powers. Rachels felt Darwin was stretching credulity to the breaking point with this statement. Darwin said, Forget the use of language and judge only by what you see. He felt that when animalshuman or non-human, are able to adjust their behavior to the demands of their environment in a complex, intelligent way, they are showing rationality. However, he acknowledged that man is the only animal that has a moral life. As man became more rational his sympathies would become more tender and extend towards all races and all lower animals, as well. This ideal progress of man may or may not have been realized. Humans are in a special category, according to Rachels, because they are able to participate in discussions on morality. Humans and animals have complex differences and similarities, but the main concern is the welfare of all beings and a new way of looking at our morality so we can coexist with our understanding of the world and our place in it. Utilitarian Rachels belongs firmly in a period of soul searching on the relationship of man and animals.In the Name of Science, a book by F. Barbara Orlans, the author explores the various human attitudes about animals. They vary from love and reverence to indifference and hatred. People who participate in cock fighting say they love and admire the animals they are brutally killing. Many who exploit animals in other ways say they care about the animals they are harming. People who seem indifferent do not necessarily condone suffering and cruelty. Basic attitudes are strongly held and are often antagonistic toward people who hold different beliefs on the subject.There has been a considerable shift in public opinion toward animal welfare rights, although support for animal experimentation continues to be strong. In a 1989 poll, 77% of 1,500 adults surveyed agreed with the statement it is necessary to use animals for progress in biomedical research. In a 1990 poll, 85% felt it ...
