While reading through these various cartoons, one can see why the ethical disputes on nonhuman animal research have yet to be resolved. There are two opposing views on what is right and therefore mutual agreement may never occur. Personally, it is a very difficult topic and it is extremely difficult to completely side with one particular view alone. Looking at it from an evolutionary perspective, we have to find out how to survive and we expect to do anything possible to overcome the weakness within our species. It is when the truth and the reality of the situation -such as the maltreatment, harm, murder, and torture of innocent animals- is shown, that my views shift. Both sides have rights and wrongs and choosing one over the other is almost impossible. I agree with the "minimalists" who believe harm to animals should be minimized, while at the same time finding other ways to attain knowledge. "It is better to inflict distress under controlled conditions than to permit ignorance and disease to inflict greater distress".(Kalat, 2012)
As I went over the pictures I noticed the pain animals go through, the way they are being maltreated make me wonder. Why? I know they have to study on them to better our environment and come out with different variations of results. Yet it is disturbing to see how they are being used for those experiments the way they are being harmed and torture is an ethical dispute. However I understand your view as to be on both sides, yet it is complicated to have to choose over one side.
ReplyDeleteMany believe that animal research is to help many people across the world. Yes, every story has two sides. However, how can we distinguish or choice one side knowing that both of them result to a “wrong” choice? I like many people across America believe that there should be a certain limit or certain perspective towards animal research. I do consider myself a minimalist because like you, I believe animal research should be minimized, but at the same time help those in need.
ReplyDeleteI think most of us agree on this subject. I do not agree with researching on animals in such harmful ways for "the sake of science." I am completely for researching animals through observation, however there is no reason to probe and inject and such to experiment whether it will be good for a human. Very interesting debate.
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