本文的研究動機在於釐清動物權利理論的基礎與爭議，並以雷根的權利觀點為主要研究內容。雷根透過道德直覺建構道德原則，論證道非人類動物和人類一樣都是生命主體，如果我們接受所有人類，包含缺乏理性能力的道德容受者都具本有價值，那麼就邏輯的一致性加以推論，就必須承認某些非人類動物也有相同的價值。 雷根的動物權利論證並非奠基於激進的新的道德理論。而是從一般人已經認可的人類道德權利談起。雷根主張動物擁有權利，他的理論大致上是奠基於康德的傳統義務論，但是認為以理性能力做為道德權利的判準有所不足。此外雷根的道德權利論證也採取密爾的進路，以道德原則來證成道德權利，由此形成他的動物權利觀點。雷根主張所有具有本有價值的個體所擁有的基本權利，就是不僅僅被當作目的的手段，因此授予個體「尊重權利」與「不受傷害權利」；這樣的權利並非絕對的，雷根同時提出「消除更糟原則」與「最小凌駕原則」以解決個體之間的衝突。根據雷根的權利觀點，賦予動物基本的受到尊重對待的權利，意含著我們必須全面廢除對動物的剝削與利用。 本文除了以雷根的動物權利觀點為主軸外，亦提出沃倫（Mary Anne Warren）的弱動物權利主張以交互參照，全面的檢視雷根動物權利觀困難與價值，並對動物權利的命題做深入的分析與探討。 This thesis investigates the foundation and development of the controversy of animal rights, with Regan’s theory of animal rights as our focus. Regan forms ideal moral principles through moral intuitions. He argues that non-human animals are what he calls the subject-of-a-life, just as humans are, and that, if we want to ascribe inherent value to all human beings including moral patients who are capable of rationality, then in order to be consistent we must similarly ascribe it to non-human animals. Regan's argument for animal rights does not rely on a radical new theory of ethics, but follows from a consistent application of moral principles and insights that many of us already hold with respect to the ethical treatment of human beings. Regan holds that non-human animals are the bearers of moral rights. His philosophy lies broadly within the tradition of Immanuel Kant, though he rejects Kant's idea that respect is due only to rational beings. He also adopts the approach of John S. Mill that moral rights are justified by moral principles, and such approach forms Regan’s view of animal rights. The basic right that all who possess inherent value has, he argues, is the right never to be treated merely as a means to the ends of others. It entails the right to be treated with respect; this includes the right not to be harmed. This right, however, is not absolute. His philosophy employs principles such as the miniride principle and the worse-off principle. According to Regan, animals are endowed with basic right to be treated with respect that we should abolish the breeding of animals for food, animal experimentation, and commercial hunting. In order to show the special features of Regan’s theory, I analyzes how Reagan responds to the challenge posted by Warren’s multi-criterial concept. The difficulties and value of Regan’s view of animal rights are thoroughly reviewed; the topic of animal rights was also analyzed and discussed in depth.
