Evaluating animal models: some taxonomic worries.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical research
• Philosophy of science
• Animal models

Background:

• The 1993 "Animal Models in Biomedical Research" article by LaFollette and Shanks introduced a key taxonomy for animal experimentation.
• Their distinction between hypothetical and causal analog models highlighted concerns about extrapolating animal model results to humans.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address perceived flaws in the existing LaFollette and Shanks taxonomy.
• To introduce a novel, practice-oriented taxonomy for animal models.

Main Methods:

• Critically analyze the LaFollette and Shanks taxonomy.
• Develop and propose a new taxonomy focused on the practical application of animal models.

Main Results:

• The LaFollette and Shanks taxonomy, while influential, has limitations.
• A new practice-oriented taxonomy offers a more effective framework for discussing animal models.

Conclusions:

• The proposed taxonomy facilitates deeper discussions on the epistemic merits, shortcomings, purpose, and predictive capabilities of specific animal modeling practices.
• This new framework aids philosophers, modelers, and researchers in evaluating animal models more effectively.