Understanding the Role of Animals in Scientific Research

School

Langara College**We aren't endorsed by this school

Course

SOCI 1123

Subject

Anthropology

Date

Dec 10, 2024

Pages

Uploaded by ChiefTree12513

WEEK #11:Animals in Science.The 'Uses' of Animals-> entertainment, workers, farm tools, clothing, companions, power symbol, food, transportationAnimals in Science-> what is the general debate-> the appropriate use of NHAsVarious terms to describe the phenomenon.1.What is it?•Use of NHAs in experiments•vertebrates-> #s world wide every year (115 million vertebrates every year)•invertebrates -> #s much larger•most animals euthanized after being used in experimentsosome have decades long “careers" as research animals2.Where do animals come from?•Most are bred to be lab animals•Others caught in the wild•Some are supplied by dealer-> who get them from auctions/pounds3.Where does the research take place?•Many locationsoCommercial facilities (animal testing for products)oUniversities, medical schools, pharmaceutical companies, farms, defense establishments4.What kinds of research are animals used for?•Pure research (advance knowlesge) oGenetics, developmental bio, behavioural studies•Applied researchoMedical research, drug/cosmetic testing, toxicology tests•Other usesoEducation (schools)-breeding (science dogs)-defense research

→long history of animal research→long history of opposition•sufferingof particular kinds of animals•cruelty in a particular labsVideo Example:.Covance-Undercover investigation in VirginiaControversies /Moral Dilemmas /Questions:•Is it worth it [for human gain]?•Can we do without it?•Are there alternatives?.Video Example: Animal Testing on Trial (Planet E: 2023).Whatare the sociological issues that:a) underlie this controversy?b) shape how people think about the issue?.Issue #1:DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS OF ANIMALSLay PublicDefinition (every day)•From the outside looking in (when lab animals are anthropomorphized they are socially constructed)•Anthropomorphize like “pets”-as individuals with unique personalitiesex. 1:Chimp-percieved as suffering in humanlike waysex. 2:Cow-mechanical heart-isolated->assumed to be lonely in ways a human likely wouldex. 3:caged rabit-blood being drawn from other NHAs (witnesses) assumed caged rabit was terrified and upsetScientist and TechniciansDefinition•Meanings from inside•Toolsto be used to: Defining lab NHAs as tools is part of the sociocultural of science

oRequires socialization learning to see lab animals as tools1.Produce knowledge2.Test Drugs3.Refine medical proceduresSubculture of Science: Ongoing SocializationA.DesensitizationSocialization at School•(re)definition of lab animals-as tools-training of budding scientists•first experiences-of dissection-practical skill•emotion training-learning to blunt emotions responses-cutting up animal bodies•learning two skills (not just one)-How to cut up and NHA, how to deal with emotions conflicting when cutting up an animal•consequences of not learning-learning to see NHAs as Tools•how to deal with emotions / conflict-tools creates distance-impersonal, detaching•reconstruction via definition: why?.B.Ongoing desensitization Training at Work.•perceptions-seen as objects even before arrive in labs NOT as individuals poisons•grants-proposals for funding-lab animals listed under section called supplies•finality-final phase-death•codes-an ID code (investigator)-experiment code, animal gets code•separation-warehoused between actual experiences•math-adding it up= tools/research tools•the backdrop / the debate

Issue #2: Different Views on the Scientists Perspective Regarding (RE:) Animal Experiments•View of the ‘critics’- lab scientists have no feelings about NHAs usedAssumption: Scientists only care about 3 things:1. Getting research funding, to do the research2. Producing more knowledge for results-suffering (NHAs) ‘uncaring scientific community’3.Reputation by publishing findingsAs a result:1.Critics say animals suffer …2.Critics assume lab scientists have no …feelings towards animals.View of The Scientists•despite socialization to see NHA’s as tools•the 'greater good'[eg.]=usedof animals•justified if 3 conditions are metoIf gain in knowledge is deemed (who) great enoughoIf animals are well cared for-how defined/who definedoIf care is taken ensure anesthesia where appropriate•indifference vs uneasiness.FourPoints of Uneasiness and Contradiction[Especiallyfor Technicians]1. attachment2. sacrifice3. outsiders4. types & kinds