Considering the Ethical Aspects of Research Using Animals
Guidelines for written assignment
Viewpoints on the ethical aspects of using animals for our benefit (e.g., in research, for food, for entertainment, etc.) vary. Some people believe that using animals is always wrong, because they have rights like humans have; others disagree and feel that humans are entitled to use animals however we choose. Many people feel that while some animal use is acceptable, the welfare of living non-human animals is also important and must be considered.
Animals as Research Subjects
Weighing the potential benefits of a research project against the harm inflicted on the living subjects involved is a difficult matter. This assignment will ask you to consider where you stand on the topic of using live animals as research subjects. You will read one article by Neal Miller, one essay/book chapter by Roger & Deborah Fouts, and one statement from the director of the NIH. You will use these readings to discuss your opinion on when (if ever) animal research is ethically acceptable and when (if ever) it is not.
Specific Instructions
1. Please summarize 2 studies reviewed by Miller (1985) and discuss how their conclusions were beneficial to humans. (Suggested length: approximately 1 page).
2. Please summarize the argument by Fouts & Fouts for why chimpanzees should be treated differently (i.e., better) than other laboratory animals. Be sure to include and explain specific reasons for their argument. (Suggested length: approximately 1 page).
3. Please relate the decision to exclude chimpanzees from biomedical testing to the opinions expressed in the articles above as well as to your own opinion on animal research.
Factors that may warrant consideration in this discussion include (a) the potential gain that can result from the use (food, a cure for cancer, etc); (b) the amount of pain and distress animals would undergo; (c) the sample size involved, and (d) the species used—is it intelligent? Is it endangered? Is it domesticated? Is it “man’s best friend”? Is it “cute”? Is it a great ape? A primate?
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