Food Ethics

Vegetarianism and veganism are on the rise. With a growing variety of meat alternatives, meat imitation products, and veg*an restaurants, The Economist dubbed 2019 the year of the vegan. A growing segment of the population is reducing or eliminating their consumption of animal products.

Those in favour say that animals have feelings and should not be subjected to unnecessary suffering. They say that raising animals is inhumane, bad for the environment, and resource-intensive. In addition to these ethical concerns, some also adopt veg diets for religious or spiritual reasons.

Those opposed say that humans are naturally omnivorous, humans require meat to obtain vital nutrients, and meat dishes are central to many cultural cuisines. They say that animals are not moral agents in the same way that humans are, and so they are not subject to the same rights.

Some take the middle ground, arguing that reducing meat consumption is a more practical proposition than eliminating it. They endorse flexitarianism, reducitarianism, and campaigns like "Meatless Mondays" to persuade a wider audience to cut down on meat.

Are you vegetarian or vegan? Are you opposed to restricting animal products? Do you think about the environment or the conditions of humans workers when you purchase food? How should we consider these ethical questions?

Excerpt

Are you vegetarian or vegan? Are you opposed to restricting animal products? Do you think about the environment or the conditions of humans workers when you purchase food? How should we consider these ethical questions?

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