Opponents of the use of animals in medical research have difficulty reconciling their claim that the scientific work is invalid and fraudulent with the fact that it has wide support among the scientific community and professional organizations. A recent poll by the Pew Research Center found that 93% of scientists favor the use of animals … Continue reading Conspiracy and greed
Tag: animal rights
The #ARnonsense Effect
We are now one month on from the start of the Science Action Network, which aims to enable scientists to respond to misinformation from animal rights groups (AKA #ARnonsense). So how do we measure the effect of such a campaign? We tried to show some of the success we had in the first 18 days … Continue reading The #ARnonsense Effect
University of Leicester shows how it’s done as new animal research facility opens
In a ceremony at the University of Leicester today City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby opened the new Central Research Facility, marking the beginning of a new era for animal research there. Speaking at the ceremony, the Mayor welcomed the University’s investment, saying: The University of Leicester has a well-deserved, worldwide reputation for its pioneering research, which … Continue reading University of Leicester shows how it’s done as new animal research facility opens
Defending science and countering falsehood at the University of Wisconsin Madison
PeTA celebrated a victory the past week when they obtained photographs of cats that are part of medical research at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The work involves a small number of cats in studies that provide better understanding of hearing and that are relevant to improving treatment for human deafness. An explanation of the purpose … Continue reading Defending science and countering falsehood at the University of Wisconsin Madison
Why Should We Respond to Internet Activists?
Ten days ago we announced our Science Action Network (supported by UAR), which aims to debunk animal rights misinformation (Twitter: #ARnonsense) across the internet. Our first week has had its successes, turning one poll from 22% against to (at time of writing) 71% in favour of animal research. We've also helped direct a few extra … Continue reading Why Should We Respond to Internet Activists?
The moral relevance of human intelligence
Animal rights proponents often assert that “sentience” is the only morally relevant characteristic. In their view, we owe the same moral consideration to all sentient living beings, which must include the same basic rights to life and freedom. The animal rights philosopher asks -- Why does it matter if humans can compose a violin concerto … Continue reading The moral relevance of human intelligence
Gish Gallop
Gish Gallop is a technique, named after the creationist Duane Gish who employed it, whereby someone argues a cause by hurling as many different half-truths and no-truths into a very short space of time so that their opponent cannot hope to combat each point in real time. This leaves some points unanswered and allows the … Continue reading Gish Gallop
Challenging Animal Rights Groups at Student Orientation Week
As another academic year begins many animal rights groups will be rubbing their hands at the prospect of attracting dozens of new members during the Student Orientation Week (Freshers' Week in the UK) at their local university. Brightly coloured stalls with free gifts, vegan food and animal rights literature will appear on university campuses world-wide. … Continue reading Challenging Animal Rights Groups at Student Orientation Week
Speaking of Research 