What do you think?
Rate this book
Empty Cages: Facing the Challenge of Animal Rights
Described by Jeffrey Masson as 'the single best introduction to animal rights ever written,' this new book by Tom Regan will structure the animal rights debate for generations to come. In a style at once simple and elegant, Regan dispels the negative image of animal rights advocates perpetrated by the mass media, unmasks the fraudulent rhetoric of 'humane treatment' favored by animal exploiters, and explains why existing laws function to legitimize institutional cruelty. Written by the leading philosophical spokesperson for animal rights, Tom Regan's shocking exposZ of animal abuse makes an essential and lasting contribution that will significantly impact the history of animal rights advocacy in America.
244 pages, Paperback
First published December 5, 2003
21 people are currently reading
958 people want to read
About the author
Tom Regan
41 books73 followersTom Regan was an American philosopher who specialized in animal rights theory. He was professor emeritus of philosophy at North Carolina State University, where he taught from 1967 until his retirement in 2001.
Regan was the author of numerous books on the philosophy of animal rights, including The Case for Animal Rights (1983), one of a handful of studies that have significantly influenced the modern animal rights movement. In these, he argued that non-human animals are what he calls the "subjects-of-a-life", just as humans are, and that, if we want to ascribe value to all human beings regardless of their ability to be rational agents, then to be consistent, we must similarly ascribe it to non-humans.
Regan was the author of numerous books on the philosophy of animal rights, including The Case for Animal Rights (1983), one of a handful of studies that have significantly influenced the modern animal rights movement. In these, he argued that non-human animals are what he calls the "subjects-of-a-life", just as humans are, and that, if we want to ascribe value to all human beings regardless of their ability to be rational agents, then to be consistent, we must similarly ascribe it to non-humans.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
April 11, 2022
A classic, a comprehensive overview of the issues and arguments. The core arguments are everlasting, the issues are a snapshot from circa 20 years ago. Some things have improved: just a couple of many examples are fur bans and the growth of the number of animal advocates. Massive injustices remain, but the progress gives hope.
March 28, 2010
One of the best introductions to animal rights out there, Empty Cages is an excellent primer for supporters and skeptics alike.
Long-time activist Regan discusses issues of animal abuse and exploitation in a steady, rational tone that communicates respect for the readers. Unlike almost every other book of this genre, Regan realizes that mental blocks stand in the way between mainstream society and the recognition of humane values. For over two decades the animal use industries have been on the defensive, attempting to paint anyone who questions their business practices as a threat to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And of course, some activists have made their own bed by engaging in poorly-planned and offensive sloganeering and demonstrations. Regan is one of the few humane writers who recognize the need to swish away these cobwebs before we can sit down for a meaningful discussion of the true issues. He presents humane advocates truthfully for what the vast majority of us are—average folks with homes, careers, families—and a deep concern about the ways in which animals are treated in our world.
As expected, Regan discusses the many venues of animal exploitation in modern society, and answers common excuses offered by those who engage in these practices. This is par for the course. Even better is the final chapter, “Yes, But…” in which Regan acknowledges, and respectfully addresses, the many hang-ups which prevent most people from doing anything to make meaningful changes in their lives.
This would be an excellent book to share in a philosophy class. I recommend it to anyone curious about the modern humane movement—whether or not they consider themselves part of it.
Long-time activist Regan discusses issues of animal abuse and exploitation in a steady, rational tone that communicates respect for the readers. Unlike almost every other book of this genre, Regan realizes that mental blocks stand in the way between mainstream society and the recognition of humane values. For over two decades the animal use industries have been on the defensive, attempting to paint anyone who questions their business practices as a threat to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And of course, some activists have made their own bed by engaging in poorly-planned and offensive sloganeering and demonstrations. Regan is one of the few humane writers who recognize the need to swish away these cobwebs before we can sit down for a meaningful discussion of the true issues. He presents humane advocates truthfully for what the vast majority of us are—average folks with homes, careers, families—and a deep concern about the ways in which animals are treated in our world.
