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Müller ND. Beyond Anthropocentrism: The Moral and Strategic Philosophy behind Russell and Burch's 3Rs in Animal Experimentation. SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING ETHICS 2024; 30:44. [PMID: 39261332 PMCID: PMC11390778 DOI: 10.1007/s11948-024-00504-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
The 3Rs framework in animal experimentation- "replace, reduce, refine" - has been alleged to be expressive of anthropocentrism, the view that only humans are directly morally relevant. After all, the 3Rs safeguard animal welfare only as far as given human research objectives permit, effectively prioritizing human use interests over animal interests. This article acknowledges this prioritization, but argues that the characterization as anthropocentric is inaccurate. In fact, the 3Rs prioritize research purposes even more strongly than an ethical anthropocentrist would. Drawing on the writings of Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) founder Charles W. Hume, who employed Russell and Burch, it is argued that the 3Rs originally arose from an animal-centered ethic which was however restricted by an organizational strategy aiming at the voluntary cooperation of animal researchers. Research purposes thus had to be accepted as given. While this explains why the 3Rs focus narrowly on humane method selection, not on encouraging animal-free question selection in the first place, it suggests that governments should (also) focus on the latter if they recognize animals as deserving protection for their own sake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nico Dario Müller
- University of Basel, Philosophical Seminar, Steinengraben 5, Basel, 4051, Switzerland.
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2
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Cau MF, Ferraresso F, Seadler M, Badior K, Zhang Y, Ketelboeter LM, Rodriguez GG, Chen T, Ferraresso M, Wietrzny A, Robertson M, Haugen A, Cullis PR, de Moya M, Dyer M, Kastrup CJ. siRNA-mediated reduction of a circulating protein in swine using lipid nanoparticles. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2024; 32:101258. [PMID: 38779336 PMCID: PMC11109470 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2024.101258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Genetic manipulation of animal models is a fundamental research tool in biology and medicine but is challenging in large animals. In rodents, models can be readily developed by knocking out genes in embryonic stem cells or by knocking down genes through in vivo delivery of nucleic acids. Swine are a preferred animal model for studying the cardiovascular and immune systems, but there are limited strategies for genetic manipulation. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) efficiently deliver small interfering RNA (siRNA) to knock down circulating proteins, but swine are sensitive to LNP-induced complement activation-related pseudoallergy (CARPA). We hypothesized that appropriately administering optimized siRNA-LNPs could knock down circulating levels of plasminogen, a blood protein synthesized in the liver. siRNA-LNPs against plasminogen (siPLG) reduced plasma plasminogen protein and hepatic plasminogen mRNA levels to below 5% of baseline values. Functional assays showed that reducing plasminogen levels modulated systemic blood coagulation. Clinical signs of CARPA were not observed, and occasional mild and transient hepatotoxicity was present in siPLG-treated animals at 5 h post-infusion, which returned to baseline by 7 days. These findings advance siRNA-LNPs in swine models, enabling genetic engineering of blood and hepatic proteins, which can likely expand to proteins in other tissues in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo F. Cau
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Francesca Ferraresso
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Monica Seadler
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | | - Youjie Zhang
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | | | | - Taylor Chen
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | | | | - Madelaine Robertson
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Amber Haugen
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Pieter R. Cullis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Marc de Moya
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Mitchell Dyer
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Christian J. Kastrup
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
- Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Departments of Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, and Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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Alberto S, Ordonez AA, Arjun C, Aulakh GK, Beziere N, Dadachova E, Ebenhan T, Granados U, Korde A, Jalilian A, Lestari W, Mukherjee A, Petrik M, Sakr T, Cuevas CLS, Welling MM, Zeevaart JR, Jain SK, Wilson DM. The Development and Validation of Radiopharmaceuticals Targeting Bacterial Infection. J Nucl Med 2023; 64:1676-1682. [PMID: 37770110 PMCID: PMC10626374 DOI: 10.2967/jnumed.123.265906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The International Atomic Energy Agency organized a technical meeting at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria, in 2022 that included 17 experts representing 12 countries, whose research spanned the development and use of radiolabeled agents for imaging infection. The meeting focused largely on bacterial pathogens. The group discussed and evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of several radiopharmaceuticals, as well as the science driving various imaging approaches. The main objective was to understand why few infection-targeted radiotracers are used in clinical practice despite the urgent need to better characterize bacterial infections. This article summarizes the resulting consensus, at least among the included scientists and countries, on the current status of radiopharmaceutical development for infection imaging. Also included are opinions and recommendations regarding current research standards in this area. This and future International Atomic Energy Agency-sponsored collaborations will advance the goal of providing the medical community with innovative, practical tools for the specific image-based diagnosis of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signore Alberto
