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Jack comments on Don't ban chimp testing - Less Wrong Discussion

15 Post author: PhilGoetz 01 October 2011 05:17PM

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Tags: ethics cognitive science

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Comment author: Jack 01 October 2011 09:09:23PM 2 points [-]

Well what conditions are chimpanzees in fact living under when they are part of biomedical research? The editorial seems to suggest that Bobby's experience is representative. I don't see how the question is resolvable without knowing this.

Comment author: ahartell 01 October 2011 09:11:59PM 4 points [-]

Shouldn't they be arguing for better treatment though, and not the banning of chimp testing?

Comment author: Jack 01 October 2011 09:15:22PM *  3 points [-]

They are.

We accept that others may make a different moral trade-off. If the U.S. elects to continue testing on chimps, however, then it needs to adopt stricter guidelines. Chimps should be used only in studies of major diseases and only when there is no other option. Highly social by nature, they should live with other chimps and in a stimulating environment with room to move around. And when a test inflicts pain or psychological distress, they should have access to treatment that eases those afflictions.

But part of the poor treatment of the chimps is part of testing. Being infected with a disease, given experimental treatments and undergoing surgery is likely to cause suffering.

Comment author: ahartell 01 October 2011 09:17:17PM 3 points [-]

Right, right. I guess I still disagree with the following:

Chimps should be used only in studies of major diseases and only when there is no other option.

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