Virtue Ethics and Animal Experimentation

Application to Issue

How does modern science influence Aristotle's view of animals?

Modern science reveals sophisticated animal behaviours, blurring distinctions between animal and human souls, suggesting a more nuanced moral status.

What virtues might be compromised in cruelty to animals?

Virtues like generosity, justice, friendliness, and compassion are compromised when engaging in cruelty to animals.

How does VE view compassion in relation to animal experimentation?

Genuine compassion for the wellbeing of both humans and animals should be reflected in decisions. Excessive use of animals can lead to callousness.

Ethical Considerations

What social norms and laws guide VE in animal ethics?

VE respects laws reflecting ethical mean, such as the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (1986).

How does cultural relativism affect VE regarding animal experimentation?

Virtue Ethics adapts to social norms and might permit more liberal practices where restrictions are relaxed, considering cultural values and appropriate role models.

Why would Aristotle agree with animal experimentation?

Aristotle used animals in his own scientific research. In the hierarchy of souls, human intelligence places us above the animal kingdom and helps us further develop scientific knowledge, and so leads to intellectual virtues.

Why is cloning and animal research in the development of medicine compassionate?

Both cloning and animal research help in the development of medicine and treatment of disease both in humans and in animals; to continue with this is more compassionate than not to.

What would compassion for animals demand that researchers use in experimentation?

Anaesthetics or engineer clones = less pain

Why would it be argued that animal experimentation can never be compassionate?

It could be argued that animal experimentation can never be compassionate given that they can’t consent and often openly display discomfort, that the results are often kept private for commercial gain, and that there are alternatives like computer modelling that are just as if not more effective.

Critical Points

What are the strengths of VE concerning animal experimentation and cloning?

Situation-sensitive, recognizing the effects of decisions on those immediately affected, develops moral character, and uses laws as guides to social norms.

What are the weaknesses of VE concerning animal experimentation and cloning?

Calculating the mean correctly is difficult and takes practice, choosing appropriate role models might be challenging, and VE can't accommodate absolute moral values or universal progress outside social relationships.