As expected, Regan discusses the many venues of animal exploitation in modern society, and answers common excuses offered by those who engage in these practices. This is par for the course. Even better is the final chapter, “Yes, But…” in which Regan acknowledges, and respectfully addresses, the many hang-ups which prevent most people from doing anything to make meaningful changes in their lives.
This would be an excellent book to share in a philosophy class. I recommend it to anyone curious about the modern humane movement—whether or not they consider themselves part of it.
February 7, 2017
Perfect way to spend a New Year's Eve - reading about animal rights. I really liked the first part of the book. Regan explains so clearly and simply why animals have rights, what those rights are, and why we should respect them. To Muddlers, everywhere - read this book if you are still not sure about these issues and still have many buts and questions.
August 4, 2007
Tom Regan is a philosopher and professor. I highly recommend all of his books. I find him intelligent and thoughtful. He’s a good communicator and he presents compelling and cogent arguments for the importance of both human and animal rights.
Read
June 9, 2013...great basic book for those who think that animals were created ONLY and EXCLUSIVELY for our consume(food, clothes,shoes), our entertainment(circuses, hunting, races), and all the ways animals are wrong-used (all king of experiments, labs). It give answer to all the hypothetical and non-hypothetical questions about vegetarianism and veganism.
But, if we still live with phenomenon like Guantanamo or Auschwitz, what can we expect about our treatment to other species, right?
[It's really explicit, so ...]
But, if we still live with phenomenon like Guantanamo or Auschwitz, what can we expect about our treatment to other species, right?
[It's really explicit, so ...]
January 5, 2011
This book is a good resource for those who are interested in animal law, animal welfare, and the overall treatment of animals. It can and is used as a legal textbook but it is also handy for any animal activist who needs a quick yet accurate resource about animal suffering and alternatives in the United States.
June 18, 2007
Graphic and saddening, yet enlightening and empowering. Tom Regan is a great writer who puts all aspects of the animal rights movement in a digestible and positive light.
February 3, 2014
A book all animal lovers should read.
January 29, 2016
Very persuasive, this along with a few other factors was very influential in my decision to become a vegetarian.
September 2, 2011
Very useful book. His arguments are solid.
Read
August 29, 2025It's such a great tragedy that abolitionism of a few decades ago has all but completely lost to welfarism for animals today. One can quibble with Regan's particular account of animal rights he advocates here and in more detail in The Case for Animal Rights, but he was obviously more or less right and his welfarist, utilitarian detractors who are content with killing and exploiting animals as long as they live a "good life" on the whole obviously wrong. But, of course, the race is not to the swift in this world, as the poet said, so here we are.
In my mind, the reason abolutionism lost and welfarism won is damning for humans: I think humans are fundamentally selfish and evil when it comes to how they treat others, especially those they perceive as "lesser" somehow, but at the same time they don't like to see themselves as selfish and evil, they would like to think themselves as benevolent and decent beings, so welfarism provides the perfect psychological coping mechanism, the perfect modern religion for them: they can continue doing their evil, eating their steak, torturing, exploiting animals in the name of science, etc., but still feel good about themselves because the cages are now bigger or the cows are now allowed to graze freely for a few hours every day or because they have "offset" their steak somehow by donating to "effective" welfarist animal charities, etc.
I will not forget a very revealing interview with Peter Singer that I was unfortunate to watch recently. When Singer told the host how it was perfectly fine to kill animals for their meat as long as one didn't cause them unnecessary suffering while they lived ("killing has never been the issue for me", he pontificated; well, the animals would have begged to differ), the host (a prolific enjoyer of "humanely raised" beef) was so ecstatic and thankful to this modern day prophet for affirming his moral rectitude and fundamental decency that it was almost like a religious, a baptismal scene to behold.
In my mind, the reason abolutionism lost and welfarism won is damning for humans: I think humans are fundamentally selfish and evil when it comes to how they treat others, especially those they perceive as "lesser" somehow, but at the same time they don't like to see themselves as selfish and evil, they would like to think themselves as benevolent and decent beings, so welfarism provides the perfect psychological coping mechanism, the perfect modern religion for them: they can continue doing their evil, eating their steak, torturing, exploiting animals in the name of science, etc., but still feel good about themselves because the cages are now bigger or the cows are now allowed to graze freely for a few hours every day or because they have "offset" their steak somehow by donating to "effective" welfarist animal charities, etc.
