Rhetorical Analysis of a Question of Ethics Essay Example
Jane Goodall's "A Question of Ethics" is a rhetorical analysis that targets medical research labs over their use of animals.
In testing new drugs and vaccines, animals including chimpanzees, dogs, cats, and rats are commonly used as subjects. Goodall expresses empathy and a sense of togetherness with these animals. She also raises concerns about the ethical use of such "sentient beings" as test subjects, particularly in regards to subjecting them to "poor conditions" and "painful procedures". Goodall has a desire to scrutinize researcher's motives for using animals in this manner. In a poignant part of her essay, she recounts her personal experience befriending a chimpanzee named David during a trip to Tanzania.
Goodall discusses the strong bond she felt with David, a chimpanzee who politely declined a nut through a human-like gesture of gently squeezing her hand. This highlights the physiological similari
...ties between humans and chimpanzees and their ability to convey emotions in similar ways. Goodall argues that subjecting these intelligent animals to conditions that humans would not tolerate is unethical unless they choose to do so voluntarily. (157)
The animals in labs are not provided with comfortable living conditions, which can result in surly and sometimes violent behavior due to their isolation from other animals (157). This isolation can distort scientific procedures, leading to inaccurate results. Some scientists and researchers prioritize animal testing for the betterment of human lives rather than considering the well-being of the animals themselves.
According to a quote from page 157, researchers have convinced themselves that animal testing is the sole path for medical research. They neglect to consider alternative methods or technologies that could replace animal testing for developing new drugs
and vaccines. Goodall questions the necessity of using animals as experimental subjects, since advancements in technology could reduce their usage. Despite the ethical implications of animal testing, researchers' opinions on the topic appear to be deeply ingrained and inflexible.
There is an insufficient exploration of alternatives to testing, as per Goodall's essay. Guilt is imparted to researchers and the public at large towards the conclusion of the essay. Researchers are encouraged to feel remorse for putting conscious lives at risk, who are involuntarily chosen to be exposed to near-torturous elements. Additionally, Goodall places blame on the general population for allowing medical research labs to continue this practice.
Through her writing, Goodall effectively instilled a sense of guilt in the reader with the ultimate goal of promoting respect for all "sentient beings" that mirrors the respect we would desire for ourselves.
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