The Morality of Animal Testing Essay Example for Free

The Morality of Animal Testing Essay Animal testing is undoubtedly one of the most controversial issues in modern society. This practice began in the 19th century; animals were used to test dosing of certain drugs and chemicals. In the 1920’s, animals were also being used to test pesticides and food additives (Fano, 11). Today, animal testing is used to study everything from cosmetics to cancer. With such a wide range of opinions on animal rights and human priority, it is no wonder that this topic is so controversial. There are people who have an extreme view on the issue and are either completely pro or completely con. In my opinion, the issue of animal testing is far too complex for one simple answer; its morality lies somewhere in between the two poles. Animal testing is acceptable if it results in saving people’s lives. It is not acceptable, however, if it results in personal or cosmetic products that are far from vital to the human race. Those who are in favor of animal testing justify it many different ways. Thomas Hamm, a toxicologist and veterinarian, argues that, â€Å"We can’t protect the environment, or people in general, without doing some animal testing. If you’re pro-environment but opposed to animal testing, you’re on shaky ground, because the two positions just aren’t compatible with each other† (Fano, 44). In order to have a safe and successful society, he argues, we must use animals to test chemicals, drugs, treatments, and anything else that will further our knowledge of improving the world, at least for humans. Many people are of the same mind as Hamm. Animal testing reduces the risks of many products, like cosmetics and medication, among many others. Scientists can put safety standards in place for products based on their findings via animal testing. Often, animals will react badly or even die from certain chemicals or combinations, make the humans that use the products far safer. But the most important argument of those in favor of anima l testing is its reliability and comprehensiveness. By using another living being, it is much easier to understand the effects of a drug or chemical on the body and assess its risks. Another positive aspect of animal testing is its convenience. Rodents are the most common test subjects in laboratories. Mice in particular have a relatively short lifespan. This allows scientists to observe a single organism’s life in its entirety in a reasonable time. You could see how a drug, when taken as a baby or adolescent would affect the animal later on in its life. Because many test subjects are bred specifically for the testing purpose, Scientists are able to manipulate, observe, and control every aspect of that animal’s life. This reduces the risk of other variables affecting the outcome of the experiment, making it more accurate. A researcher would know the animal’s entire medical history, which would be necessary in understanding the outcome of several different experiments. Scientists are allowed to kill these animals after the experiment is completed, allowing them to look at how the drug or chemical affected the animal’s entire body system , instead of just its visible affects. For instance, a researcher might observe a given vaccine to have been safe on the mouse, as it was healthy and lived a long life, even though it could have had a hidden negative effect only visible inside its body (Fano, 45). However, the opposition has equally strong and numerous arguments against animal testing. A very popular argument for those against animal testing is its inaccuracy. While it is true animal testing allows you to observe the effects of a drug on an entire body system, some argue that people and the animals used in testing are just too different (Blue). A drug’s safety for a mouse or rabbit cannot ensure safety for humans, who are genetically and biologically much different. This argument has obvious validity; dog owners consider it common knowledge that dogs cannot eat chocolate for safety reasons, and humans in general clearly have no health problems with chocolate. The same could be argued for various medications and products. The main arguments for those who are anti-animal testing is simple: it is inhumane. As an animal lover, some of the research I did included testimonies and photographs that were completely horrifying. Some animals had tufts of fur missing, obvious infections, and missing body parts, like arms and eyeballs. The basic assumption behind animal testing is that animals are lesser than humans (Hayhurst, 10). Those opposed to animal testing have conflicting beliefs and think that, â€Å"other animals have the same rights to life that human animals have† (Hayhurst, 10). Many people, myself included, have opinions somewhere in between these two extremes (Hayhurst, 11). Using animals as test subjects is not so black and white; there are many grey areas. Animals should have the right to live, but not to the same degree as the human species. As awful as it sounds, we view this idea at work everyday. Killing a person obviously has more serious consequences that killing an animal. Animals’ lives are simply not as valued as those of humans. So if the result of using animals as test subjects is a cure for a deadly disease that affects the human race, like cancer, many people believe this is a justified act. In other words, it is acceptable to kill animals if it helps save people’s lives. If animals were used as test subjects for just these types of purposes, it is likely that the animal rights debate would not be nearly as controversial. But the problem is that animal testing is used for much less necessary purposes. Countless cosmetic companies use animals to test their products, such as eye shadow, shampoo, and contact lens solution (Hayhurst, 10). These products are not even coming close to saving people’s lives, yet animals often suffer and die for their production. Many cosmetic companies have either stopped or never started using animals as test subjects. The European Union banned animal testing on personal cosmetic products and the import of products that do use animals. So it is clear that producing these types of products without using animal testing is possible, as many companies do it. However, other companies continue to make animals suffer and often die in the production process (Ellin). The animal rights debate has a long history and has no end in sight. Everyone has a different opinion about the morality of using animals as test subjects. Some are pro, some are con, and some are in between. Those in between believe the purpose of the tests determine its moral rightness or wrongness. To put it simply, it just depends on the situation. If animals must suffer or even die in order to save a human life, then it is justified. But making even one animal suffer to produce unnecessary products, as discussed earlier, is completely immoral and should be brought to an end. Because animal testing encompasses many touchy topics, like an animal’s right to life and the differing importance of animal and human life, people will continue to debate it until there is an alternative that is equal parts ethical, useful, accurate, and convenient. Work Cited: * Hayhurst, Chris. Animal Testing: The Animal Rights Debate. New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, 2000. print. * Fano, Alex. Lethal Laws: Animal Testing, Human Health, and Environmental Policy. New York: Zed Books Ltd., 1997. print. * Balls, Michael. â€Å"Alternatives to Animal Testing: Toward Reducing Uncertainty and Unintended Consequences.† AATEX 16.3 (2011): 101-110 * Blue, Laura. â€Å"How Much Does Animal Testing Tell Us?† Time Magazine 17 June 2008. online. * Ellin, Abby. â€Å"Leaving Animals Out of the Cosmetics Picture.† New York Times 28 December 2011. online.

