Natural Law and Animal Experimentation

Application to Issue

How has the RC Church's interpretation of Genesis evolved?

The primary precept of Education has led to a more scientific understanding of animal and human evolution. The RC Church, which uses NML, has altered its interpretation of Genesis from 'domination' to 'stewardship'.

How do the primary precepts apply to animals?

Four of the five primary precepts (reproduction, preserving life, education, and living sociably) apply to animals, and Worshipping God might demand treating God's creation with more care.

What was Aquinas' attitude towards animals?

Aquinas believed humans have dominion over animals based on Genesis, placing them below humans on the great chain of being to meet human needs.

How does NML view cosmetic testing?

NML would likely favour animal welfare over economic and social benefits of the cosmetics industry, given the RC Church's modern take on stewardship.

How does NML approach animal experimentation and cloning?

It permits such practices if they have clear benefits to human life, prioritizing human life over animal suffering. However, it must balance the extent to which cloning might be 'playing God' versus extending human knowledge as 'created co-creators'.

Ethical Considerations

What laws reflect our social and environmental responsibility towards animals?

Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act (1986) - Only use animals when there are no alternatives, use the minimum number of animals needed, cause the minimum necessary pain, suffering, distress, or lasting harm, and follow regulations on housing, environment, welfare, care, and health.

What virtues should be extended to animals according to NML?

Charity, Justice, and Temperance: Extend charity to animals, recognize their rights, and act with moderation.

Does NML fundamentally protect animals' moral status?

No, animals' moral status isn't fundamentally protected, allowing intentional taking of animal life without violating precepts.

How does NML view the relationship between preserving life and social interaction?

Preservation of Life (Sanctity of Human Life) and Living Sociably demand helping others reduce suffering and face their conditions, including human benefits from animal experimentation.

What would Natural Law consider about human benefit and stewardship?

The ethicist would consider whether the potential benefits to humans justify the use of animals. They would consider the concept of stewardship over creation and the use of resources to preserve life.

What would Natural Law consider about consent and ethical consideration?

Would consider whether it is ethical to use animals for human benefit when we cannot get their consent. Additionally, Aquinas would argue that this is acceptable as we have dominion over animals.

What would Natural Law say about limiting variables and scientific advancement?

The use of cloning to limit variables in experiments and advance scientific knowledge might be considered. The ethicist would assess whether this approach respects the natural order and the role of animals in creation. This may go against the secondary precept of respecting God’s creation and the primary precept of worship, as we are playing God which is a form of false idol.

What would Natural Law say about animal welfare and ethical controls?

The ethicist would evaluate the treatment of animals during experimentation, considering whether the use of anaesthetics and controls to minimise pain and suffering aligns with the principle of avoiding unnecessary harm. They may argue that this aligns with the precept of preserving life and shows respect for God’s creation.

What would Natural Law say about global cooperation and capitalist competition?

The potential for global cooperation to share results and reduce the impact of animal experimentation would be explored. The ethicist might assess whether economic competition hinders ethical collaboration for the common good. They may argue that this is an abstract good, prioritising money over preserving life.

What would Natural Law say about the slippery slope of experimentation and ethical boundaries?

The ethicist might discuss whether the practice of animal cloning could lead to a slippery slope, including more problematic forms of cloning, and whether this threatens the natural order or moral boundaries. This may go against the primary precept of maintaining social order and the secondary precept of respecting God’s creation.

What would Natural Law say about the value of human life and animal well-being?

The ethicist might compare the value of human life and well-being with the well-being of animals, especially when assessing the ethical trade-offs involved in animal experimentation. They may argue that this goes against the primary precepts of preserving life and maintaining social order.

Critical Points

What are the strengths of NML in relation to animal experimentation and cloning?

Easy to apply, recognizes rules and rights protecting stakeholders (including animals), and applies the doctrine of double effect and proportionality to prevent legalism.

What are the weaknesses of NML in relation to animal experimentation and cloning?

Rule-following can lead to unacceptable consequences, does not help develop ethical decision-making faculties, and decisions over animal rights become teleological considerations of costs and benefits.