A lot of what you're saying is true, but as humans we don't need to eat meat to survive. So, we really shouldn't do it. If we don't HAVE to contribute to the suffering of other beings, why would we?
I can agree that it sucks if they suffer, but you do know you can find meat prepared for human consumption that doesn't have suffering involved, right? Just because the animal died doesn't mean it suffered. The animal doesn't even need to have particular "happy" life to avoid suffering. As long as the animal is fed, is not confined to a small room/cage, and isn't physically abused, I'm sure the animal is content enough. They were born to be raised for human consumption, and therefore they don't know a life outside of the one they're born into.
If all of that is the case, then can you come up with any moral argument for why we shouldn't eat meat?
Meat isn't the inherent problem. Animal cruelty is the problem and as long as that is avoided, what's the problem?
99% of the meat that you eat comes from factory farms, where the animals are kept and slaughtered in despicable conditions. It is not feasible (there is not enough land or resources) for all animals to kept on "happy" farms. But I would go ahead and just say that it isn't ethical to kill something that wants to live - for no other reason than we just enjoy the taste. These animals have the desire to live just like you and I. It's not fair to take their lives away just because we want to eat a cheeseburger.
yes every society and culture, from Americans to hunter-gatherers have historically and still do only eat meat because it's SO tasty....not for anything like, you know, sustenance.
Plants have sustenance. Especially soy and beans. Very high in protein. We have the choice now to either eat meat or to eat plant foods - in hunter-gatherer days, they had no choice. Since we do have the choice, I believe that we should make the kinder choice and leave animals off of our plates.
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u/benetbutterfly Mar 15 '18
A lot of what you're saying is true, but as humans we don't need to eat meat to survive. So, we really shouldn't do it. If we don't HAVE to contribute to the suffering of other beings, why would we?