Animals Companions, Not Research Tools Essay - 1437 Words

Animals are used for companionship and entertainment. They are also used as tools for medical research. There is an ongoing debate about whether animals have rights and moral status. Wilson (2010) asks, â€Å"What place should non-human animals have in an acceptable moral system?† (para. 1) There is also debate in the medical community about the effectiveness of using animal models in place of humans. According to C. Ray Greek Jean Swingle Greek (2000), â€Å"†¦ animals are not isomorphic with humans.† Isomorphic is the scientific name for the â€Å"one-to-one correspondence between all elements in two or more living systems.† (page 89) There are other methods of research available. If animals and humans differ on a cellular level, why are†¦show more content†¦Aristotle believed that†¦there is a natural hierarchy of living beings. The different levels are determined by the abilities present in the beings due to their natures. (Animals and Ethics) However, those who subscribe to the philosophy of moral equality would argue that if we judge animals based on ability then we would have to judge humans on different levels as well. Would it be okay to treat an infant the same as a nonhuman animal because its abilities were at the same level? It is hard to deny animals moral status if you look at it from the moral equality standpoint. Is research on animals justified? Both Aristotle and Erasistratus used animals for research. â€Å"Galen, a physician in 2nd-century Rome, dissected pigs and goats and is known as the ‘father of vivisection’.† (lpag-biomed for the layperson) In the mid 1900’s Louis Pasteur discovered that microorganisms where responsible for diseases like chicken cholera and anthrax. He tested his hypothesis on animals and his research helped discover the need for immunizations against infectious diseases. (Botting Morrison, 2002, p.79) The National Institute of Health states that medical research benefits both animals and humans. Research on viruses helped create the Dog parvovirus vaccine. Research dealing with reproduction lead to breeding programs for endangered species. HIV/AIDS research aided the creation of the Cat leukemia vaccine. Animals played an important role in theShow MoreRelatedPost Traumatic Stress Disorder ( Ptsd ) Essay1747 Words   |  7 Pa gesdisorder is no longer just associated with veterans of war, but it has seen an increase in cases where women have been raped or sexually abused, or in children who have witnessed or been the victims of violence. The mental health care provider may use animal therapy as a supplement to medications and therapy, or may use it on its own. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a traumatic event. The person suffering from PTSD may have experienced this firsthandRead MoreNature And Pets On Our Health906 Words   |  4 Pageshealth, they are also known as a companion. Some people are discouraged by animals but could potentially be encouraged by them. Nature can reboot our minds and bodies. Natural environments leave people more relaxed. Both are very effective in their own way. Animals have a significant role in many people’s lives. Animals are also admired as companions. A companion is a person or animal with whom one spends a lot of time or with whom one travels. These companions can affect the quality of our livesRead MorePsychological And Psychosocial Benefits Of Pet Owners879 Words   |  4 PagesMcConnell, Brown, Shoda, Stayton Martin, (2011) did research that showed that psychological health, well-being, and happiness is higher in people who have a pet compared to people who do not have a pet. 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