Different religious views about animal experimentation
I can explain different religious and non-religious views on animal experimentation, focusing on key ethical arguments and the impact on suffering and human health.
Different religious views about animal experimentation
I can explain different religious and non-religious views on animal experimentation, focusing on key ethical arguments and the impact on suffering and human health.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Animal experimentation uses animals for scientific research, such as medical testing and safety assessments.
- Ethical concerns include the justification for animal suffering and the intrinsic value of animals.
- UK laws regulate harmful animal experimentation and promote the three Rs (replace, reduce, refine).
- Most Christian denominations support limited animal testing, while others, like Quakers, emphasise animal welfare
- Non-religious arguments focus on animal suffering versus potential human benefits.
Keywords
Animal experimentation - the use of animals in scientific research to study biological processes, test medical treatments, or assess product safety
Speciesism - the belief that humans are superior to other animals, justifying their use for human benefit, seen by Peter Singer as morally equivalent to racism
Suffering - the experience of pain or distress
Common misconception
Animal experimentation always harms animals.
While animal experimentation can involve harm, modern practices aim to minimise suffering by using alternatives, reducing the number of animals used, and refining procedures to ensure humane treatment.
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Different religious views about animal experimentation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 religious education lesson on: Different religious views about animal experimentation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Religion and life unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
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