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Published on: January 23, 2017
Summary
Researchers claim animal experimentation is justified by human benefits. However, this study argues that current utilitarian defenses are unacceptable, suggesting biomedical animal research is not morally justified.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Animal Research Ethics
- Utilitarianism
Background:
- Biomedical research frequently utilizes animal experimentation, citing significant human benefits.
- The ethical justification often relies on a utilitarian framework where benefits outweigh animal suffering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate the utilitarian justification for animal experimentation.
- To examine the moral presumptions underlying the defense of animal research.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the ethical assumptions in utilitarian arguments for animal experimentation.
- Building upon previous philosophical arguments concerning animal ethics and research.
Main Results:
- The study identifies three widely held moral presumptions that must be rejected for the utilitarian defense to succeed.
- Researchers' claims of overwhelming benefits are found to be unsubstantiated under critical ethical scrutiny.
Conclusions:
- Current utilitarian defenses of animal experimentation are found to be unacceptable.
- It is unlikely that a morally acceptable utilitarian justification for biomedical animal experimentation can be established.