Problems Facing Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses Essay -- Small Firm

Abstract Small businesses face economic uncertainty, overwhelming legislative regulations, and employee retention problems. Small Business represents more than 99 % of all employers and employs more than one half of the private sector. It also generates one half of the United States private G.D.P. ( PR Newswire, Oct 29, 2014 pNA). In light of the significance of small business to the economy, it should be a grave concern when a third of small business owners rate the overall health of the United States economy as their biggest worry, rating higher than terrorism, the war on Iraq or healthcare costs. ( PR Newswire, July 12, 2014 pNA). Normally, during periods of economic sluggishness, it is small business that paves the way for a rebound. However, this trend has not appeared during the recent down turn in the economy which began in 2001. A major reason for small business failure to bolster the economy is a result of their inability to raise capital due to the decimation of the Small Business Administration's loans program ( Harpers Magazine, July 2014, V309 il 850 p79(2)). It appears that the very fuel that normally would stoke the economic furnace has been diluted through cost cutting measure as a result of a floundering economy. Such challenges will test the creativity and viability of small business. Unfortunately, that creativity can be overwhelmed with the legislative regulations imposed by the local, state and... ...wamped by flood of regs [Electronic version]. The Business Journal, 13(46), 29. Kurlantzick, J. (2014). Economy of scale: President Bush has been no friend to small business. [Electronic version]. Harper's Magazine, 309(850),79. McCracken, J. (1997). Big 3 drain talent from small firms. Crain's Detroit Business, 13(35), 15 Neher, M. (1995, October 15). Red tape, worker's comp worry businesses [Electronic version]. Daily Journal World, E-1. Protection service for employees (2014, September). Manufacturers' Monthly, 17. Roberts, J. ( 2014, September 02) Small business optimism increasing, Computer Resellers News. Small business owners more concerned about economy than terrorism, (2014, July 12). PR Newswire ,. Smaller firms can and do find health insurance (2014). Crain's Chicago Business, 27(42), 20.

Analysis of Language Between Juliet and Lord Capulet

This male domination is shown in the play through Lord Capulet's relationships between his wife, daughter and other members of his family. This patriarchal domination makes him very powerful and makes other characters in the play weaker by comparison. This power is very important in determining the outcome of the play. The portrayal of Lord Capulet's character, shows him as one who has the power to tell others what to do as well as having complete power over his household and what happens in his household.He expects his wife (Lady Capulet), daughter (Juliet) and his servants to do exactly as he tells them. Shakespeare wrote in the Elizabethan age, so naturally he based most of his plays on the morals and social standards of the time. During the Elizabethan period noble women were expected to be married off to rich, socially acceptable men. Fathers choose the men they considered â€Å"suitable† for their daughters, aiming to marry them off to higher social circles to levitate t heir own. Men were considered the bread winners of the family and women inferior to them.It was thought unconventional for women to make important decisions for themselves, they were incapable and therefore men where to make their decisions for them, not just regarding their marriage. Women could refuse to marry but would be disowned by their families; it was a silent threat that was hidden underneath every happy Elizabethan family. Just as Capulet’s behaviour so drastically contrasts from when Juliet was obeying him to when she spoke out. Women had either little or no work opportunities outside their family and without a male supporter they became penniless street vagrants.Elizabethan society wasn’t fair; if it was then women wouldn’t be working in high power jobs equally with men. The modern society we live in has changed so because of the prejudice against how women where controlled mercilessly by men. In my opinion that is unjust and wrong, I am very appreci ative that I wasn’t born in such a limited society. At the beginning of Romeo and Juliet it is clear Capulet feels his daughter is â€Å"too young† to marry and â€Å"still a stranger to the world† as Capulet first tells Paris when he proposes, conventionally to Capulet not Juliet. Still a stranger to the world† further implies he does not see her as a valid person yet, the fact she is still â€Å"a stranger to him† displays a lack of trust in Juliet and maybe some hidden doubt about her loyalty to him as a father Lady Capulet reflects her husband’s views for Juliet to marry â€Å"The gallant young and noble gentlemen† Count Paris. This shows a positive attitude towards their marriage; however this may be due to Lady Capulet’s conventional need to support her husband. Gallant† and â€Å"noble† was the ideal interpretation of the Elizabethan man, which Lady Capulet’s own marriage was decided upon. Yet in her s tatement she only refers to the class and elegance of Juliet’s husband to be, excluding any words of excitement or happiness for her daughter, almost only used to persuade her daughter to accept. This shows the familiarity between mother and daughter and how their relationship is based so similarly to that of Juliet’s and Capulet’s, on expectations. Juliet’s refusal to marry Paris affects her father is a variety of ways.On his first encounter with her Capulet asks why she is â€Å"evermore weeping†, showing compassion for his daughter. Yet when he hears of her refusal he becomes angry and insulting. â€Å"Disobedient Wretch† suggests he not only feels betrayed by his daughter but his compassion and love for his daughter was merely superficial and has evaporated along with the marriage proposal. Juliet still shows respect and submissiveness towards her father, â€Å"beseeching† him on her knees and â€Å"thankful even for hate†. This symbolises how dependent Juliet is on her father, and how she is emotionally forbidden from self-pity. In Act 3 scene 5 Capulet proceeds to call his daughter a â€Å"Tallow faced green sickness† implying she is a plague and therefore a burden on the Capulet family. Then he proclaims that â€Å"one is one too much, we have a curse in having her† and threatens to be â€Å"rid of her†. I believe Capulet’s and Juliet’s relationship was parley based on his expectations of her as his â€Å"Little Lady†. Now he accepts nothing of her, she is no use to him as a possession that has merely broken.Act 3 scene 5 contains a number of features of tragedy, not only as Capulet cruelly abandons his daughter, but when Juliet proclaims her future and therefore her death. She curses that â€Å"If all else fail, myself have the power to die† suggesting not only her willingness to die but personalizing the phrase with â€Å"myself†, indicating suicide. All of Shakespeare’s plays display some sense of tragedy, always involving the eponymous heroes, who repetitively perish after titling the play such as Hamlet, Macbeth, Antony and Cleopatra and King Lear.

