Pathocentrism

Pathocentrism is a philosophical position regarding the difference or similarities in the reaction to pain in humans and animals. As a philosophical stance, there are several varied opinions and positions taken on the question as to whether humans and animals suffer pain differently and whether that is due to differences in mental capacity and sentience (awareness of things). Pathocentrism is a philosophical and ethical discussion that is a major consideration in the study and implementation of bioethics and the use of living beings in experimentation.