and organized, and does not leave his audien ce confused due to the strong use of factual, relevant support of his argument. In Vicki Hearne’s article, some may agree with the argument she makes as her pathos appeal may be sufficient in engaging with the