Topic 7.3
How ethical is it to run placebo trials or to test on animals?
Placebo trials and animal testing play a significant role in medical research, helping ensure the safety and effectiveness of treatments. However, they also raise ethical questions about transparency, consent, and animal welfare. This section delves into these practices, examining their purpose, benefits, and the moral debates they ignite.
Placebo Controlled Trial
A double-blind trial means that neither the patient nor the researcher knows who is getting a placebo and who is getting the trial treatment.
The reason it is used:
A double-blind placebo-controlled trial is often the best way of telling whether the treatment is truly effective – this is because sometimes people can feel better just through taking a pill or injection (of any kind)
This is called the placebo effect.
By giving some volunteers the placebo and some the real drug without anyone knowing what they are receiving, the effects can be measured without the psychology of the placebo effect involved.
Ethical issue:
The people in the trial don’t know if they are taking the real medicine or the placebo. Some object to tricking people like this.
Discussion
What is the purpose of a placebo-controlled trial?
What values are important (i.e. what’s good or bad)?
What morals or principles are important (i.e. what’s right or wrong, based on those values)?
Animal Testing
Drugs are tested on animals such as rabbits, dogs and mice before they reach clinical trials. This is required by law in most countries.
The reason it is used:
Drugs are tested on animals before they are tested on humans to investigate the drug’s side effects, which could be potentially harmful to humans.
Ethical issue:
Many people think that animal testing is unethical as it infringes on the animal’s rights. It may lead to injury, harm and even death of the animal.
Discussion
What is the purpose of animal testing?
What values are important (i.e. what’s good or bad)?
What morals or principles are important (i.e. what’s right or wrong, based on those values)?
Tips for Debate (Topic 7.2)
Prepare your arguments effectively by following these tips:
- Look for reliable statistics to support your points. For example, find data on the effectiveness of placebo trials or the success of treatments developed through animal testing.
- Investigate modern advancements like organ-on-a-chip technology or AI drug testing that aim to reduce reliance on traditional methods.
- Anticipate counterarguments and be ready to respond. For instance, if you’re arguing against animal testing, be aware of the challenges faced by alternatives.
- Explore the ethical principles (e.g., harm reduction, autonomy) behind both positions.