AR-Views

• PURPOSE (CRUCIAL POINTS)
• CHARTER
• GENERAL TOPICS
• LITERATURE

Summary

AR-Views is an open, but subscription controlled discussion forum, according to a list CHARTER.

It is available in single-message or digest form. (single-message is the default)

PURPOSE

The purpose of these lists is to provide open channels where news, ideas, philosophies, and concerns can be exchanged freely. Debates are likely to occur as well as new friendships, common projects and associations. The underlying premise behind these mailing lists is that information is fundamental to forming sound beliefs as well as to making sound decisions.

AR-Views facilitates the exchange of ideas, opinions, arguments and suggestions concerning the issues inherent in what is known as "the Animal Rights Movement". It is designed to provide animal advocates with an opportunity to discuss the many differences in animal rights theory and practice which are found within the AR movement. Discussions will include such topics as ethical vegetarian and vegan lifestyle, critiques of animal use in laboratories and teaching, factory farms, hunting, the fur industry, animals in entertainment, cruelty-free products, spay/neuter and shelter policies, as well as philosophical discussions and personal reasons for animal advocacy.

Anyone is welcome to participate if sHe is a critic of the current institutionalized exploitation of animals in our society and advocates abolition of animal slavery.

If you are unsure about how the animal welfare view differs from the abolitional animal rights/protection view, be sure to study the crucial points before subscribing to AR-Views.

For basic questions about Animal Rights see the AR-FAQ (Animal Rights frequently asked questions).

CHARTER

AR-Views is a forum for discussions within the community of animal rights advocates. The term "animal rights" is to be understood in its true abolitionist sense; it is meant to include strict rights views, animal liberation views (utilitarian or otherwise) and sincere, charitable animal protection views. This excludes claims on animals in favour of human interests (ownership, use, living space, arbitrariness, breeding etc.).

Subscription to AR-Views will be granted only to persons who are advocates of "animal rights" in this abolitional sense. It will not be granted to those, whose agenda is to oppose, combat, defeat, ridicule or undermine the central abolitional idea of the Animal Rights Movement. Their views may be stated and welcome on one of the public newsgroups e.g. talk.politics.animals.

Discussions are expected to be open minded and issue-based. Opposing viewpoints are welcome as long as they remain respectful of other people's views. Personal attacks shall not be posted to the list. Direct democratic rules apply.

Reposting and any other kind of duplication of AR-Views postings to other mailing lists, newsgroups or any other public media without prior permission of the originator is prohibited.

AR-Views is essentially unmoderated. Subscribers should be vigilant about postings infringinging the Charter. Any violations should be brought to the attention of the AR-Views Panel members who enforce the charter.

To contact the panel, send e-mail to ar-views-panel @ animal-rights.net.

GENERAL TOPICS

Here is a list of topics likely to be addressed in these lists; it is, by far, not complete:

LITERATURE

There are by now many books and booklets about Animal Rights for beginners. Any list would be incomplete.

A few standard, comprehensive texts:

THE CASE FOR ANIMAL RIGHTS by Dr. Tom Regan

INTRODUCTION TO ANIMAL RIGHTS by Gary L. Francione

These books are vital resources for understanding the philosophy behind the modern day animal rights movement.

A more comprehensive list can be found at the AR-FAQ (#92)

SUBSCRIPTION AND ADMINISTRATION

The list is no longer active.

Thanks to everyone who supported AR-Views

The AR-Views Panel