Singer argues that animals deserve moral consideration and do have moral rights somewhat comparable to humans because they are sentient (i.e., have the capacity to experience pain and pleasure).  By contrast, Cohen argues that animals do not have moral rights comparable to humans because they do not belong to the moral community (Note: pay careful attention to the characteristics Cohen lists as requirements to belong to the moral community).  In this essay, I ask you to discuss ONE of the topics listed below:

(A)  First, develop a criterion other than Singer’s or Cohen’s that will determine whether animals do or do not deserve moral consideration.  Secondly, determine if animals do or do not have (at least some) moral rights comparable to humans.  Make sure you defend your position with cogent arguments.  Then, compare your position to either Singer’s or Cohen’s.

Or, if you cannot develop your own criterion:

(B) State whether you agree with Singer’s position or Cohen’s position, expressing the reasons for your choice.  Then, defend your position with cogent arguments.