animal experimentation

• Animal experiment ethics

  Cost benefit consideration - cost to animal v human benefit

  Qualification - in Uk need license and licensed project. Competent

  Discomfort - and stress kept to a minimum

  Equipped - like caging: must be suitable for species

  Look for alternatives to animals like computers or humans

  3 Rs - replace, reduce, refine
• Humans and animals similar

  Both descended from animal ancestors so retain many biological and psychological characteristics. Human family tree split from apes 7 mil years ago. Rheseus monkeys share 93% of genes w us and mice share 90%
• Strength 2

  Lack of self awareness reduces demand characteristics. Aren't harmed as much psychologically as humans - get over it. Can'y say no. Faster breeding cycles so can be observed in experimental timeframes
• Animals v humans diff

  Both have evolved to be very different - not generalisable. Only share a genotype w us not phenotype
• Weakness 2

  Animal rights: have absolute right not to be harmed or interfered. Doesn't matter of research is humane - shouldn't happen at all. Singer (1975) said wrong to do things to animals what we won't do w humans (speciesm). Also we don't know extent animals are suffering so can' minimise pain.