Animal Experimentation
- Experimentation on live animals is called vivisection.
- Christians might not believe that animals have souls in the same way that humans have souls, this does not mean that they believe it is right to be cruel to animals.
- They believe that God has placed them as stewards of creation.
- Christians recognise that humans may benefit from animal experiments.
- Some people argue that it is important that scientists are allowed to carry out such experiments.
- Animal experiments have led to:
- Dialysis machines to treat kidney patients
- Development of drugs to prevent the rejection of organ transplants.
- The creation of vaccines for tuberculosis
- Some people argue that humans and animals are so genetically different that any results from experiment would not be any use for humans.
- Some animal rights activists have targeted scientists’ homes and families to try and stop them from experimenting on animals.
top
Own point of view and different points of views
- In order to get full marks on the last 12 mark question it is necessary to give another point of view, your own point of view as well as references to Christianity in your answer.
- Many of these topics studied in this unit are highly controversial. People have very strong views on things like abortion, euthanasia and vivisection. You still need to give both sides of the argument irrespective of your own opinion. When you do state your own point of view make sure it is backed up with valid reasons.
- Islam and Judaism hold similar views to Christianity, emphasising the sovereignty of God and the sanctity of life.
- Many Christians are ‘Pro-life’ stressing the rights of the unborn child. While many feminists are ‘Pro-choice’ emphasizing the rights of a woman to do with her body what she wants.
- A basic precept in Buddhism is that of non-harm. For this reason many Buddhists are vegetarians.
top
Exam Questions
Previous
Index
Next