use of animals Flashcards
What is Speciesism?
Speciesism is the assigning of different values or rights to beings based on their biological species, rather than their characteristics such as sentience or the capacity to suffer. It was defined by Richard Ryder in 1989.
Who are some key philosophers who have critiqued speciesism?
Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832): Questioned if animals can suffer, not whether they can reason or talk.
Tom Regan (2004): Argued that animals are “subjects-of-a-life” and bear rights.
Peter Singer (1995): Popularized the concept of speciesism, asserting that it is morally wrong to treat animals differently from humans based solely on species membership.
What is “Absolute Dominion” in terms of animal ethics?
The abolitionist view holds that animal experimentation is morally wrong and should be completely eliminated. This view is associated with philosophers like Jeremy Bentham, who emphasized the ability of animals to suffer, and Tom Regan, who argued that animals have intrinsic rights.
What is the “Abolition” stance on animal experimentation?
The abolitionist view holds that animal experimentation is morally wrong and should be completely eliminated. This view is associated with philosophers like Jeremy Bentham, who emphasized the ability of animals to suffer, and Tom Regan, who argued that animals have intrinsic rights.
What is the “Troubled Middle” moral position on animal research?
This position argues that some animal experiments are justified but calls for efforts to reduce pain and suffering. The middle ground advocates for ethical experimentation, emphasizing harm minimization through better methods and welfare considerations.
What are the 3Rs in animal research?
Replacement: Use non-sentient alternatives or non-animal models whenever possible.
Reduction: Reduce the number of animals used to the minimum necessary for valid results.
Refinement: Improve animal welfare by minimizing suffering and improving experimental conditions.
What does “Replacement” mean in the context of animal research?
refers to substituting sentient animals with non-sentient alternatives such as plants, microorganisms, cell cultures, in vitro methods, and computer models.
What is the “Reduction” principle in animal research?
aims to minimize the number of animals used in experiments by using appropriate research strategies, statistical methods, and controlling animal and environmental variation. The goal is to achieve the maximum information with the fewest animals.
What does “Refinement” mean in the context of animal research?
reducing the severity and incidence of harmful experimental procedures. It also focuses on enhancing animal welfare through better husbandry and care, and by improving the design and conduct of experiments to minimize pain and distress.
What is the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986 (ASPA)?
UK law that regulates the use of animals in research. It defines procedures that cause pain, suffering, distress, or lasting harm and applies a cost-benefit analysis to ensure that animal use is justified. It covers vertebrates and cephalopods and requires licenses for researchers, projects, and establishments.
What are the key components of the ASPA?
Project Licence (PPL): Required for the purpose of the research.
Personal Licence (PIL): Required for the individuals conducting the research.
Establishment Licence (EL): Required for the institution where the research is conducted.
The Home Office enforces ASPA and provides advice, codes of practice, and inspects compliance
What are “regulated procedures” under ASPA?
Regulated procedures under ASPA are those that cause pain, suffering, distress, or lasting harm equivalent to or greater than the insertion of a hypodermic needle. This includes procedures that cause physiological or psychological stress, disease, injury, or discomfort.
What is the Cost-Benefit Analysis in animal research?
A cost-benefit analysis weighs the potential benefits of animal research (e.g., advances in medical science, public health) against the harms inflicted on the animals (e.g., pain, suffering, distress). Animal research is only justified when the benefits outweigh the costs, both in terms of human, animal, or environmental welfare.
What are some common alternatives to animal research?
In silico models (computer simulations)
In vitro models (e.g., cell and tissue cultures)
Human-based research (e.g., clinical trials, epidemiology)
Observational studies (e.g., cohort studies)
Micro-dosing in humans
Alternative medicine and traditional healing
What is the principle of “autonomy” in biomedical research?
refers to respecting individuals’ rights to make informed, voluntary decisions regarding their participation in research. This requires obtaining informed consent, ensuring participants have the capacity to understand the research, and ensuring they are not coerced.