- Nuclear Medicine Unit, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, University of Rome "Sapienza," Rome, Italy
| | - Alvaro A Ordonez
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Chanda Arjun
- Radiopharmaceutical Program, Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Gurpreet Kaur Aulakh
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Nicolas Beziere
- Werner Siemens Imaging Center, Department of Preclinical Imaging and Radiopharmacy, Eberhard Karls University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Dadachova
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
| | - Thomas Ebenhan
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, and Radiochemistry, Applied Radiation, South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, Pelindaba, South Africa
| | - Ulises Granados
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hospital Internacional de Colombia-Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Piedecuesta, Colombia
| | - Aruna Korde
- Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Amirreza Jalilian
- Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications, International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wening Lestari
- National Nuclear Energy Agency, South Tangerang, Indonesia
| | - Archana Mukherjee
- Radiopharmaceuticals Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai, India
| | - Milos Petrik
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine and Czech Advanced Technology and Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Tamer Sakr
- Radioactive Isotopes and Generator Department, Hot Labs Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Mick M Welling
- Interventional Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; and
| | - Jan Rijn Zeevaart
- Nuclear Medicine, University of Pretoria, and Radiochemistry, Applied Radiation, South African Nuclear Energy Corporation, Pelindaba, South Africa
| | - Sanjay K Jain
- Center for Infection and Inflammation Imaging Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - David M Wilson
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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Gamboa J, Paulo-Mirasol S, Estrany F, Torras J. Recent Progress in Biomedical Sensors Based on Conducting Polymer Hydrogels. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:1720-1741. [PMID: 37115912 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Biosensors are increasingly taking a more active role in health science. The current needs for the constant monitoring of biomedical signals, as well as the growing spending on public health, make it necessary to search for materials with a combination of properties such as biocompatibility, electroactivity, resorption, and high selectivity to certain bioanalytes. Conducting polymer hydrogels seem to be a very promising materials, since they present many of the necessary properties to be used as biosensors. Furthermore, their properties can be shaped and enhanced by designing conductive polymer hydrogel-based composites with more specific functionalities depending on the end application. This work will review the recent state of the art of different biological hydrogels for biosensor applications, discuss the properties of the different components alone and in combination, and reveal their high potential as candidate materials in the fabrication of all-organic diagnostic, wearable, and implantable sensor devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian Gamboa
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química, EEBE, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/Eduard Maristany, 10-14, Ed. I.2, Barcelona 08019, Spain
| | - Sofia Paulo-Mirasol
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química, EEBE, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/Eduard Maristany, 10-14, Ed. I.2, Barcelona 08019, Spain
| | - Francesc Estrany
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química, EEBE, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/Eduard Maristany, 10-14, Ed. I.2, Barcelona 08019, Spain
| | - Juan Torras
- Departament d'Enginyeria Química, EEBE, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, C/Eduard Maristany, 10-14, Ed. I.2, Barcelona 08019, Spain
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Malone A, Gallagher S, Saidi J, Rizq G, O'Dowd E, Vallence D, Hameed A. In vitro benchtop mock circulatory loop for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction emulation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:910120. [PMID: 35935659 PMCID: PMC9353029 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.910120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
