Ethical vegans oppose the exploitation of animals for human use, with their lives being viewed as being inherently valuable regardless of their utility for humans. Animals are conscious beings who feel pain and suffer, and consequently should not be abused, tortured or killed for our enjoyment or pleasure.
Ethical veganism can also be rooted in environmental concerns. The foundations of ethical veganism are in making choices rooted in compassion, and respect for all life and the processes of life.
Veganism is not merely some fad diet, or some obnoxious ideal touted by overprivileged youths, as some ill-informed commentators may have you believe, but is deeply rooted in ancient ideals of understanding and respect.
Read on to better understand the principles of ethical veganism.
Key Takeaways
Compassion and Non-Violence
Compassion is the main driving force behind ethical veganism.
It is maintained that all living beings have the inalienable right to exist and that any action that violates this right should be avoided as an ethical imperative. Whilst avoiding all forms of violence is a near impossibility, our actions should aim to minimize violence to other life forms as well as ourselves as much as possible.
Non-human animals are treated as having intrinsic value and are not used merely as a means to an end or as a commodity for human purposes.
The idea is to avoid the exploitation of animals as far as possible. This includes the consumption of animal-based foods such as meat, seafood, eggs, milk etc. as well as the avoidance of products tested on animals. It is also not merely limited to consumption but includes the avoidance of using non-edible products derived from animals for clothing, shelter, household use or any other function.
Environmental Responsibility
Ethical veganism is also firmly rooted in a holistic understanding of our place on this planet and accepts that our individual survival depends on the survival of the whole. The pervasive, often unconscious, worldview that pervades the modern world is one firmly rooted in the reductionist materialist paradigm, which sees the world as a series of unconnected phenomena, each of which can freely be used for any end.
Ethical veganism aims to recalibrate mankind back into its place as a connected part of the cycle of life that bears a responsibility to respect the planet and the life forces that sustain it. Animals are not viewed merely as a resource to be exploited but as having an inherent value in themselves.
Beyond Dietary Choices
Ethical vegans not only refuse to eat animal-derived products but also refuse their use for clothing, cosmetics, and household items. Leather, fur, wool, silk are avoided as are personal care items that include animal-derived products or are tested on animals. Forms of entertainment that utilise animals are avoided, such as rodeo, bullfighting, animal racing/ fights, etc.
Ethical veganism serves to highlight animal rights and environmental justice. Ethical veganism recognizes the harm done to the environment through modern agricultural practices, in terms of the degradation of entire landscapes and its corresponding biodiversity through desertification, loss of top soil, water source pollution, and the emission of greenhouse gases.
Away From Dogma and Towards Compassion.
Ethical veganism is not rigidly dogmatic and aims to guide individuals towards more compassionate choices and limit the damage we cause to our environment through the fulfilment of our needs and desires. The idea is to grow in awareness and work towards making choices rooted in compassion for all living beings, to the best of your abilities and capabilities in the present moment.
Ethical vegans may also feel compelled, out of compassion, to share the potential health benefits of a vegan diet to those suffering from issues such as high blood pressure, heart disease, colon issues and certain types of cancers that can be treated with a plant-based diet.
Clearing Misconceptions
Ethical veganism is largely about social justice and advocates for the rights of all sentient life, meaning its scope extends far beyond the plate. Its concern is much more about living in a fair and equitable world where every living being's right to life is valued as much as each other’s, than with expounding doctrines or laying blame.
Animal-based foods are deeply ingrained in many cultures, with many people believing omitting them from your diet will leave you with deficiencies in protein, omega fatty acids, iron, vitamin b12 and so on. However, with a little understanding and some planning it is easily possible to meet all your nutritional needs with a vegan diet.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Ethical Veganism is about much more than dietary choices. It’s better considered a philosophical viewpoint rooted in a basic belief in the inherent value of all life. Compassion is the driving force behind ethical vegan principles which manifests in more sustainable lifestyle choices, justice for animals and greater respect for the environment and world that sustains us.
Please like and share if you enjoyed!
0 comments