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It may be thought justifiable to require tests on animals…

“It may be thought justifiable to require tests on animals of potentially life-saving drugs, but the same kinds of tests are used for products like cosmetics, food coloring, and floor polishes. Should thousands of animals suffer so that a new kind of lipstick or floor wax can be put on the market?…” quote by Peter Singer
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“It may be thought justifiable to require tests on animals of potentially life-saving drugs, but the same kinds of tests are used for products like cosmetics, food coloring, and floor polishes. Should thousands of animals suffer so that a new kind of lipstick or floor wax can be put on the market? Don't we already have an excess of most of these products? Who benefits from their introduction, except the companies that hope to profit from them?”

Peter Singer

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Questions the moral justification of animal testing for non‑essential products, highlighting excess and profit motives.

In simple terms: Animal testing for cosmetics is questionable.

Key Takeaway

Consider alternatives, reduce suffering.

Themes

ethics animal welfare consumerism profit

Mood

ethical critical

Type

philosophical activist

When to use this quote

  • product development
  • regulatory review
  • public campaigns

Key Concepts

philosophy policy industry standards

Questions to Reflect On

  • Is animal testing ever necessary?
  • What alternatives exist?
A Different Perspective

Economic pressures may resist change.

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