Meat

Belshaw, Christopher (2015). Meat. In: Bramble, Ben and Fischer, Bob eds. The Moral Complexities of Eating Meat. Oxford University Press, pp. 9–29.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199353903.003.0002

Abstract

Is meat eating permissible, from a moral point of view? This chapter argues that for almost all the animals we eat, death is not bad. And this is because these animals have no desire to go on living. Is it wrong to kill animals if, as in almost every case, this causes them some pain? It is important to consider the pain the animal will suffer if we don’t kill it. In many cases, and especially with wild animals, this will be considerable. Isn’t it also necessary to consider the pleasures the animal will enjoy? The chapter argues that where most animals are concerned, and in contrast to most humans, these pleasures, though real, are unable to compensate for pains. So much meat eating is permitted. Is it also required? This chapter argues that there may be reasons to eat meat, for the good of these animals.

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