I became a vegetarian around the age of 17 when I was watching the television program, Lassie. I had an epiphany, and although I had left the church and considered myself an agnostic at the time, I believe God was talking to me. This is how my thought process went:

“Lassie is so kind. Lassie is an animal who helps people and never hurts them. We do not eat dogs. Cows are kind. They don’t hurt people. But we eat cows. A lot of people are not kind. We never eat them. This does not make sense.”

I decided right away to become a vegetarian, ignorant of the fact that the egg and dairy industry hurt animals even more than the meat industry did because the animals are exploited all their lives and then killed. I made my choice for ethical reasons, because I didn’t think it was correct that animals should be killed.

Even when I was introduced to the fact that eggs and milk caused suffering to the animals, I had a hard time giving these things up–so I really can empathize with people who want to continue eating these products. I was in denial. I couldn’t even rationalize my choices. But fortunately a profound experience changed my views about a decade ago and I’ve been vegan ever since.

Veganism is about causing the least harm possible, and there are still things I do that cause harm like driving a car, using electricity and buying things that may have been made by slaves. I do my best to minimize my impact, but I am not perfect and do not expect others to be perfect. Yet when it comes to my eating habits, I do have self control for the most part and I love my plant-based diet. I want to be around others who share this value because it is one of the most important ones in my life.

Thanks to AI for this writing which explains more of what veganism is.

The official definition of veganism is: “Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to exclude—as far as is possible and practicable—all forms of exploitation of, and cruelty to, animals for food, clothing or any other purpose; and by extension, promotes the development and use of animal-free alternatives for the benefit of animals, humans and the environment.”

This definition is provided by The Vegan Society, a charity that was first registered in 1964.

The philosophy of veganism are rooted in several key principles:

1. Speciesism: The recognition that speciesism, a form of discrimination based on species, is morally equivalent to racism, sexism, and other forms of discrimination. This understanding informs the rejection of using animals as commodities or resources.
2. Sentience: The acknowledgment that animals, including non-human individuals, possess subjective experiences, emotions, and consciousness, which demands moral consideration and protection.
3. Non-harm: The principle of doing no harm to animals, as advocated by philosophers like Tom Regan, Peter Singer, and Richard Ryder, guides vegan ethics. This commitment to non-harm encompasses refraining from exploiting animals for food, clothing, entertainment, or research.
4. Biological altruism: The concept of biological altruism, discovered through zoological studies, suggests that many species, including humans, exhibit cooperative and selfless behaviors. This insight informs veganism’s emphasis on promoting the well-being of all living beings, including humans, animals, and the environment.
5. Holism: Veganism often incorporates a holistic perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living beings and the natural world. This understanding encourages a comprehensive approach to ethics, considering the impact of human actions on the environment, animals, and human societies.

In comparison to other ethical frameworks, veganism’s philosophical underpinnings differ in the following ways:

1. Absence of anthropocentrism: Veganism rejects anthropocentrism, which prioritizes human interests above those of other species. Instead, veganism acknowledges the intrinsic value of non-human individuals and promotes their welfare.
2. Stronger emphasis on animal protection: Veganism places a greater emphasis on protecting animals from exploitation and harm, whereas other ethical frameworks, such as utilitarianism or deontology, may prioritize human well-being or moral duties without explicitly addressing animal welfare.
3. Integration of environmental concerns: Veganism’s holistic perspective often incorporates environmental ethics, recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and ecological well-being. This integration is less prominent in other ethical frameworks.
4. More radical critique of speciesism: Veganism’s rejection of speciesism is more comprehensive and radical than other ethical frameworks, which may acknowledge speciesism as a problem but not necessarily reject it as a fundamental aspect of human society.

In summary, the philosophical underpinnings of veganism are characterized by a commitment to speciesism, sentience, non-harm, biological altruism, and holism. These principles distinguish veganism from other ethical frameworks by emphasizing animal protection, environmental concerns, and a radical critique of speciesism, while rejecting anthropocentrism and prioritizing the well-being of all living beings.Follow up

• How do the principles of veganism intersect with and challenge dominant Western perspectives on human exceptionalism?
• Can veganism’s emphasis on non-harm and sentience be reconciled with the need for medical research and testing on animals in certain circumstances?
• In what ways do veganism’s philosophical foundations influence its approach to environmentalism and sustainability, compared to other eco-ethical frameworks?