Human Experimentation

Introduction:

Throughout history there are many examples of humans conducting experiments on other humans. Over the years human experimentation has greatly advanced the knowledge of human physiology and psychology, leading to better treatments for ailments both physical and mental as well as a better overall understanding of the human constitution. Despite all of the good which human experimentation has done for the human race there have been times when experimenters have taken human experimentation past the bounds of morality. This unethical human experimentation is most often caused when the experimenters are, in some way, able to justify their experiments.

What is Unethical Experimentation?

Unethical human experimentation can be defined as experimentation on a human subject in which either the subject is an unwilling participant and/or the subject of the experiment is subjected to unnecessary pain or discomfort be it physical, mental or emotional.

Historical instances of unethical human experimentation:

Although many of the most horrific examples of unethical human experimentation have occurred during times of war, unethical human experimentation has also occurred during times of peace.

Some of the earliest recorded instances of unethical human experimentation occurred in the 1700’s when doctors tested vaccines on their slaves, often without informing them of the dangers involved. Edward Jenner who was a pioneer in inoculation against smallpox and has been called the “Father of Immunology”, tested smallpox vaccines on neighboring children and even his own son. In his most famous experiment he injected an eight year old boy with pus scraped from the blisters of a milkmaid infected with cowpox and then later on two differ...

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... hours or were stripped of their clothing and forced to endure temperatures as low as 21 degrees for hours.

In another German experiment subjects were placed in a low pressure chamber which simulated conditions at altitudes of up to 66,000 feet.

Justifications:

There are three major justifications that people use when conducting unethical human experimentation: they are just following orders, the subjects of the experiments are inferior, or that it is war.

Conclusion:

A lot of good has come about as a result of human experimentation. Through the dissection of cadavers we are able to learn much about how the body functions and through drug tests we are able to find cures and treatments for diseases. However, there have been many incidents throughout history where human experimentation has crossed the bounds of morality and resulted in horrific atrocities.