The Ethics of Animal Research ─ Exploring the Controversy

An estimated 100 million nonhuman vertebrates worldwide--including primates, dogs,cats, rabbits, hamsters, birds, rats, and mice--are bred, captured, or otherwise acquired every yearfor research purposes. Much of this research is seriously detrimental to the welfare of theseanimals, causing pain, distress, injury, or death. This book explores the ethical controversies thathave 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 acompelling case for the unique benefits offered by animal research; and they must provide arationale for why these benefits justify treating animal subjects in ways that would be unacceptablefor human subjects. This challenge is at the heart of the book. Some contributors argue that it canbe met fairly easily; others argue that it can never be met; still others argue that it cansometimes be met, although not necessarily easily. Their essays consider how moral theory can bebrought to bear on the practical ethical questions raised by animal research, examine the newchallenges raised by the emerging possibilities of biotechnology, and consider how to achieve a moreproductive dialogue on this polarizing subject. The book's careful blending of theoretical andpractical considerations and its balanced arguments make it valuable for instructors as well as forscholars and practitioners.

Jeremy R. Garrett, is a Research Associate at the Children's Mercy Bioethics Center at Children's Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Philosophy at the University of Missouri--Kansas City.