Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Is animal testing ethical?
Position‹2 of 3›

Animal testing is ethical under certain conditions

From a utilitarian approach, animal testing is ethical if its benefits for humans outweigh its costs for animals. Another perspective is that animal testing is ethical on the condition that the researcher fully follows the related ethical and legal guidelines.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. Animal testing is ethical unless the experiment violates ethical and legal guidelines
    Researchers are obliged to comply with ethical guidelines and legal obligations. These ensure that the experiment does not involve animal cruelty or any other violation of animal rights. Unless researchers violate the guidelines, animal testing is ethical.
  2. Animal testing is ethical if all human benefit outweighs all animal suffering
    According to utilitarian ethics, the most ethical choice is the one that will produce the greatest good for the greatest number. If the findings of animal experimentation are to the greatest benefit of all humans, then we can disregard the harm inflicted on animals in the process.