Chapter 6. Human Use of Non-Human Animals – a Biologist's View
- John Bryant Professor2,
- Dr Linda Baggott la Velle3,
- Revd Dr John Searle4
Published Online: 18 APR 2002
DOI: 10.1002/0470846593.ch6
Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Book Title
Bioethics for Scientists
Additional Information
How to Cite
de Pomerai, D. (2002) Human Use of Non-Human Animals – a Biologist's View, in Bioethics for Scientists (eds J. Bryant, L. B. la Velle and J. Searle), John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Chichester, UK. doi: 10.1002/0470846593.ch6
Editor Information
- 2
School of Biological Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- 3
Graduate School of Education, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- 4
Exeter & District Hospice, Exeter, UK
Publication History
- Published Online: 18 APR 2002
- Published Print: 31 MAR 2002
ISBN Information
Print ISBN: 9780471495321
Online ISBN: 9780470846599
- Summary
- Chapter
Keywords:
- agency;
- animal rights;
- Caenorhabditis elegans;
- commodification;
- diversity;
- GM;
- moral status;
- research;
- vertebrate;
- worm
Summary
Decisions about the moral status of animals are very complex. In many traditions, exploitation of animals is allied with respect for them. Thus in the Christian tradition, the sparrows sold in the market place are also seen as God's creatures. So, is it acceptable to treat animals as commodities and if so, what actions are permissible? The author's research subject is a nematode worm and he carries out procedures on the worm that seem morally acceptable, but perhaps would not do so if carried out on a vertebrate. In common with others, the author suggests that concern for animal welfare should increase with the complexity of the nervous system and thus the degree of sentience and agency and the extent to which suffering can be experienced. This does not necessarily prohibit research on higher animals but should give cause for caution; respect for the subject should always be maintained.