(Please keep in mind that there are many different types of animal testing, the one I am referring to in this blog is about the research of medication and diseases in animals.)
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When people hear the word ‘testing’ it can erupt all kinds of reactions depending on how the person views the word. Some people view it as a simple check in, while others view the word as an experiment in the name of science and evolution. And just because these two perspectives are different doesn’t mean that one is right and the other is wrong. With this (seemingly) universal understanding you’d think that everyone would understand that it is okay for people to have different opinions on the same thing, right? Well that is the case, until someone brings up animal testing. Animal testing is something that has been around for hundreds and hundreds of years and has been the topic of many debates of morality ever since it was taken into practice. Many people believe that regardless of the outcome, animal testing is wrong and should not be practiced, others believe that animal testing is necessary for research and believe that we wouldn’t be where we are now without it. And although this topic is heavily controversial both sides do indeed have their rights and wrongs. So, today I will be sharing how I view animal testing and see if there really is a “right and “wrong” side in this discussion.
On one side of the coin, we have people who believe that the information we gain from animal testing is valuable and that we should keep getting information this way. The University of Missouri explains that people who tend to be for animal testing believe that the information being researched “ [is] not available in any other way or that the use of animals in research is more effective than other possible methods that might be used to obtain this scientific knowledge.” Which is a fair and reasonable point especially since animals and humans are similar in so many regards. In fact, Stanford Medicine claims that “mice share more than 98% DNA with us! [humans]”, therefore making them a suitable candidate to research diseases like cancer and diabetes on a generational level. And, although scientists are attempting to find other ways to mimic the experimentation and results of animal testing this method of research is still vastly flawed. In the future there might be reliable ways to get the same results as though we’re testing on an actual animal but currently this idea is still in its development phase and will most likely stay there for quite a few years.
On the other side of the coin, there are people who are completely against animal testing as they view it to be immoral. (Once again,) the University of Missouri states that people who go against animal experimentation believe that “ Animals are not put on this earth to be used for human purposes.” Bringing to attention the fact that humans are technically testing on these animals against their will. These animals were most likely born in the lab, they don’t know what it is like to live outside of the testing, but then again it’s not like we can crouch down next to one and ask if it wants to be experimented on. And the sad thing is if these animals have a choice they most likely would vote against being poked and prodded with needles in the name of science. Especially since so many of these animals are injected with diseases for the pure reason of seeing how the disease will evolve over time. The whole reason we have animal testing is to try and make medicines for other species of animals and/or (mainly) humans, so these animals being tested on most likely aren’t even gaining anything at the end of the day.
Overall, there are many arguments that you can make for and against animal testing. Yes, it allows scientists to test a medication before it goes off to being tested on humans. But the fact that the medication is tested on humans afterward (before being released to the public) makes people wonder why we even bother with animal testing in the first place. And even though there are a lot of beliefs and morality put into this argument there is still not a black and white answer of whether or not animal testing should be done or justified. I personally believe that it would be best to only test on animals if we absolutely have to or if the animal already has the disease we’re researching. But even this can cause the argument of whether or not there are enough animals with a certain disease at the same time to even test it reliably. At the end of the day it depends solely on what someone is more focused on: an animal's physical and/or mental health or the possibility of finding out more about diseases and medication.
Works Cited
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What animals are most tested on? What products are animals most tested on? How can we test products without harming animals or the earth?
ReplyDeleteJordan this absolutely devoured. I like how you explain the opposing sides of the argument in detail for the reader to really understand the issue. I also love how you used them to explain the problem and create a baseline understanding before you transition to your personal opinions of animal testing.
ReplyDeleteI liked how well explained this blog post was. You made both sides of the debate clear, but I would have liked to learn a little more about your thoughts on animal testing. Overall, great job!
ReplyDeleteThis was really interesting and fun to read. Do you think, from a utilitarian perspective, animal testing is justified? Utilitarians are basically people that believe in doing things efficiently and for the overall well being of others(like kill one person to save more than one person). Maybe utilitarians would see this as a simple sacrifice or exchange of sorts; an animal for the potential knowledge of how to cure a disease. But, that is just what it is; potentially helpful. In your opinion, is it worth risking it?
ReplyDeleteI really liked both comparisons of both views of animal testing. I also liked the quotes from Michigan University proving that you did research for both sides. Not to mention the transition words you used to move from one paragraph to another were really smooth.
ReplyDeleteI liked how informed you were on the topic; it gave us as readers a clear view on the issue. I would have liked to hear more about your opinion on the matter. You have a great writing voice!!
ReplyDeleteI like how you formatted it, stating the argument then addressing both sides. You also weren't one sided while comparing the two sides. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI like the use of sources. I honestly think that animal testing is useful, but inhumane. It's necessary, but the faster we can find a reliable alternative, the better.
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