In memory of Tom Regan

Abstract

For the academic and university world, the recent passing away of Tom Regan means the loss of one of the thinkers that has delved most deeply into the ethical foundations of the rights of animals. On February 17, Tom Regan passed away, emeritus professor of Philosophy at the North Carolina State University, writer and activist for the rights of animals. Among his works, the following stand out: Empty Cages: Facing the Challenge of Animal Rights and The Case for Animal Rights, as those that have had notable influence in the movement of Animal Liberation and in the advance toward the recognition of the rights of animals. The concept of “subject-of-a-life” has been one of his most important contributions to contemporary ethics.