Vivisection: A Warranted Practice?

Abstract

As the number of animals used in invasive research has grown, we have seen a rising concern for their welfare and an increased urgency to the question of whether such research is morally justified. The issue is one that affects us all, from the practical level of deciding which companies to patronize or products to buy, to the theoretical level, where we must discern the basis on which we prescribe rights not only to animals, but to ourselves. To explore this issue, I completed an extensive literature search surveying the relevant philosophical debate, as well as a web site search, familiarizing myself with the position statements of many groups active in the animal rights debate, and becoming acquainted with current government regulations. Based on this review, I composed questions and conducted interviews with researchers who use animals in their experiments. My inquiry into the practice of vivisection was conducted with a central focus on the philosophical issues. Scientific issues, however, were not abandoned. A clear understanding of such issues is fundamental for an effective philosophical debate. Under the multi-criteria! approach to rights, which I have chosen to defend in this paper, vivisection can, in many circumstances, be morally justified.