In this work, a novel mock circulatory loop (MCL) is presented that is capable of simulating both healthy cardiac function and Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (HFpEF). This MCL differs from others presented in the literature as it features two independently actuated heart chambers, representing the left atrium and the left ventricle. This is an important improvement over other designs as it allows for potential HFpEF treatments to be examined, not just in relation to their effect on the left ventricle but also on the left atrium. The aim of this work was to show that novel MCL designs could be developed to allow for testing of new mechanical circulatory support devices for the treatment of HFpEF. Two loop configurations are presented, one featuring hard PVC cylindrical chambers and one that features soft silicone chambers which are anatomically analogous to the native heart. We show that both MCLs are capable of simulating the onset of HFpEF with a sustained increase in diastolic pressure of 62.03% and a sustained decrease in end diastolic volume (EDV) of 14.24%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Malone
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sean Gallagher
- Medical Device Design, National College of Art and Design, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jemil Saidi
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gina Rizq
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Enda O'Dowd
- Medical Device Design, National College of Art and Design, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Derek Vallence
- Medical Device Design, National College of Art and Design, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aamir Hameed
- Tissue Engineering Research Group, Department of Anatomy and Regenerative Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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A survey on the use of mice, pigs, dogs and monkeys as animal models in biomedical research in Spain. Lab Anim Res 2022; 38:14. [PMID: 35655241 PMCID: PMC9161537 DOI: 10.1186/s42826-022-00124-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The use of animals in biomedical science remains controversial. An individual’s level of concern is generally influenced by their culture, previous or current experience with animals, and the specific animal species in question. In this study we aimed to explore what people in Spain who had never or who no longer worked with laboratory animals thought of the use of mice, pigs, dogs and monkeys for biomedical research purposes. We also aimed to determine whether or not people currently involved in biomedical research with the aforementioned species felt their work was justified. Results The study comprised a total of 807 participants (never worked = 285, used to work = 56, currently working = 466), almost two thirds of whom were women. Our results revealed that the phylogenetic scale is an important factor in people’s opinions of the use of certain species in research. The percentage of people who were against the use of dogs or monkeys was higher than that of those who were against the use of mice or pigs. The main reasons given for having stopped working with laboratory animals were change of professional career and change in research project. Participants who were currently working with animals believed that their work was justified, but said they did not talk about it with people outside their immediate social circle. Conclusions Our findings suggest that there is a difference in moral status between monkeys and mice, as well as between companion animals (dogs) and farm animals (pigs). Our results support the idea that working with laboratory animals is a sensitive issue in Spain. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42826-022-00124-5.
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Invasive Research on Non-Human Primates-Time to Turn the Page. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102999. [PMID: 34680019 PMCID: PMC8532895 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite increasing ethical concerns, primates are still often used in invasive research (i.e., laboratory research that causes body manipulations causing them pain or distress and not aimed at directly improving their well-being). Here, we will review previous studies showing that primates have complex behaviour and cognition, and that they suffer long-term consequences after being used in invasive research. We will discuss the ethical problems that invasive research on primates posit, the legal protection that they are, to date, granted in different countries, and summarize the past and current attempts to ban this kind of research on primates. We will conclude why, in our opinion, invasive research on primates should be banned, and non-invasive methods should be considered the only possible approach to the study of primates. Abstract Invasive research on primates (i.e., laboratory research that implies body manipulations causing pain or distress that is not aimed to directly improve the individuals’ well-being) has a long history. Although some invasive studies have allowed answering research questions that we could not have addressed with other methods (or at least not as quickly), the use of primates in invasive research also raises ethical concerns. In this review, we will discuss (i) recent advances in the study of primates that show evidence of complex behaviour and cognition, (ii) welfare issues that might arise when using primates in invasive research, (iii) the main ethical issues that have been raised about invasive research on primates, (iv) the legal protection that primates are granted in several countries, with a special focus on the principle of the 3Rs, and (v) previous and current attempts to ban the use of primates in invasive research. Based on this analysis, we suggest that the importance of a research question cannot justify the costs of invasive research on primates, and that non-invasive methods should be considered the only possible approach in the study of primates.
