Animal Rights

There really is no correct answer. In the end, we're all making these judgments based on our individual opinions and how we feel. Personally, it is my opinion that eating animals is alright, because that's what we have evolved to do. As for pharmaceutical testing, I also think it's alright, given that it's done at a regulated level, and we minimize any pain the animals may face as much as possible. The most important thing to remember for us as humans is that we make certain that the animals suffer the least amount that is possible.

"Too frequently the discussion proceeds in terms of a contrast, without the explicit recognition that human beings are animals" as well (Mosser, 2010). It has been researched that animals and humans have many biological similarities and do many of the same things, such as "making tools, develop plans, grieve, remember, and use language" (Mosser, 2010). Nevertheless, most animals are bred for a certain purpose, and they eventually are expected to carry out those particular purposes; be it for food, testing or simply companionship. Raising animals for food can be justified, but raising them for the mere reason of testing purposes is a cruel act, although I must say, it has significantly helped the scientific community in research and has been of great help when it has come to diagnoses and creating new drugs for humans. Eating them is out of necessity, while being cruel and mistreating animals just to be cruel or for the sake of fun, is illegal in our country. "Cruelty to other animals not only inflicts needless pain and suffering but also says a good bit about those who are willing to inflict that pain and suffering" (Mosser, 2010).

Most people don't want to see what goes on behind closed doors; they just want the food, or the medicine. So it all boils down to where the line is drawn and who is willing to do what, and honestly I don't think the line will ever be made clear.

Mosser, Kurt. (2010). Philosophy: A Concise Introduction. San Diego, CA: Bridgepoint Education, Inc.