Rational Argument Draft 2

 

Animal testing has long been debated around the ethics and efficiency. We’ve all benefited from the advancements of Animal Testing, however, as Society continues to evolve, we naturally must develop a safer more ethical alternative. Animal Testing has long been criticized for its inhumane and unethical nature. The argument has been raised that there are alternative methods to this issue yet there have been none provided that have been effective. As many know Animal Testing has greatly benefited the lives of millions as it’s helped develop treatments and cures for a variety of diseases. Animal Testing isn’t something that’s new and has been around for centuries. Aristotle and Erasistratus both famous Greek Philosopher’s performed experiments on living animals to advance the understanding of Anatomy and Physiology (Hajar).

While many think that Animal Testing is a simple issue its far more complex than one can imagine. Throughout time activists from around the world have provided insights on this issue. Mahatma Gandhi at the time was a leading activist throughout India and states “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”(Hajar). This quote suggests that the country that treats its animals with a high level of respect is a great nation while the country that does the opposite is morally inferior.

With the Public gaining significantly more insight into Government Practices their actions have begun to be monitored under a microscope. In recent years, the practice of using animals for biomedical research has come under intense criticism from various animal protection and animal rights groups. Laws have been passed in several countries to make the practice more “humane” yet there are still various issues being presented. Debates centered around the ethics of animal testing has been ongoing since the seventeenth century and are continuing even today. Those against, contend that the “benefit to humans does not justify the harm to animals.” (Hajar). Those in favor argue that experiments on animals is necessary to advance medical knowledge. Claude Bernard a French Physician who’s known as the father of physiology states that “experiments on animals are entirely conclusive for the toxicology and hygiene of man.” (Hajar). This statement consequently set the groundwork for future Physicians and greatly advanced Society’s knowledge on how to treat ailments. As a result, Bernard established Animal testing as the standard scientific method.