**Biography:**
– Graduated with a BA in philosophy from the University of Rochester
– Received MA in philosophy and JD from the University of Virginia
– Clerked for Judge Albert Tate, Jr., U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, and for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor of the U.S. Supreme Court
– Joined the faculty at the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1984
– Started the Rutgers Animal Rights Law Project in 1990
**Animal Rights Theory:**
– Known for work on animal rights theory
– First academic to teach it in an American law school in 1989
– Focuses on property status of animals, differences between animal rights and animal welfare, and a theory of animal rights based on sentience alone
– Advocate of abolitionist theory of animal rights
– Author of several books on animal rights
**Property Status of Animals:**
– Argues that laws providing humane treatment for animals do not offer significant protection
– Believes animals are treated as commodities with little moral consideration
– Legal, social, and economic forces prioritize human interests over animal welfare
– Calls for greater protection of animals even if they remain human property
– Highlights the economic benefit as a key factor in recognizing animal interests
**Comparison of Animal Rights and Animal Welfare:**
– Advocates for abolition of animal exploitation
– Theoretical and practical differences between animal rights and animal welfare
– Criticizes regulations that treat animals as economic commodities
– Emphasizes veganism as a central tenet of incremental change
– Supports a non-violent approach in the animal rights movement
**Relevance of Sentience:**
– Argues that animals do not need humanlike cognitive characteristics to deserve moral consideration
– Advocates for animals’ basic right not to be property based on sentience alone
– Rejects the notion that animals must possess specific cognitive traits to be valued
– Highlights the importance of recognizing animals’ sentience in ethical considerations
– Emphasizes the need for a shift towards viewing animals as individuals with inherent value
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Gary Lawrence Francione (born May 1954) is an American academic in the fields of law and philosophy. He is Board of Governors Professor of Law and Katzenbach Scholar of Law and Philosophy at Rutgers University in New Jersey. He is also a visiting professor of philosophy at the University of Lincoln (UK) and honorary professor of philosophy at the University of East Anglia (UK). He is the author of numerous books and articles on animal ethics.
Gary Francione | |
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 Francione with two of his dog companions | |
| Born | May 1954 (age 69) United States |
| Education |
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| Occupation(s) | Distinguished Professor of Law and Nicholas deB. Katzenbach Scholar of Law & Philosophy, Rutgers School of Law–Newark |
| Known for | Animal rights advocacy, abolitionism |
| Spouse | Anna E. Charlton |
| Website | |