The ethics of animal research

Abstract

Many of our research processes require the use of animals to test hypotheses and advance treatments. A persisting ethical issue survives as to whether the use of animals in scientific and surgical research is justified. Integrating several foundation philosophies, society has now set up arguments for and against animal research that initiates strong debate. In this chapter, the role and extent of animal research in our society are considered. Furthermore, the ethical standpoints that influence animal research in surgical research are also addressed. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2010.