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Why did Tom Regan describe some animals as “subjects of a life”?

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Three PETA protesters in animal masks and green clothing hold signs reading No Fur at a demonstration against fur in clothing at a shopping district in Seoul, South Korea. — Animal rights A PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) demonstration in Seoul, South Korea, against the use of animals for fur in clothing.

American philosopher Tom Regan described certain animals as "subjects of a life" to argue that they possess inherent value, rather than merely instrumental value.1

Unlike utilitarian thinkers who focus on an animal's capacity to suffer, Regan maintained that at least some animals have basic moral rights because they possess advanced cognitive and emotional abilities similar to those that justify attributing rights to humans. By being a "subject of a life," an individual has a biography and a welfare that matters to them, regardless of their utility to others. Consequently, Regan argued that these animals are entitled to respectful treatment, which necessitates an end to their exploitation in areas such as scientific research, entertainment, and food production.12