On October 19, 2024, an academic debate entitled "Animal and Human Rights" took place at the Faculty of Social Sciences. The debate was organized in cooperation with the Polish Philosophical Society, Siedlce Branch.
Introductions to the debate were given by: prof. Arkadiusz Indraszczyk and prof. Cezary Kalita.
The debate was divided into two parts:
- Part 1 - Animals are subjects of rights equivalent to humans - animals have rights
- Part 2 - Humans determine the autonomous rights of others - only humans have rights.
The debate attempted to answer questions regarding the possible need to reevaluate basic human rights and indicate the problems that are covered by these rights. Can the existence of animal rights bring happiness to humans and animals? Can the existence of animal rights help humans survive, or are they a threat to humanity? How to understand the message: "Subdue the earth"? Are animals endowed with free will and can they indicate preferred choices? Is there animal slavery? Is the superior value human or life (Gaia)? etc.
The debate was not resolved, although most participants agreed that while we should protect animals, they should not have a catalogue of rights that would equate them with humans.
