Animal Liberation: A New Ethics for Our Treatment of Animals

In the first chapter of Animal Liberation, Peter Singer offers a definition of “speciesism” (37). What does it mean, and why does he choose this particular term? What is Singer attempting to communicate in this singular word?

Two of the primary goals that Singer has in Animal Liberation are proving the existence of “speciesism” and informing the public about the truth of the animal testing and meat industries. What is the relationship between these goals, and what might a world without “speciesism” look like?

Singer frequently compares the plight of animals to the civil rights and feminist movements. Does this add to his argument, hurt it, or a combination of both? Why does Singer choose to use these comparisons?