A group of scientists recently gathered at the Francis Crick Memorial Conference and issued the following declaration which as been widely covered in the media: The absence of a neocortex does not appear to preclude an organism from experiencing affective states. Convergent evidence indicates that non-human animals have the neuroanatomical, neurochemical, and neurophysiological substrates of … Continue reading Consciousness and Moral Status
Tag: Ethics
Pop Quiz!
Take out a piece of paper and a sharpened #2 pencil. Please read carefully the following story and answer all the questions. You have 15 min. One Saturday morning Dr. X was walking her dog thinking about some recent results in her field when it dawned on her that she might actually have the key … Continue reading Pop Quiz!
Gorgons Visit Earth
There is a classical argument against animal research that surfaced in a recent conversation with Robert C. Jones. It is a thought experiment that can be traced back to science fiction work in the 50s, although its exact origin is unknown. The story involves the landing of an aliens on Earth. Robert calls them "The Gorgons." The … Continue reading Gorgons Visit Earth
Opponents of animal research should refuse medical treatment
In a new post, animal rights activist Rick Bogle bemoans that his side is often challenged with a natural question: “Would you forgo medical treatment developed through animal research?” We can safely assume that the vast majority of those that oppose animal research do not have any qualms about vaccinating their children and companion animals or … Continue reading Opponents of animal research should refuse medical treatment
More Moral Confusion at PeTA
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PeTA) are, once again, intent on proving their deep moral confusion to the public. This time, they felt necessary to comment on the killing of Osama bin Laden with an invitation to bite his head off: If you're a little hungry after being up all night watching the … Continue reading More Moral Confusion at PeTA
Joint Statement by Bruins for Animals and Pro-Test for Science
In an effort to establish a dialogue between those holding different opinions on the role of animals in research, Bruins for Animals and Pro-Test for Science held what, in our judgement and that of many of our colleagues, was an extremely positive and informative discussion on the science and ethics of biomedical research using animals. … Continue reading Joint Statement by Bruins for Animals and Pro-Test for Science
Standing Together: Widespread Support for OSU and its Research
Standing Together: Widespread Support for OSU and its Research
University Leadership and Animal Research: A Dean’s perspective
I am a former NIH program manager and have been a research dean for almost 20 years. I first had to deal with the effects of animal activism on research in 1984, when I was at NIH, and have worked on the issue ever since through my role at NIH, my scientific societies and my … Continue reading University Leadership and Animal Research: A Dean’s perspective
Speaking of Research 