Tuesday, March 6, 2012

E349S January 31: Kill (Torture) One, Save a Thousand

Kill (Torture) One, Save a Thousand

 

The Truth Hurts.
To kill? Or not to Kill? To experiment? Or not to experiment? There is no question to be asked. The answer is yes. Although Lewis Carroll provides a compelling argument on vivisection and the idea that such is "the worship of Self," I absolutely disagree (Carroll 342). Vivisection and animal experimentation is one of the sole reasons the medical field has expanded its resources and potential to unlimited reaches over the last fifty years alone. As said in Carroll's "Vivisection as a Sign of the Time," I fully agree with the principle that "Pain is indeed an evil, but so much suffering may be fitly endured to purchase so much knowledge" (Carroll 341). Of course, I agree that human experimentation is morally questionable, all pertaining to the purpose and function of the research at hand. The end justifies the means. If utilizing a human or animal life during cancer or AIDs research can potentially provide further knowledge and information regarding a possible solution or cure, then by all means do so. At the end of the day, the sacrifice of one life to save the many is justified. With humans, there must be documented recognition of possible set procedures and possible consequences to face. If someone understands the necessary precautions and possible extreme outcomes, including death, then why stop this effort to learn more about the world of disease, infection, and viruses? Yes, law suits are always a hassle, but the search for knowledge cannot be impeded. Only because of human curiosity and determination does the world hold some of its greatest feats of the century including controlled electric circuitry, automobiles, lifeline support, etc. Someone has to do the dirty work for new innovative processes to arise, and unless humanity is willing to understand the darker consequences for such, they will plateau in existence, reaching a brick wall of intelligence and ground-breaking advances in technology and medicine. With animal vivisection, I understand there is a morally wrong function in experimenting on living organisms for supposed selfish means. In reality, are those means selfish? Even using an animal to test and perfect cosmetic utilities has its reasoning. The purpose of cosmetics is to increase the physical attractive nature of a woman or man, and why not? Everyone wants to be noticed, and everyone wants the attention and physical attraction of others. Animal testing does have its flaws, especially in the case of certain industries, but as far as medicine goes, it is a necessary evil. Human curiosity is the key resources and strongest tool against the threats of the changing world. Evolution, disease immunity, and new and unknown forces are found everyday, but animal experimentation is one of the key components to fighting off all of the above. My picture explains it all. It's a matter of survival. Humans are intelligent, complicated creatures, but with that comes greats responsibility, and most importantly, a responsibility to the world to better society and help move society forward in whichever way possible.  
 
Don't hurt the cute, little rat. It's just a girl's life on the line.
 My point is further justified in Carroll's "Some Popular Fallacies About Vivisection" because "man is infinitely more important than the lower animals, so that the infliction of animal suffering, however great, is justifiable if it prevent human suffering, however small" (Carroll 334). Only through sacrifice and loss do we see truth and worth. I agree it is awful that animals must die and pain at the hand's of man, but the research and possible technological advancements far outweigh the consequences. The question comes into terms with the ambiguity of human suffering. In what regard does human suffering justify animal research? People have strong feelings against this research because of the outlandish industries which utilize animals for research, including cloning, cosmetics, and multi product companies like Johnson & Johnson who utilize animals for product solidification. The ambiguity of human suffering has led to the debate on animal cruelty because the end justifies the means. Humans are an interesting, adapting species, and because of such, those ends are not the same in humanity. Everyone has their own motives, and those may not always be in the most philanthropic mindset. I only leave you with a few thoughts. Imagine a world where your mother has leukemia (no cure has been found yet), and animal testing can provide a potential solution, saving your mother's life, do you watch your mother slowly die? Or do you sacrifice a few animals who had so strong impact on your life to save hers?

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