Life of Pi Ontology, Epistemology and Axiology - Free Essay Example

Sample details Pages: 2 Words: 629 Downloads: 10 Date added: 2019/07/31 Category Literature Essay Level High school Tags: Life of Pi Essay Did you like this example? The movie Life of Pi shows what Hindus think of other deities not within their pantheon, while also showing samsara, and the three components of a worldview; ontology, epistemology, and axiology. In the movie Life of Pi directed by Ang Lee, Piscine Molitor Pi Patel is confronted with multiple different religions. He was born a Hindu. Later, he accepted Jesus, and finally, he added Allah to his collection. Pi did not believe in just one of these religions but he believed in all of them. His belief seems to be misconstrued, instead of converting to a new faith, Pi added these other deities to his 330 million gods. Pi was enticed to Jesus after hearing his story. Pi heard many stories from Hinduism about gods that were strong and powerful like Vishnu or Ganesha but the story of Jesus is simple and kind. This kindness of the priest leads Pi to ask many questions about Jesus, ultimately leading Pi to the faith. Don’t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Life of Pi: Ontology, Epistemology and Axiology" essay for you Create order The only problem is that Pi added Jesus to his already massive list of deities to worship. This belief is directly against the Bible as stated in 1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Jesus Christ. Now if Pi had been taught this from the priest, he might have fully converted to the faith. Instead, Piscine continued to live in his Hindu tradition and his Islamic worship while also praying to Jesus. Pis actions reflect the beliefs of the author, Yann Martel, who wrote Life of Pi. Martel once said, If there is only one nation in the sky shouldnt all passports be valid. This statement is controversial and does not work within most religious standards but this is the lifestyle that Pi chooses for himself within the novel. The meerkat island scene from the movie symbolizes different parts of the Hindu religion. When the day ends and the night begins the island consumes what is left in the pool. Creation and destruction are represented on the island with the meerkats and the carnivorous pool just as Brahma and Vishnu create and preserve life. Shiva also destroys it. The island also represents Samsara because the island is a cycle of death, life, and rebirth. The island kills the meerkats. The island supports the meerkats life on the island. The meerkats are constantly being born and killed on the island. The tooth on the island also represents samsara and the struggle to break it. When Pi leaves the island and finds the beach in Mexico. Pi becomes enlightened and breaks samsara to achieve moksha or becoming one with the universe in his own way, which means going back into the world to live his life. The three components of a worldview are evident throughout the movie. A big point at the end of the movie is Pis two stories he told the interviewers. His stories have the same essence but they have two different forms. His first story that consists of unlikely events and places has two survivors, Richard Parker and Pi. In the second story, Pi is the only survivor but he tells the story as though he was Richard Parker, the tiger. Piscine tells the stories asking his interviewer which one he believes. The reporter answers with the first one. This shows what the interviewer values, he does not value the more believable story but rather the strange story about a boy surviving with a tiger on a dingy. Piscines values change through the movie, first, he focused on religion and highly valued it. Later, when on the boat his greatest value was his survival because he neglected to pray while on the ocean. Finally when he came ashore, Pi cared about his family and once again his religion.