In his seminal book Animal Liberation , Singer applied the principle of utilitarianism to animals. He coined the term speciesism —discrimination against individuals purely based on their species. Singer argued that equal consideration should be given to the interests of all sentient beings capable of experiencing pleasure and pain.

The vast majority of human-animal interactions occur within industrial farming.

Improving living conditions, veterinary care, and slaughter methods.

Animal welfare is a science-based and pragmatic approach. It accepts a hierarchical relationship between humans and animals but insists on a duty of care. The focus is on the of the animal.

18th Century 1970s 1980s [ Jeremy Bentham ] ------------> [ Peter Singer ] -----------> [ Tom Regan ] Focus: Sentience & Focus: Utilitarianism Focus: Inherent Value Ability to suffer & "Animal Liberation" & Deontology