Vivisection

“No greater service can be rendered to the cause of truth, in this fiercely contested field, than to reduce these shadowy, impalpable phantoms into definite forms, which can be seen, which can be grappled with, and which, when once fairly laid, we shall not need to exorcise a second time” 463.

“Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection questioned the religious justifications for human elitism” (474).

The Tea Party displays both humans and animals coexisting

As all great writers seek to uncover the truth, Lewis Carroll similarly presented fallacies in the justification of vivisection. Carroll found this most critical as, “No greater service can be rendered to the cause of truth, in this fiercely contested field, than to reduce these shadowy, impalpable phantoms into definite forms, which can be seen, which can be grappled with, and which, when once fairly laid, we shall not need to exorcise a second time” 463. While Carroll does refute pro-vivisectionist arguments, he does not however, offer a solution or alternative to the problem. We may live in a society with a grotesque practice, but what good is uncovering the truth if we do nothing to stop it? Only can true service be appreciated when we find solutions, take actions, and seek retaliation. Maybe the purpose of Carroll’s essay was to spark ideological change in his readers, but he should suggest what type of action is needed in order to stop animal injustice. Similarly, the essay The Rational Animal presents our anthropocentricism saying that “Humans view themselves as the elite species on he planet”, but there is little evidence as to why humans feel that such actions are ethically acceptable (474). The acceptance of vivisection is so appalling, there must be some underlying psychological issue that we must undercover. Why do humans deem it acceptable to torment fellow earthlings? Why would things like religion perpetuate the idea of specism? And finally, how can we change this? All these pressing questions must be answered in order for humans to acknowledge the genocide they have allowed for so many years. 

Darwin questions the implications of evolution and natural selection.