Animal Quote by Peter Singer
“There could conceivably be circumstances in which an experiment on an animal stands to reduce suffering so much that it would be permissible to carry it out even if it involved harm to the animal... [even if] the animal were a human being.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Practical Ethics, 1979
When animal testing could vastly reduce suffering, it may be morally permissible despite causing harm, even if the animal were human.
In simple terms: Extreme animal testing may be allowed if it prevents greater suffering.
Weigh overall suffering reduction against immediate harm.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- medical research
- policy making
- animal rights activism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it ever justified to harm an individual for greater overall good?
- How do we define “suffering” across species?
Balancing harm and benefit is complex and controversial.