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'''Tom Regan''' (November 28, 1938 – February 17, 2017) was an American philosopher who specialized in [[animal rights]] theory. He was a professor emeritus of philosophy at [[North Carolina State University]], where he taught from 1967 until his retirement in 2001.
{{short description|American philosopher and animal rights advocate}}
{{Use American English|date=October 2023}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2023}}


== Early Life and Education ==
==Tom Regan==
Regan was born in [[Pittsburgh]], Pennsylvania, and earned his undergraduate degree at [[Thiel College]] in 1960. He obtained his M.A. in 1962 and his Ph.D. in 1966 from the [[University of Virginia]]. He taught philosophy at North Carolina State University from 1967 until his retirement in 2001.
[[File:TomRegan2.jpg|thumb|right|Tom Regan]]
'''Tom Regan''' (November 28, 1938 – February 17, 2017) was an American philosopher who specialized in [[animal rights]] theory. He was a prominent advocate for the ethical treatment of animals and is best known for his book ''[[The Case for Animal Rights]]'' (1983), which is considered a foundational text in animal rights philosophy.


== Career and Philosophy ==
==Early Life and Education==
Regan is best known for his book, ''[[The Case for Animal Rights]]'', published in 1983. In this work, he argues that non-human animals bear moral rights. His philosophy aligns with the school of thought known as [[rights theory]], which posits that individuals have inherent rights, irrespective of their ability to claim their rights.
Tom Regan was born in [[Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania]]. He attended [[Thiel College]] where he earned his bachelor's degree. He later pursued graduate studies at the [[University of Virginia]], where he received his Ph.D. in philosophy.


Regan's argument is a deontological one, in that it suggests that certain actions towards animals are wrong in themselves, regardless of the consequences. He argues that animals have inherent value and are experiencing subjects of life, and as such, have a basic right to be treated with respect.
==Academic Career==
Regan spent much of his academic career at [[North Carolina State University]], where he taught philosophy. His work focused on ethical theory, animal rights, and the philosophy of [[G. E. Moore]].


== Legacy ==
==Philosophical Contributions==
Regan's work has been influential in the field of animal rights and has contributed to a shift in the way society views the treatment of animals. His philosophy has been a significant influence on the [[animal rights movement]], and his arguments continue to be debated in philosophical circles.
Regan is best known for his deontological approach to animal rights, which argues that animals are "subjects-of-a-life" with inherent value. This contrasts with [[utilitarianism]], which evaluates actions based on their consequences. Regan's theory posits that animals have rights similar to human rights, and these rights should be respected.


== See Also ==
===The Case for Animal Rights===
In ''The Case for Animal Rights'', Regan argues that animals have intrinsic value as individuals, and this value is not dependent on their utility to humans. He challenges the traditional view that animals are mere resources for human use and advocates for the abolition of animal exploitation.
 
==Activism and Legacy==
Regan was not only a philosopher but also an activist. He co-founded the [[Culture and Animals Foundation]], which supports artists and scholars who promote animal rights. His work has influenced both the academic field of animal ethics and the broader animal rights movement.
 
==Personal Life==
Regan was married to Nancy Tirk, and they had two children. He was known for his passion for music and was an accomplished trombonist.
 
==Related Pages==
* [[Animal rights]]
* [[Animal rights]]
* [[Rights theory]]
* [[Peter Singer]]
* [[Deontological ethics]]
* [[Deontological ethics]]
 
* [[Utilitarianism]]
== References ==
<references />
 
== External Links ==
* [http://www.tomregan.info/ Official website]


[[Category:American philosophers]]
[[Category:American philosophers]]
[[Category:Animal rights advocates]]
[[Category:Animal rights advocates]]
[[Category:North Carolina State University faculty]]
[[Category:1938 births]]
{{philosopher-stub}}
[[Category:2017 deaths]]
{{animal-rights-stub}}

Latest revision as of 03:48, 13 February 2025

American philosopher and animal rights advocate



Tom Regan[edit]

Tom Regan

Tom Regan (November 28, 1938 – February 17, 2017) was an American philosopher who specialized in animal rights theory. He was a prominent advocate for the ethical treatment of animals and is best known for his book The Case for Animal Rights (1983), which is considered a foundational text in animal rights philosophy.

Early Life and Education[edit]

Tom Regan was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He attended Thiel College where he earned his bachelor's degree. He later pursued graduate studies at the University of Virginia, where he received his Ph.D. in philosophy.

Academic Career[edit]

Regan spent much of his academic career at North Carolina State University, where he taught philosophy. His work focused on ethical theory, animal rights, and the philosophy of G. E. Moore.

Philosophical Contributions[edit]

Regan is best known for his deontological approach to animal rights, which argues that animals are "subjects-of-a-life" with inherent value. This contrasts with utilitarianism, which evaluates actions based on their consequences. Regan's theory posits that animals have rights similar to human rights, and these rights should be respected.

The Case for Animal Rights[edit]

In The Case for Animal Rights, Regan argues that animals have intrinsic value as individuals, and this value is not dependent on their utility to humans. He challenges the traditional view that animals are mere resources for human use and advocates for the abolition of animal exploitation.

Activism and Legacy[edit]

Regan was not only a philosopher but also an activist. He co-founded the Culture and Animals Foundation, which supports artists and scholars who promote animal rights. His work has influenced both the academic field of animal ethics and the broader animal rights movement.

Personal Life[edit]

Regan was married to Nancy Tirk, and they had two children. He was known for his passion for music and was an accomplished trombonist.

Related Pages[edit]