Jim Mason (activist)

Jim Mason (born 1942) is an American animal rights activist, writer, and philosopher known for his contributions to the development of animal rights theory and his advocacy for a vegan lifestyle.

Mason's most influential work is Animal Factories (co-authored with Peter Singer and published in 1980), a groundbreaking exposé of the conditions in modern intensive animal agriculture. The book brought widespread attention to the ethical and environmental implications of factory farming and is credited with significantly raising public awareness of animal welfare concerns.

Prior to Animal Factories, Mason was involved in various social justice movements, including anti-war and civil rights activism. He became interested in animal rights after encountering the work of Peter Singer, particularly Animal Liberation.

Mason has continued to write and lecture on animal rights issues, focusing on topics such as veganism, animal exploitation, and the interconnectedness of social justice movements. He has also been involved in various animal rights organizations and campaigns. His work emphasizes the importance of extending moral consideration to non-human animals and challenging anthropocentric views of the world. Mason's activism and writings have played a significant role in shaping the modern animal rights movement.