ABSTRACT
The use of nonhuman animals for the benefit of humans and other animals is a contentious subject throughout many of the world's countries. The foundation for the philosophy of animal rights may be said to have been laid down by the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras of Samos circa mid-fifth century BC. Among the basic moral principles generally accepted in our culture, three are particularly relevant to the ethics of research using animals: respect for life, societal benefit, and non-maleficence. When attempting to justify the value of the use of animals in biomedical activities, it may be necessary to include consideration of a subset of contemporary cultural and ethical issues. A majority of the public support the use of animals in biomedical activities provided the animals are "humanely" cared for and used and the activity is "necessary". It is impossible to predict what kinds of new biological or biomedical technologies will emerge in the future.
