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Articles

Why An Alien Invasion Is No Argument For Animal Rights

Rhys Southan gives an unexpected response.

Advocates of ‘human exceptionalism’ say that humans are the most important animals on the planet. Their most fervent opponents, animal rights activists, think that proclaiming innate human superiority is chauvinistic and naïve, countering that there are no special qualities that humans have that all other animals lack. Both sides can, however, agree on one thing: as a whole, humankind is the most powerful animal force on the planet. When it comes to manipulating the environment and other creatures so that the world better suits our desires, no species can match us. Plants, earth, minerals and other animals are the raw materials we use to make our homes, tools, medicines, clothing and meals.