The Ethics of Animal Experimentation
Introduction
The value of research in human life cannot be overstated; through it human beings have been able to virtually conquer the world. It spans many academic disciplines and social spheres. In medicine, research has done its part, but there are questions on the manner in which medical research is done (Gilbert, Kaebnick and Murray). This regards the issue of animal testing, that is, the use of animals in research projects that are meant to benefit humans. It is a practice that has gone on for long, but one that has gained traction recently. It is estimated that about a hundred million animals are subjected to testing every year (Gilbert, Kaebnick and Murray). However, as it gains foothold, so does …show more content…
Due to the unreliable nature of tests done on animals; people lose their lives when it reaches the phase of testing the products on humans (Doke and Dhawale). It is a common occurrence to have drug fails at that stage despite tremendous success when done on animals like mice. The assumption that the effects of drugs on animals and people are similar is one that researchers are unwilling to let go. This is despite the numerous disastrous outcomes that have been borne out of animal research. The practice is also a sign that the society is on a backward, instead of forward …show more content…
However, opponents rebut the arguments and forward their own; humans should not unnecessarily dominate over other animals, animals have the ability to suffer and feel pain and should be saved from them, that cell structures of animals are different from those of human beings and that the practice harms humans as well. It is clear, from the arguments and counter arguments, that animals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. The arguments advanced by proponents of animal experimentation are centered on the supremacy of human beings over other
Introduction
The value of research in human life cannot be overstated; through it human beings have been able to virtually conquer the world. It spans many academic disciplines and social spheres. In medicine, research has done its part, but there are questions on the manner in which medical research is done (Gilbert, Kaebnick and Murray). This regards the issue of animal testing, that is, the use of animals in research projects that are meant to benefit humans. It is a practice that has gone on for long, but one that has gained traction recently. It is estimated that about a hundred million animals are subjected to testing every year (Gilbert, Kaebnick and Murray). However, as it gains foothold, so does …show more content…
Due to the unreliable nature of tests done on animals; people lose their lives when it reaches the phase of testing the products on humans (Doke and Dhawale). It is a common occurrence to have drug fails at that stage despite tremendous success when done on animals like mice. The assumption that the effects of drugs on animals and people are similar is one that researchers are unwilling to let go. This is despite the numerous disastrous outcomes that have been borne out of animal research. The practice is also a sign that the society is on a backward, instead of forward …show more content…
However, opponents rebut the arguments and forward their own; humans should not unnecessarily dominate over other animals, animals have the ability to suffer and feel pain and should be saved from them, that cell structures of animals are different from those of human beings and that the practice harms humans as well. It is clear, from the arguments and counter arguments, that animals deserve to be treated with respect and dignity. The arguments advanced by proponents of animal experimentation are centered on the supremacy of human beings over other