The ethics of research involving animals - Nuffield Council on ...

T h e e t h i c s o f r e s e a r c h i n v o l v i n g a n i m a l s
3.77 In summary, regulation may in some cases act as an emotional screen between <strong>research</strong>ers
and <strong>animals</strong>, encouraging scientists (and others who handle <strong>animals</strong>) to believe that simply
conforming to regulations is to act well. Yet, if the animal is regarded as having moral status,
then the <strong>research</strong>er should be made aware that to conduct experiments on another being
without consent is morally problematic. It can be a matter <strong>of</strong> grave regret which in turn can
prompt measures to reduce the need <strong>of</strong> using <strong>animals</strong> in this way rather than just because <strong>of</strong>
regulatory requirements. Some form <strong>of</strong> regulation is accepted by practically all as necessary
for good moral practice. 31 But it is important to be aware that it may not be sufficient.
Summary
3.78 This chapter has aimed to lay out the critical elements <strong>of</strong> the current moral debate. We have
argued that the following questions must be considered:
i) <strong>The</strong> debate is not best characterised in terms <strong>of</strong> the relative moral status <strong>of</strong> humans and
<strong>animals</strong> but in terms <strong>of</strong> what features <strong>of</strong> humans and <strong>animals</strong> are <strong>of</strong> moral concern, in the
sense <strong>of</strong> making certain forms <strong>of</strong> treatment morally problematic.
ii) Once those features are identified, the question needs to be asked as to how they should
be taken into account in moral reasoning. Are they factors to be weighed against others,
or do they function as absolute prohibitions?
iii) Finally, what does it mean to be a moral agent? How should moral agency be considered
in the regulatory framework that governs animal <strong>research</strong>?
In general, we have not attempted to provide answers to these questions at this stage. We
invite readers to reflect upon the discussion and examples provided in the following
chapters in an unbiased way, and in the light <strong>of</strong> their own conclusions thus far. We present
the conclusions <strong>of</strong> the Working Party in Chapters 14 and 15.
CHAPTER 3 ETHICAL ISSUES RAISED BY ANIMAL RESEARCH
31 In addition to positively influencing moral agency, arguments in favour <strong>of</strong> regulation would be that it can (a) promote
consistency; (b) enhance accountability; (c) act as a counter to commercial pressures; (d) reflect society’s collective morality;
and (e) promote legitimacy. We return to some <strong>of</strong> these elements in Chapters 14 and 15, see paragraphs 14.53–14.63, 15.14-
–15.15 and 15.53.
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