Question

Topic: Is it ethical to subject animals to unnatural and/or painful situations in the pursuit of knowledge about the human condition? Answer this question within the framework of psychology.

NOTE: Please cite your sources and defend your position with evidence from credible sources.

Answer 1

Some points to consider:

In pursuit of knowledge, there are certain decisions and calls that need to be taken. These decisions are what essentially help a field to further its practice. It is claimed that only when you study a certain animal will you be able to help that animal. Although, in most cases certain studies are quite questionable, to say the least, and we are only treading within the purview of psychology. Earlier practices were ruthless - one such example is the experiment of learned helplessness that was conducted by Martine Siegleman with a few dogs who were subjected to shocks and less than pleasant conditions.

But, now the practices have been revamped and the conditions of animals in labs is at a much better place, at least in terms of psychology. Certain other fields and professions still have a ruthless system of animal testing.

Animal testing, in context of psychology, is required as it helps understand various Behavioral functions and neurological workings that give us an insight into sundry mechanics of the human mind. However, when this practice takes a turn for the worse, that's when it isn't fair not justified. The measures and experimentation of need are clear but not that of greed.