To defend his first point Stephens points out that, “All beings with inherent value have equal inherent value, and a right to be treated respectfully. All moral agents have a duty to respect the rights of all such beings” (Stephens 29). The author says that because animals are beings we must treat them with respect, and not simply as a resource or a means to an end. Unfortunately, with the rise of factory farming we know that animals are not only being treated like items, but are being unnecessarily and harshly abused during their lifetimes. His final argument states that it can be proven that places where meat eating flourishes, a lower life expectancy also flourishes. Inversely, places where plant based diets are common, a long life is common as well. With these five arguments Stephens explains why he believes many people are morally obligated to switch to a vegetarian diet.
In our course, there are so many moral theories that could be used to defend a vegetarian diet. I will focus on two in particular, Utilitarianism and Kant’s moral theory. In The Elements of Moral Philosophy, Utilitarianism is explained. “The principle requires us, in all circumstances, to produce the most happiness and the least unhappiness we can” (Rachels 99). When our animals, environment, malnourished communities, and even our own health are all suffering do to the same cause a Utilitarian approach …show more content…
My family is by no means rich, but we are never lacking in the food department. In fact, my family has always tried to shop for the best animal products. We would purchase grass fed beef, chicken from a company called SmartChicken (which works to raise and slaughter chickens in a much healthier and extremely more humane way), we always buy organic milk, and try to find higher quality eggs. Basically, my family already tries to choose better options when it comes to animal products, even when it costs us a little more. In that case, choosing to not eat meat would not be difficult, and is probably less