Adam Gottlieb Weigen Explained

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)

Notes and References

1. Sträter, Udo. (2011). Pietismus und Neuzeit: Ein Jahrbuch Zur Geschichte Des Neueren Protestantismus. Band 36 – 2010. Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht. pp. 120–123.
2. Herberhold, Mechthild; Sölling, Caspar. (2003). Menschenrechte für Menschenaffen?: Was Tier und Mensch unterscheidet. Bonifatius. p. 25.
3. Seidel, Ulrich; Dietrich, Hans-Eberhard. (2019). An der Seite der Tiere: Christsein und ein neuer Umgang mit der Kreatur. Lit. pp. 102–103.
4. Ingesman, Per. (2016). Religion as an Agent of Change: Crusades – Reformation – Pietism. Brill Publishers. pp. 224–226.