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Hwang DG, Choi YM, Jang J. 3D Bioprinting-Based Vascularized Tissue Models Mimicking Tissue-Specific Architecture and Pathophysiology for in vitro Studies. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:685507. [PMID: 34136473 PMCID: PMC8201787 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.685507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A wide variety of experimental models including 2D cell cultures, model organisms, and 3D in vitro models have been developed to understand pathophysiological phenomena and assess the safety and efficacy of potential therapeutics. In this sense, 3D in vitro models are an intermediate between 2D cell cultures and animal models, as they adequately reproduce 3D microenvironments and human physiology while also being controllable and reproducible. Particularly, recent advances in 3D in vitro biomimicry models, which can produce complex cell structures, shapes, and arrangements, can more similarly reflect in vivo conditions than 2D cell culture. Based on this, 3D bioprinting technology, which enables to place the desired materials in the desired locations, has been introduced to fabricate tissue models with high structural similarity to the native tissues. Therefore, this review discusses the recent developments in this field and the key features of various types of 3D-bioprinted tissues, particularly those associated with blood vessels or highly vascularized organs, such as the heart, liver, and kidney. Moreover, this review also summarizes the current state of the three categories: (1) chemical substance treatment, (2) 3D bioprinting of lesions, and (3) recapitulation of tumor microenvironments (TME) of 3D bioprinting-based disease models according to their disease modeling approach. Finally, we propose the future directions of 3D bioprinting approaches for the creation of more advanced in vitro biomimetic 3D tissues, as well as the translation of 3D bioprinted tissue models to clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Gyu Hwang
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea
| | - Yoo-Mi Choi
- Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea
| | - Jinah Jang
- School of Interdisciplinary Bioscience and Bioengineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea.,Department of Convergence IT Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, South Korea.,Institute of Convergence Science, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
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McCarron A, Parsons D, Donnelley M. Animal and Cell Culture Models for Cystic Fibrosis: Which Model Is Right for Your Application? THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2020; 191:228-242. [PMID: 33232694 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2020.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 30 years, a range of cystic fibrosis (CF) animal models have been generated for research purposes. Different species, including mice, rats, ferrets, rabbits, pigs, sheep, zebrafish, and fruit flies, have all been used to model CF disease. While access to such a variety of animal models is a luxury for any research field, it also complicates the decision-making process when it comes to selecting the right model for an investigation. The purpose of this review is to provide a guide for selecting the most appropriate CF animal model for any given application. In this review, the characteristics and phenotypes of each animal model are described, along with a discussion of the key considerations that must be taken into account when choosing a suitable animal model. Available in vitro systems of CF are also described and can offer a useful alternative to using animal models. Finally, the future of CF animal model generation and its use in research are speculated upon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra McCarron
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
| | - David Parsons
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Martin Donnelley
- Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Department of Respiratory and Sleep Medicine, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Rebecca WL. Virtue Ethics and Laboratory Animal Research. ILAR J 2020; 60:415-423. [PMID: 32717051 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ilaa015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
This article appeals to virtue ethics to help guide laboratory animal research by considering the role of character and flourishing in these practices. Philosophical approaches to animal research ethics have typically focused on animal rights or on the promotion of welfare for all affected, while animal research itself has been guided in its practice by the 3Rs (reduction, refinement, replacement). These different approaches have sometimes led to an impasse in debates over animal research where the philosophical approaches are focused on whether or when animal studies are justifiable, while the 3Rs assume a general justification for animal work but aim to reduce harm to sentient animals and increase their welfare in laboratory spaces. Missing in this exchange is a moral framework that neither assumes nor rejects the justifiability of animal research and focuses instead on the habits and structures of that work. I shall propose a place for virtue ethics in laboratory animal research by considering examples of relevant character traits, the moral significance of human-animal bonds, mentorship in the laboratory, and the importance of animals flourishing beyond mere welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walker L Rebecca
- Social Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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