ABSTRACT
When, if ever, is it morally acceptable to use animals to develop therapies for human benefit? This chapter explores this question by focusing on the case of cystic fibrosis research. While this research has often been horrible for animals, it’s probably acceptable from a utilitarian point of view, as so many humans have benefited. If animals have rights, though, then this research probably isn’t justified. So, we take a closer look at arguments against the thesis that animals have rights, trying to figure out what it would take to make those arguments work. The chapter wraps up with some reflections on whether a commitment to animal rights is compatible with excusing people who support animal research, even if the research itself is wrong.
