International Debate

Animal Experimentation – Indispensable or Indefensible? A new debate in the ‘Forum for Debate’ Series from Speakers’ Corner Trust

July 18, 2012 3427

Scientists have for centuries sought to increase their understanding of the natural world through experiments on live animals – and for as long, critics have argued that such experiments are cruel, unethical and unecessary. But has such research contributed to human progress, particularly in the field of medicine, which could not have been achieved through other means – and if so, can it not be justified on the basis that our needs are of greater significance than those of animals? If researchers believe, on the basis of evidence, that their experiments on live animals could help protect human lives, how can they justify not pursuing them? Or should an animal’s wellbeing never be sacrificed for a human’s? If there are circumstances in which live experiments can be acceptable, what controls are necessary to ensure their integrity?

Michelle Thew of the British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection debates the issues with Tom Holder of Speaking of Research.

To see more of the debate visit the Speakers’ Corner Trust website.

A wide range of further reading about this topic, from online sources to newspaper articles, journals and books, can be found in the British Library Bibliography.

Related Articles

Ready to Tackle Global Challenges? Apply to Attend Dubai Showcase
Infrastructure
April 17, 2025

Ready to Tackle Global Challenges? Apply to Attend Dubai Showcase

Read Now
The Academy and the Authoritarian: Stories from the 20th Century
International Debate
April 14, 2025

The Academy and the Authoritarian: Stories from the 20th Century

Read Now
How Can You Serve the Globe’s People If You Don’t Know How Many There Are?
International Debate
April 10, 2025

How Can You Serve the Globe’s People If You Don’t Know How Many There Are?

Read Now
The End of the Free Trade Era?
Bookshelf
April 8, 2025

The End of the Free Trade Era?

Read Now
Covid-19 and the Crisis of Legitimacy

Covid-19 and the Crisis of Legitimacy

Wherever you stand on the management of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is hard not to accept that it has created a serious […]

Read Now
Migrant Deaths Along the US-Mexico Border: Causes, Counts, and What the Future May Hold

Migrant Deaths Along the US-Mexico Border: Causes, Counts, and What the Future May Hold

The Accounting for Migrant Deaths Working Group has a simple but ambitious goal – to ensure an accurate count of migrant deaths […]

Read Now
Does Trump’s ‘Common Sense’ Equal a War on Social Science?

Does Trump’s ‘Common Sense’ Equal a War on Social Science?

Donald Trump’s executive actions have to a surprising extent focused on education and knowledge production. Philip N. Cohen argues beyond their short-term implications, these measures represent a concerted effort to undermine scientific enquiry across all fields of research.

Read Now
0 0 votes
Article Rating
Subscribe
Notify of
guest


This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments