Discussing animal rights and animal research in the classroom Article

Discussing animal rights and animal research in the classroom - Article Example Even though the research question is not clearly stated in the article, the author makes it clear that the research question is whether it is right or ethical to use animals in behavioral and biomedical research For this purpose, the researcher reviews two major philosophical positions used by animal activists and tries to stimulate a discussion in the classroom on the debate (Herzog, 1990, p. 90). 2. Introduction: The article has a very comprehensive introduction which tells the reader of the significance of the issue and the rational for the present study. The introductory part of the article reviews a large number of literatures to highlight the cruel and unjust practice of using animals for behavioral and biomedical research purposes. The introduction also deals with the efforts made by animal rights groups and movements, depicts animal rights controversy as a social issue, pinpoints the reformers’ versus animal liberators’ debates, and summarizes the two most influ ential perspectives used by animal rights activists to protect animals from such cruelties-the Utilitarian argument and the Rights argument (Herzog, 1990, p. 90-91). Both the groups consider animal research as immoral: while the Utilitarian proponents argue for ‘equal consideration of interests’ to animals, the Rights argument holds that animals’ rights should be preserved (Herzog, 1990, p. 90). 3. Methodology: The methodology used in the paper is quite innovative and interesting. The author divided the students in the class room into groups of five or seven and each group had to engage in role-play participation on an ACUC (Animal Care and Use Committee). Each group was assigned a research proposal on animal research; each group had to evaluate and either approve or reject the research proposal submitted to them based on the information provided in the proposal (Herzog, 1990, p. 91-92). For the purpose of the study, the author provided the class with four animal research cases where each group had to make the final verdict on whether the research is to be permitted or not. The author used this exercise with 150 students in five classes and the conclusions of the study are drawn based on the student responses to the exercises (Herzog, 1990, p.93). 4. Results: The results of the study are dealt with in the paper in terms of student responses after the classroom exercises. Each student who participated in the exercise was asked to make an anonymous evaluation of it (Herzog, 1990, p. 93). The author claims that the responses were extremely positive and out of the 150 students only two had negative responses (Herzog, 1990, p. 93). Most of the participants admitted that the exercise offered them a unique opportunity to develop their thoughts on the cruelties shown to animals in terms of animal researches and that it offered them life time valuable lessons (Herzog, 1990, p. 93). 5. Discussion/Conclusions: The study has got great relevance as it d eals with a very controversial topic in scientific research and it has got great implications in the modern era where a lot of animals are being used for research purposes. The exercise is not just a matter of logic; on the other hand, it needs to take into account such factors as the animal’s similarity to humans, their perceived intelligence, and ethical considerations (Burghardt & Herzog, 1980; Herzog, 1988, as cited in Herzog, 1990, p. 93). While psychologists and animal rights activists argue for ethical treatment of animals there are many others who support the right of researchers and scientists to use animals for scientific research and advancements. Thus, the exercise makes the learners become equipped to grasp animal rights and it is the responsibility of psychologists to convince the students of both the sides of the issue (Herzog, 1990, p.

Company Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Company Law - Essay Example The essay starts by outlining the essence of the law of separate corporate personality. This will be followed by an outline of the case of John who is an employee of Diamond Car Sales as well as application of this law to the case. The essay will also look at the circumstances under which the corporate veil can be pierced. The main body of the paper will give a critical analysis of the facts that can lead the court to pierce the issue of corporate veil in certain instance. Essence of separate corporate personality Cillers et al (2004), state that an association of persons or an organised body can acquire legal personality by way of separate Act. Thus, when the company is formed as a separate entity, it acquires the capacity and authority to have its own rights and duties (Gibson, 1988). Thus, once the company has been incorporated, it can be viewed as a separate or independent person with rights and liabilities that it chooses for itself. This is reflected by the case of Salomon v Sa lomon& Co [1897] AC 22 (Hl). Salomon is the sole owner of the once glamorous company and he decides to turn the business venture into a limited company having realised that it had great potential. As such, Salomon got ?10Â  000 in debentures from the shareholders which were acquired through a bond of the company’s assets. ... This may involve creating a brand name for the company that is used as a source of identity which makes the company different from other enterprises. In as far as the aspect of corporate personality is concerned, it can be noted that the aim of the law is concerned with protecting the interests of the company since it is treated like an individual person with legal rights. For instance, Diamond Car sales built a strong corporate personality where it even went on to categorically state that there was no person who would directly compete with it after leaving the company within the first six months of termination of the contract. Situational analysis John is works for Diamond Car Sales and his contract states that upon termination of his employment, he cannot start a business that directly competes with Diamond Car Sales for a period of six months after the termination of his contract. Apparently, John’s contract is terminated and he decides to go into business straight away des pite the provisions of his contract. Fearful of the provisions of the principle of "Separate Corporate Personality" John wants to know if he can operate a business. John decides to set up a company with his son and it competes with Diamond Car Sales. However, John is neither a director nor shareholder of the new company, but he runs the business and everyone refers to him as "the boss." Against this background, this paper seeks to critically analyse the authenticity of Diamond Car Sales’ warning to John to cease trading or they will opt for legal action in order to stop him from trading in direct competition with the company. Case analysis In this