This blog post examines the ethical issues and limitations of animal testing that exist behind the advancement of science and technology, as well as the potential of alternative technologies.
Introduction
Humanity has continuously evolved over the long course of history. Alongside biological evolution, the tools and technologies humans employ have also developed remarkably. Thanks to this progress, achievements once unimaginable have become possible. For instance, smallpox, which claimed countless lives, was completely eradicated from the Earth due to the vaccine developed by E. Jenner, and satellites have extended global communication networks beyond our planet. The advancement of science and technology has enriched human life, and there is no dispute about how greatly these changes have enhanced human convenience.
However, the progress of science and technology has not brought only convenience. Behind this advancement lie sacrifices, both large and small, and we must reflect on whether we fully understand the value of these sacrifices. In particular, the sacrifices of the natural environment and animals are aspects we easily overlook. As technology advances, convenience increases, yet simultaneously, precious values around us are disappearing. Just as we experience the loss of analog sensibilities amid rapid digitalization, progress always demands a price. Among these sacrifices, we must pay particular attention to the story of animals sacrificed in laboratories for the advancement of science and technology.
Animal Sacrifice and Science & Technology
Within the advancement of science, the sacrifices animals have endured have often been viewed as an inevitable consequence for humanity. While animal testing in areas like new drug development or space exploration is justified as a choice to protect human life and safety, how deeply have we truly considered the suffering and sacrifice these animals endured in the process? For instance, in the early stages of new drug development, laboratory mice or monkeys used instead of humans participate in experiments without any choice whatsoever. Furthermore, Laika, the first dog sent into space for space exploration, lost her life shortly after launch due to high temperatures and pressure while performing a mission whose success was uncertain. Thus, behind the advancement of science and technology, invisible sacrifices have always existed, and animals have been the primary targets.
Opportunities for reflection on these sacrifices frequently appear in films and literary works. For example, the Planet of the Apes film series delivers a warning message about the arrogance we unconsciously commit, through a fictional world where the roles of humans and animals are reversed. In Planet of the Apes, apes conduct cruel experiments on humans and display attitudes that belittle and despise human existence. These scenes serve as a warning against the ‘anthropocentric’ mindset humans frequently adopt. What basis does humanity have for considering itself superior to animals? It compels us to reflect on the dark side of sacrifice lurking behind scientific progress and raises fundamental questions about the legitimacy of the advancement we pursue.
Limitations and Issues of Animal Testing
It is undeniable that animal testing has significantly contributed to scientific progress. However, these experiments have not always provided reliable results for humans. Due to biological differences between animals and humans, validation through animal testing does not necessarily apply to humans. In fact, research indicates that only about 1.16% of diseases are shared between animals and humans. A prime example is thalidomide, a drug developed to alleviate morning sickness in pregnant women. Despite showing no side effects in various animal tests, it was marketed as a “miracle drug.” However, it ultimately led to the tragic birth of approximately 10,000 deformed babies worldwide. This demonstrates how significant an impact not only biological differences between animals and humans but also differences in experimental environments can have. Laboratory animals live in sterile environments with limited exposure to various microorganisms or bacteria. Humans, however, coexist with countless microorganisms, developing their immune systems accordingly. These environmental differences are a key reason why experimental results may manifest differently in humans.
Therefore, viewing animal testing solely as an “essential process” for scientific advancement has limitations. While animal sacrifices contribute to scientific progress, we must question whether it is truly justifiable to sacrifice them for human needs while disregarding their lives and rights.
The Need for Alternative Technologies and a New Paradigm
In modern times, scientists and researchers are intensely focused on developing various technologies to reduce or replace animal testing. Advances in artificial intelligence and robotics now allow for the use of robots simulating biological responses instead of actual living organisms in space experiments, or the use of artificially created human tissue structures for drug testing. These can serve as alternatives to the unethical nature of animal testing, offering safer and more effective research methods for both humans and animals. Furthermore, advancements in data analysis and computer simulation technology are opening possibilities for conducting diverse research without animal testing. These alternative technologies present a new paradigm where scientific progress and respect for life can coexist.
This shift heralds a new phase in scientific and technological development. A path is opening to explore and advance knowledge through more ethical methods, unbound by past practices. Finding ways for humanity to progress while respecting nature and living beings is a crucial task, and greater attention and resources must be invested in developing alternative technologies that do not rely on animal testing.
Conclusion
From primitive times to the current era of science and technology, human progress has been achieved through countless sacrifices. However, we now recognize the importance of metaphysical values such as human rights and welfare, animal rights, and environmental protection. If past sacrifices laid the foundation for today’s progress, it is now time to reduce such sacrifices and seek a path of sustainable development. It is particularly crucial to develop a sense of urgency regarding the reality where too many living beings are being sacrificed innocently. Now is the time to move beyond the past paradigm centered on animal testing and take a step forward into a new paradigm era where the dignity of life and scientific progress coexist.