I will not forget a very revealing interview with Peter Singer that I was unfortunate to watch recently. When Singer told the host how it was perfectly fine to kill animals for their meat as long as one didn't cause them unnecessary suffering while they lived ("killing has never been the issue for me", he pontificated; well, the animals would have begged to differ), the host (a prolific enjoyer of "humanely raised" beef) was so ecstatic and thankful to this modern day prophet for affirming his moral rectitude and fundamental decency that it was almost like a religious, a baptismal scene to behold.
March 15, 2019
Regan does a good job of describing his journey to becoming an Animal Rights Advocate (ARA). The writing style is very informal, which makes the book reader-friendly, but at the same time, it comes across as less convincing. In particular, Regan's rebuttals to the arguments made against the ARA position seem weak because they come across more as his opinions rather than being based on fact. If he had included sources for the information he presents, it would have taken away from the informal style but would have given the information more credibility. I will say that he gave me a lot to think about, though, which is the purpose of his book.
July 1, 2019
Un libro imprescindibile per qualsiasi persona che sia interessata ai diritti degli animali. Utile sopratutto per le persone che si trovano alle prime armi, ma anche a quelli che conoscono già l'argomento. È un libro molto informativo che fornisce risposte chiare e logiche da un punto di vista morale alle domande più comuni che ricevono i vegani.
February 21, 2024
Interessante e a tratti molto crudo
December 31, 2024
I think this is a really accessible, thoughtful work for folks who want to get a sense of the arguments and approaches of animal rights.
August 4, 2024
ANOTHER PHILOSOPHICAL DEFENSE OF ANIMAL RIGHTS
Tom Regan (born 1938) is professor emeritus of philosophy at North Carolina State University, where he taught from 1967-2001. He has also written 'The Case for Animal Rights,' 'Defending Animal Rights,' etc. He wrote in the first chapter of this 2004 book, "Animal rights is a simple idea because, at the most basic level, it means only that animals have a right to be treated with respect. It is a profound idea because its implications are far-reaching." (Pg. 9)
He recalls the effect on him of reading Gandhi's Autobiography: 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth': "I had learned how some people in India regard eating cow as unspeakably repulsive. I realized I felt the same way about cats and dogs: I could never EAT THEM. Were cows so different from cats and dogs that there were two moral standards, one that applies to cows, another that applies to cats and dogs? Were pigs so different? Were any of the animals I ate so different? These were the questions that would not go away." (Pg. 30)
He argues, "If you told us that the ice cubes want out of the freezer or that the gravel on the driveway is starving for attention, ordinary English speakers would wonder what on earth you were talking about. But no ordinary English speaker would have the slightest difficulty in understanding what you mean when you say what you do about your neighbor's dogs. There is SOMEBODY THERE, behind those canine eyes, somebody with wants and needs, memories and frustrations." (Pg. 55)
He concedes the possibility that fish do not have minds, but adds, "Well, perhaps. Then again, perhaps not. While it should be clear where my sympathies lie, for the sake of argument I am prepared to limit the conclusions for which I am arguing to the LEAST CONTROVERSIAL cases, by which I mean animals and birds." (Pg. 61) About plants, he asks, "Do tomatoes share our structure, anatomically and physiologically? Does kudzu have a central nervous system like ours, and a brain?... How ARAs [Animal Rights Activists] argue for animal rights does not logically commit us to championing rhubarb rights." (Pg. 63)
He also asserts, "So, yes, some members of the [Animal Liberation Front] are courageous in their acts and sincere in their commitment. And yes, perhaps some of us who reject the violence they employ do so out of cowardice. Nevertheless, violence done by ARAs, in my judgment, is wrong; it does not help, it hurts the animal rights movement." (Pg. 191)
This book will be of great use to persons concerning with animal rights/welfare.
