Advances in Deontological Animal Ethics—From Kant to Regan

康德对待动物的态度是间接义务论，这直接将它们排除于道德主体的范围。根据该理论，雷根认为人类道德病人的道德讨论也应当纳入其中，否则就犯了物种主义的错误。然而，这种做法将导致康德义务论内部产生矛盾。出于对正义要求的考虑，雷根延续了康德义务论的路径，形成了对动物的直接义务论。他将直接义务的对象从理性存在者扩展到一切具有固有价值的主体，使得他们都能享有平等的尊重。尽管这克服了康德义务论的问题，但雷根的直接义务论也面临着理论与现实两方面的挑战。Kant’s treatment of animals is indirect duty theory, which directly excludes them from the scope of moral subjects. According to the theory, Regan argues that moral discussions about human moral patients should also be included, otherwise he commits the error of speciesism. However, this approach would lead to contradictions within Kant’s deontology. Out of concern for the requirements of justice, Regan continues the path of Kant’s deontology and develops a theory of direct obligations to animals. He extends the object of direct obligation from rational beings to all subjects with inherent value, allowing them all to enjoy equal respect. Although this overcomes the problems of Kant’s deontology, Regan’s theory of direct obligation also faces challenges in both theory and reality.