What is wrong with experimentation on animals?
The claimed large gains from using animals in research makes the practice the most significant challenge to AR philosophy. While it is easy to dismiss meat production as a trivial indulgence of the taste buds, such a dismissal is not so easily accomplished for animal research. First, a definition. We refer to as “vivisection” any use of animals in science or research that exploits and harms them. This definition acknowledges that there is some research using animals that is morally acceptable under AR philosophy (see question #80). The case against vivisection is built upon three planks. They are: PLANK A. Vivisection is immoral and should be abolished. PLANK B. Abolition of vivisection is not antiscience or antiresearch. PLANK C. The consequences of abolition are acceptable. It is easy to misunderstand the AR philosophy regarding vivisection. Often, scientists will debate endlessly about the scientific validity of research, and sometimes AR people engage in those debates. Such issues