Tom Regan (born 1938) is professor emeritus of philosophy at North Carolina State University, where he taught from 1967-2001. He has also written 'The Case for Animal Rights,' 'Defending Animal Rights,' etc. He wrote in the first chapter of this 2004 book, "Animal rights is a simple idea because, at the most basic level, it means only that animals have a right to be treated with respect. It is a profound idea because its implications are far-reaching." (Pg. 9)
He recalls the effect on him of reading Gandhi's Autobiography: 'The Story of My Experiments with Truth': "I had learned how some people in India regard eating cow as unspeakably repulsive. I realized I felt the same way about cats and dogs: I could never EAT THEM. Were cows so different from cats and dogs that there were two moral standards, one that applies to cows, another that applies to cats and dogs? Were pigs so different? Were any of the animals I ate so different? These were the questions that would not go away." (Pg. 30)
He argues, "If you told us that the ice cubes want out of the freezer or that the gravel on the driveway is starving for attention, ordinary English speakers would wonder what on earth you were talking about. But no ordinary English speaker would have the slightest difficulty in understanding what you mean when you say what you do about your neighbor's dogs. There is SOMEBODY THERE, behind those canine eyes, somebody with wants and needs, memories and frustrations." (Pg. 55)
He concedes the possibility that fish do not have minds, but adds, "Well, perhaps. Then again, perhaps not. While it should be clear where my sympathies lie, for the sake of argument I am prepared to limit the conclusions for which I am arguing to the LEAST CONTROVERSIAL cases, by which I mean animals and birds." (Pg. 61) About plants, he asks, "Do tomatoes share our structure, anatomically and physiologically? Does kudzu have a central nervous system like ours, and a brain?... How ARAs [Animal Rights Activists] argue for animal rights does not logically commit us to championing rhubarb rights." (Pg. 63)
He also asserts, "So, yes, some members of the [Animal Liberation Front] are courageous in their acts and sincere in their commitment. And yes, perhaps some of us who reject the violence they employ do so out of cowardice. Nevertheless, violence done by ARAs, in my judgment, is wrong; it does not help, it hurts the animal rights movement." (Pg. 191)
This book will be of great use to persons concerning with animal rights/welfare.
August 7, 2024
Este livro relata, infelizmente, a investigação dura que o autor fez sobre uma realidade crua de como os humanos tratam os animais, desde, por exemplo, o caso na China da tortura que fazem aos cães e gatos para fins comestíveis, até o caso no Canadá sobre a tortura das focas para fins comestíveis e vestuário, entre outros.
Fiquei chocada com as práticas usadas que o autor investigou e relata neste livro. Infelizmente, já tinha conhecimento de algumas, mas é assustador ver até onde vai a crueldade humana.
Este livro mostra a urgência de proteger os animais. É um grito/pedido para pararem de usar animais para qualquer fim, desde comestível, vestuário, artístico, caça, competição, entre outros. Os humanos também não gostariam de ser usados para qualquer tipo de fim. Portanto, porquê com os animais? Afinal, eles têm sentimentos como nós e sentem dor como nós.
Fiquei chocada com as práticas usadas que o autor investigou e relata neste livro. Infelizmente, já tinha conhecimento de algumas, mas é assustador ver até onde vai a crueldade humana.
Este livro mostra a urgência de proteger os animais. É um grito/pedido para pararem de usar animais para qualquer fim, desde comestível, vestuário, artístico, caça, competição, entre outros. Os humanos também não gostariam de ser usados para qualquer tipo de fim. Portanto, porquê com os animais? Afinal, eles têm sentimentos como nós e sentem dor como nós.
August 5, 2021
I found the epilogue powerful and many of the descriptions were very effective. The world "muddler" was introduced to me in this book and I think many muddlers would be positively influenced by reading it.
October 1, 2020
En bok som skildrar hur djur utnyttjas av människor, och som besvarar många frågor kring djurrätt.
July 3, 2016
Alla borde läsa denna!
June 18, 2020
To all the Muddlers out there
February 12, 2024
Um livro que dá que pensar! Da relutância passei á acção!
May 24, 2018
How can people eat LIVE cats and dogs? ugh. I always had a problem with those LIVE lobsters, too.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews