Vivisection

1. Since vivisection is practiced, what kind of experimentation will cross the line? When humans are experimented on?
2. Should one species suffer so that humans don't have to?
3. Do animals have souls?

Before reading the chapter, it's sad to say I didn't even know what vivisection was. I looked it up online. I wouldn't suggest doing so if one is squeamish because the Internet offers some graphic photographs. The author of Vivisection, C.S. Lewis, doesn't seem to have a particular stance on the subject of vivisection. However, the author brings up interesting views of it. He believes that advocates or non-advocates are typically on both sides without knowing it. One point he makes is that if vivisection is allowed, then when will we cross the line? He states it like this, "If a mere sentiment justifies cruelty, why stop at a sentiment for the whole human race" (227)? When we start experimenting on animals it is only a matter of time that experimentation on humans begins. It may even have been done already which Lewis brings up with the evidence of Nazi scientists.

Many times I think that the scientists performing the experimentation actually believe that the animal should be used for our benefit. I personally believe that it is wrong, but how else can we get the information we need and get from these experiments? I know the animals would feel it and feel pain the same way we do the only thing is that they cannot say anything about it. Lewis states, "If we cut up beasts simply because they cannot prevent us and because we are backing our own side in the struggle for existence, it is only logical to cut up imbeciles, criminals, enemies, or capitalists for the same reasons" (227). When done to humans, it would be defined as torture which is illegal. Therefore using the same logic is it not torture for them too? Although, I don't know if I would be particularly against it if done to child molesters and other criminals who do heinous crimes.