German pietist, theologian and animal rights writer
Adam Gottlieb Weigen (1677–1727) was a German
pietist, theologian and early
animal rights writer.
Weigan was the son of a surgeon and was born at
Waiblingen in 1677.[1] He studied theology at
Württemberg but also took interest in anatomy and
natural science.[1] Weigen became a pastor and advocate of
pietism in
Leonberg. He took up this post in 1705.[1] Weigan was influenced by the writings of
Philipp Spener.[1]
Weigen argued for a compassionate treatment of the animals from a Christian theological framework.[2][3] In 1711, Weigen authored De Jure Hominis in Creaturas. It has been described as "the first work ever to deal with the topic of animal rights as a general theme."[4] The book became known in Denmark and inspired
Laurids Smith. It was republished in 2008.[4]
Weigen moved to
Wahlheim, where he died in 1727.[1]
Selected publications
De Jure Hominis in Creaturas (1711)
References
^
abcdeSträter, Udo. (2011). Pietismus und Neuzeit: Ein Jahrbuch Zur Geschichte Des Neueren Protestantismus. Band 36 – 2010. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht. pp. 120–123.
ISBN978-3-525-55908-6
^Herberhold, Mechthild; Sölling, Caspar. (2003). Menschenrechte für Menschenaffen?: Was Tier und Mensch unterscheidet. Bonifatius. p. 25.
ISBN9783897102637
^Seidel, Ulrich; Dietrich, Hans-Eberhard. (2019). An der Seite der Tiere: Christsein und ein neuer Umgang mit der Kreatur. Lit. pp. 102–103.
ISBN978-3-643-14288-7
^
abIngesman, Per. (2016). Religion as an Agent of Change: Crusades – Reformation – Pietism. Brill Publishers. pp. 224–226.
ISBN978-90-04-30372-0