Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Is animal testing ethical?
Position1 of 3›

Animal testing is ethical

Unlike humans, animals lack moral judgment and possession of rights. Therefore, animal testing cannot violate animal rights. Humans need to conduct animal experimentation to further science, which makes the use of animals in research ethically justifiable.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. Animals have no rights and are not the equal of humans
    The holders of rights must have the capacity to recognize possible conflicts between what is in their own interest and what is just. Since animals lack the capacity for free moral judgment, they cannot possess rights. Human exceptionalism requires that human benefit comes above all other causes.
  2. Engaging in research is a part of human nature
    It is an essential trait of humans to strive for knowledge through experiments, regardless of whether they involve animals or not. Indeed, it is morally wrong to restrain humans' intrinsic desire for knowledge by forbidding animal experimentation on ethical grounds.