animal experimentation

What does "ethics beyond the species" mean? It means that there are no reasons to respect only those who belong to a certain species, Whether ours or any other. Thus the central question arises when we talk about ethics and animals. Is this: should we only fully respect human beings? Is there any reason why, Even though we respect the animals of other species, We do not respect them as much as we do humans? Is there any reason why, Even if we take into account the suffering and enjoyment of non-human animals, Do not do it as much as in the case of human beings? Most people believe that indeed there are reasons to not respect nonhuman animals as if we have to respect human beings. Many times they believe it without stopping to think why it should be like this. They take it for obvious. The problems begin when you try to explain why this is so. Here we are going to see this, And in particular we are going to see an argument that refutes that idea that we only have to take into account human beings. Why respect only human beings? In many occasions it is said that the motive for favoring humans to the detriment of other animals is that only the latter have certain intellectual capacities. Only they can conceive very abstract thoughts, Use a language, Solve complex problems, Understand the possession of responsibilities, Etc. And we think that we only have to fully take into account those who possess these capabilities. This excludes other animals. In other cases, It is stated that we should only give full respect to those with whom we maintain certain special relationships of solidarity, Affection, Sympathy, Etc. And it is maintained that we have such relationships with other human beings, But not with the rest of the animals. Or it is said that we have a certain relationship of power that puts us in a situation superior to non-human animals, While among human beings our relationships of strength are more even. This is affirmed on the basis that such situation justifies that we only respect the latter. It is believed, Then, That it is legitimate to oppress the weakest, Simply because it is weaker. Are these reasons for not respecting non-human animals just and relevant? There are several reasons why these arguments do not succeed. In the first place, We can say that they are not based on a fair criterion. The reason is that we would not accept it if we were in the place of these animals. Suppose we knew that we were to see ourselves, For some reason, Private or deprived of our intellectual capacities. Or that we would be deprived of the sympathy of others. Or that we were to be in a situation of weakness before others. Would we accept, In such a situation, That they would not give us full respect? And what did they do to us, Therefore everything that is done today to non-human animals? Obviously not. And if that is the case, We are following a double standard when considering other animals. We are not acting impartially. And we can consider that this is a way of acting unfair. On the other hand, We can ask ourselves: does having certain intellectual capacities, Or certain relationships of sympathy or power, Really matter? To answer this, We must keep in mind what it means to respect. Respecting someone is taking into account how our actions may cause harm or benefit. And those who can be harmed or harmed are those who can suffer or enjoy. Therefore, We have reason to believe that we should respect those who may suffer or enjoy. This is whether or not they have certain intellectual capacities or relationships of sympathy or power. There is no way to justify a barrier between humans and other animals These reasons that we have just seen question the arguments in favor of respecting only human beings. But in addition to these reasons, There is a reason why such arguments do not work: that they do not serve to raise a barrier that distinguishes human beings on the one hand and other animals on the other. Such an assertion may clash at first glance, But in reality it becomes evident once we examine the matter with minimal care. Think, For example, In the case of intellectual abilities. There are many human beings who, Because they have suffered brain damage from an accident or illness, Do not possess such abilities. In fact, Any of us can find ourselves in such a situation at some point, Because anyone can suffer an accident that deprives them of these faculties. On the other hand, In the case of many human beings this happens from birth, Due to congenital diseases. And not only this, The fact is that all human beings lack those capabilities at least at some point in their lives. It happens