In ancient India, Jainism and Buddhism codified ahimsa (non-harm) as a central virtue. The Greek philosopher Pythagoras advocated for vegetarianism, believing in the transmigration of souls. In the 17th century, Baruch Spinoza argued that "the laws of good and evil concern only men," but also that compassion for animals is a mark of a civilized human.
Animal rights philosophy rejects the notion that animals are property or resources for human consumption. Rightists argue that animals possess inherent value and have an interest in their own lives independent of their utility to humans. Therefore, the goal is not to make exploitation more humane, but to abolish the exploitation entirely. In ancient India, Jainism and Buddhism codified ahimsa
Critics (including many in the Rights camp) argue that welfare is a "humane wash." They point to "free-range" eggs, where hens are still debeaked and eventually sent to a gas chamber. They argue that welfare doesn't change the status of the animal as a unit of production . It just makes the factory farm look nicer. Animal rights philosophy rejects the notion that animals