Jeremy R. Garrett
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- August 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780262017060
- eISBN:
- 9780262301602
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262017060.003.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Bioethics
This chapter briefly discusses the history and contemporary practice of animal research. It also determines the five important factors driving the scientific and ethical controversy: political and ...
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This chapter briefly discusses the history and contemporary practice of animal research. It also determines the five important factors driving the scientific and ethical controversy: political and economic, historical, cultural, epistemological, and ethical factors. The moral crux of the debate is discussed. This book is divided into four parts. Part I sets out some basic ethical and scientific starting points. Part II describes how moral theory bears on the practical ethical questions. Part III explores the unique challenges raised by the new and emerging possibilities of animal biotechnology. Part IV considers some alternative ways in which progress can be made in the debate.Less
This chapter briefly discusses the history and contemporary practice of animal research. It also determines the five important factors driving the scientific and ethical controversy: political and economic, historical, cultural, epistemological, and ethical factors. The moral crux of the debate is discussed. This book is divided into four parts. Part I sets out some basic ethical and scientific starting points. Part II describes how moral theory bears on the practical ethical questions. Part III explores the unique challenges raised by the new and emerging possibilities of animal biotechnology. Part IV considers some alternative ways in which progress can be made in the debate.
Jeremy R. Garrett (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- August 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780262017060
- eISBN:
- 9780262301602
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- The MIT Press
- DOI:
- 10.7551/mitpress/9780262017060.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Bioethics
An estimated 100 million nonhuman vertebrates worldwide—including primates, dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, birds, rats, and mice—are bred, captured, or otherwise acquired every year for research ...
More
An estimated 100 million nonhuman vertebrates worldwide—including primates, dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, birds, rats, and mice—are bred, captured, or otherwise acquired every year for research purposes. Much of this research is seriously detrimental to the welfare of these animals, causing pain, distress, injury, or death. This book explores the ethical controversies that have arisen over animal research, examining closely the complex scientific, philosophical, moral, and legal issues involved. Defenders of animal research face a twofold challenge: they must make a compelling case for the unique benefits offered by animal research; and they must provide a rationale for why these benefits justify treating animal subjects in ways that would be unacceptable for human subjects. This challenge is at the heart of the book. Some chapters argue that it can be met fairly easily; others argue that it can never be met; still others argue that it can sometimes be met, although not necessarily easily. The book considers how moral theory can be brought to bear on the practical ethical questions raised by animal research, examines the new challenges raised by the emerging possibilities of biotechnology, and considers how to achieve a more productive dialogue on this polarizing subject.Less
An estimated 100 million nonhuman vertebrates worldwide—including primates, dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, birds, rats, and mice—are bred, captured, or otherwise acquired every year for research purposes. Much of this research is seriously detrimental to the welfare of these animals, causing pain, distress, injury, or death. This book explores the ethical controversies that have arisen over animal research, examining closely the complex scientific, philosophical, moral, and legal issues involved. Defenders of animal research face a twofold challenge: they must make a compelling case for the unique benefits offered by animal research; and they must provide a rationale for why these benefits justify treating animal subjects in ways that would be unacceptable for human subjects. This challenge is at the heart of the book. Some chapters argue that it can be met fairly easily; others argue that it can never be met; still others argue that it can sometimes be met, although not necessarily easily. The book considers how moral theory can be brought to bear on the practical ethical questions raised by animal research, examines the new challenges raised by the emerging possibilities of biotechnology, and considers how to achieve a more productive dialogue on this polarizing subject.
